Yes, it is a prop, but...

Yes, it is a prop, but...

We are lining up guests to do scenery clinics now, and some of them will involve that same scene.  That section of portable layout is about 14 feet long with a tunnel and bridge feature so it will present lots of opportunities.

Why such a tiny (in length not height)layout

in that big old room? I see opportunity wasting .... .DaveB

The room in the photo is a

The room in the photo is a hallway at a train show.  The room used for the video is actually a corner of the TrainMasters TV studio where many different segments can be shot and the benchwork turned out to be a handy portable prop.

While this section of layout is currently being used as a prop, the two 7' modules were originally built as "test beds" to try out different design concepts for a basement-sized layout.  

The first was the idea of having the track at or above eye-level, where the viewer is standing in the riverbed looking up at the trains.  This seems to work well, as adult visitors of many different heights can all enjoy train-watching, and there is plenty of room underneath for a second level.

Other issues that were considered were benchwork depth, wall supports, whether detailed backdrops would be needed at all, and how different scenic elements would work.  Ultimately I have decided that having the trains at 64"-72" on an upper level is quite comfortable for me (I'm 5'11") and most operators, if the scenery slopes up from the riverbank.  Some people find it challenging, but we're still in an era where many layouts are just above waist level.

For the video segments I actually cut a few inches off the legs to make the modules easier to work on.

the viewer is standing in the riverbed looking up at the trains

The main problem I'd have with very high benchwork is that I'd have to put some details on the bottom of my freight cars. that seems like a lot of work to me :> )    It's also kinda hard to work on a tall layout where one has to climb up on a ladder or step stool.  Ideally we could mount our benchwork on adjustable elevator wall mounts so they could move up or down at the touch of a button, then the height could be ideal for the moment( or maybe it would be easier to make the floor go up and down and leave the layout at rest?) ......DaveB

Not for everyone

In my case, there won't be a lot going on up there except for a couple of passing sidings, rear-end pushers and a few industries.  Most of the scenery is trees, rocks and waterways.  So the amount of time spent on step stool will be minimal, certainly after the scenery is done.  I plan on building a long bench-like riser for easy access during construction.

Seems to me a lot of RTR rolling stock has plenty of detail underneath nowadays... although over half of what I own right now is Roundhouse or Athearn blue box.

Certainly, benchwork this high isn't for everyone... which is why I lowered it for shooting clinics.