Hello I have been away from the hobby for a few years, I just got the bug again, after several try’s in any rail this is what I came up . I have two questions this is going on a 4 x11 table in my garage, I have severe back problems and can’t stand for to long. I was thinking of making the height about 36 in to the top of the foam. I hope I can see the layout from a standard office chair. Is this to low ? Second I live in Phoenix and not been able to get 2in foam, I just went to my local Home Depot and the finally have 2 in foam, however it is called r-tech it is extruded it is a white foam but I do not know how good it would be to glue track or paint on. Has anyone used this product or know of anyone that has used it ? Thank you
On the foam you could use two 1" layers if you want 2 inches. Is ( THIS ) the foam. If you are planning on cutting relief features into it I'd wonder about the facing that appears to be on both sides (??). That might present a problem. I'd go with two 1" myself if you need the 2 inches and the facing looks like it might be a problem. On the height I'd look at what works best for the chair you will be using. Only problem I see is that if you do some of the work standing up then that is going to only make the back pain worst I'd think since you have to bend so far over. Do you see a way that you could lift the layout up and down. I have an idea or two but none that would be easy to build or possibly use. Sumner
At a layout width of 48", you will need to be able to work on the layout from both sides of you plan to sit in your chair as you work. So...If you want to sit and work on the layout, the height should be the same height as your naval is above the floor when you sit in your chair.
I agree with what has been said. The actual height from the floor is up to your requirements. Mine will not be as high as some call for. I don't like looking at it like I do the real thing. I want to see all of it. Have you tried a taller chair. I have combat injury to my hip with nerve damage. I like to be able to sit and watch. I have a chair normally found in work shops with my feet up on a rail about 8" off the floor and the table about 10" above a kitchen table. Can you get thick cork board? I'm thinking of using that. Richard
36" is standard kitchen countertop height, while ~30 inches is standard dining table height. You might consider taller chairs (bar stool height) for working, and lower chairs for watching and enjoying (lower viewing angle some prefer). Ditto on 48" deep must be accessible from both sides of the layout. The HD product information indicates the sheet is "EPS" which means Expanded Polystyrene, made of expanded beads of polystyrene foam, like styrofoam cups and packing pieces. It is not as strong or workable as Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), which is what the pink (HD) blue (Lowes) sheets are made of. Also that particular EPS is rather low density (and therefore lighter weight), which will make it even weaker. BTW, Woodland Scenic's risers/ramps are made of EPS. While EPS can work ok, I prefer the XPS sheets. Most of the foam insulation board you see used on model railroads is XPS.
I've found that the local lumber yard in our county with a population of only pop 15,000 is better for a lot of things than Home Depot/Lowe's in large cities. We have foam board in about all thicknesses. I did a search for "2 inch foam board phoenix az" ( HERE ) and came up with .... https://sunvalleysupply.com/product/OC672400 They might not be close to you but check old fashion lumber yards and maybe you will find 2" near you if you still want it. Sumner
my layout was built for exactly that reason bad back. it is 29.5 inches high. it works great for me from my rolling chair. some times ive got to stand to do a few things but for the most part i sit an roll. i cant get around to the back side of mine because its a big u shaped thing against three walls . but its two feet wide 3 at the ends and corners. im 5'11" and have a sorta comfy chair on wheel. ( i need a new comfy chair ). it works good for me. pic of my veiw sitting in my chair.......
