New legs

[jonclox]

Ok a daft title for a thread but best I could come up with 
The plot so far...
Ever sinse I started this (my 1st) layout Ive had trouble getting suitable legs. in both length and stability.......Thats legs for the layout notme
How high is the 'deck' of your layout above the floor?
Mine at the momment is 30" and not high enough for me to work on easily.
I`m thinking of increasing the height to 36/8" on new more stable legs is that a sensible option.
The legs Im going to build are L shaped in section with a wider top 6" to bolt to existing framework (slightly similar in some ways to Brilliant Baseboards version).
I think I could even modify them fairly simply to have 'adustable height`  lower segments if needs be. Even the bassic legs I`m building have the usual adjustable feet.
Whatever I decide on in the end will be better than the screw on coffee table legs dating back from the 1970s and now wobbling back and forth on 6" blocks of 2x2 for extra height.
Ideas- hints- help greatfully recieved please

[lesmond]

I've given this one a lot of thought over the last while, (mainly for building workbenches), and reckon that 39" from floor to top is about right (for me) for a comfortable working height while standing (no nasty bent back), but also readily accessible while seated. My N gauge layout is designed to sit on a table, so doesn't count, however the proposed On30 layout will be 39" to the baseboard top; this will be "sea level" but the landscape will rise and fall around this height.

I've also a 16' x 3' bench at 42 inches floor to top, which is just a bit too high, so your 38" height sounds about right.

Can you connect the pairs of legs together with a diagonal, or could you build the legs in pairs to bolt on to the existing structure? The reason I ask is if you have two legs connected diagonally, they will be more stable than individual legs, unless you have each leg braced with a diagonal piece which also bolts to the existing frame.

The Brilliant Baseboards legs are excellent, and beautifully made, although I reckon I could make them for a bit less than £75 for a pair.

Hope this helps, and doesn't add to the confusion...

Les

[Lawrence]

This might be a bit of an old wives tale, but I have heard that for a home layout, the ideal height is at the users elbow.  Something to do with giving good reach to all areas (generally) and being at near eye level if you sit down 

[m1racleman]

Someone had to do it so it may as well be me !!
I just measured from my elbow to the floor and guess what???

It is exactly 39 inches so it sounds like everyone is right for a change.

[jonclox]

Thanks guys just the information I needed  .
Sea level will be between 38/9" bassed on the length of the ply Ive managed to get at a good price.
My work--(horilogical) --workbenches were always aproximatly  that height for comfort
P.S. when relaxed my ellbow is exactly 39" above ground level...yeah I just checked

[Lawrence]

Honestly you two are totally priceless  I never even considered actually measuring it.  Am going to have to do it now 

[jonclox]

I never even considered actually measuring it. 

yeah right ;Tho of course yours could be different because I read somewhere that Sotsmens arms are shorter so they cant reach into deep pockets or sporrens for 'cash' or other forms of money.I was even told (when a child) that their arms shrunk whenever they entered a pub ..........
none of that may be true of course but............................

[porkie]

on my old layout,
i used stair banister rails from homebase which raised the layout to waist height
At £4each it wasn't a bad deal as i need 8 of them

[jonclox]

Can you connect the pairs of legs together with a diagonal, or could you build the legs in pairs to bolt on to the existing structure? The reason I ask is if you have two legs connected diagonally, they will be more stable than individual legs, unless you have each leg braced with a diagonal piece which also bolts to the existing frame.

The Brilliant Baseboards legs are excellent, and beautifully made, although I reckon I could make them for a bit less than £75 for a pair.

Hope this helps, and doesn't add to the confusion...

Good points. Ive got aluminium diagonal braces on the existing legs and would be leaving them hanging loose in case diagonals are needed.
£75 was way above what I hoped to spend on this 'upgrade' and with the ply paid for, adjustable feet paid for and on order the rest is coming out of general around the house and garage 'stock' which I consider as free......as is my time doing the work (with sons help).
Total cost looks like being £34/5
You havnt added to any confusion youve cleared up some problems....thanks

[jonclox]

on my old layout,
i used stair banister rails from homebase which raised the layout to waist height
At £4each it wasn't a bad deal as i need 8 of them

DOH ! Why didnt I think of that :'(
Thanks porkie that will probably help someone in the future 

[lesmond]

I like that one about elbow height - mrs is still asleep so I've nipped in to work to get some more done; as there's a tape measure to hand and no-one else here so guess what I'm going to do...

Isn't it true that copper wire was invented by two Scotsmen fighting over a penny?

I'm glad to have been of some help, £34/5 ish is a good bit more like it. Always helps to have "stock" bits around the place for this kind of job, and not have to pay for someone else's time. Skips and their contents are a great help in jobs like these.

[longbridge]

I always make my layouts to sit 42 inches from the floor, I hind it nicer when sitting down watching trains run rather than looking down on them, to each their own though.

[poliss]

My tip, go to your local DIY store, buy 2"x2" (44x44mm) nominal planed softwood. Uually comes in lengths of 210cm or about 83". Get them to cut it in half if they offer a cutting service. Cost per length on B&Q today is £4.18. Brace your baseboard with 2"x1" softwood, or 44x20.5mm as they insist on calling it.
Choose carefully. Make sure it's straight and has few knots.

Brian Lambert has some great baseboard building tips on his website. http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Hints%20&%20Tips.htm#Baseboards
If you have a little woodworking skill use halving joints instead of the butt joints he shows.

[Lawrence]

That's the thanks you get for trying to help, cheeky bloomin mods 

[jonclox]

That's the thanks you get for trying to help, cheeky bloomin mods 

Aw  I wuz only joking.
The help from this thread has certainly 'sorted me out' and I  hope its of help to others in th future