Is this a layout that you will run primarily alone or with another person? I would think all that scooting around will take some space. I guess my concept of a railroad is more engaged as well - reaching in to uncouple, turn switches, and get into the scene. My slow motion tortious machines are in places I just can't reach. 

A confession about height, and standing, is that I am 6'-4" tall and have worked my whole life hunched over a drafting table, and later cad stations. Now, a government  bureaucrat who reviews others plans all day, I cannot bear sitting more than necessary. To each his own.

Neil 

My layout is 32 inches from the floor, for the same reasons you describe. Of course it's only 7 feet long, but that does not affect the issues here.

I find working on it to be easy. I built the bench elsewhere and assembled it here-it is on castors, and I can pull it out if necessary, (there is storage behind it which will eventually be topped with a background diorama). The stool has adjustable height and rolls around when I'm sitting on it. I stand to work on the back. I use a pillow when I need to work underneath--it puts the bottom at a comfortable reach.

The only downside is I am limited to a helicopter view unless I want to get on my knees.

pqe

Neil the to each his own really sums it up for the two of us as we are on different sides of the coin. I have spent most of my time on my feet and have the wear and tear one would expect from that type of activity. I can certainly appreciate the discomfort to put it mildly that you have had to endure dealing with conditions designed to fit folks much shorter in stature. It seems if one is wider than the norm or taller than the norm a whole new set of issues arises when one needs to work.

As you say so well this is the time to adjust all settings to what works best for the guy with the layout. We had a similar conversation at the club about work table height. I mentioned to some of the guys that I was planning to build the work tables taller than the norm for working on models. I read in a wood working publication about the different work heights for different purposes. Lower is great for power, a middle height is good for some assembly work or work that is not real detailed etc. and a high work space getting close to chest height is great for detailed work. Since most of our model work is more detailed than anything else I would think a bit of a higher work space is in order.

I did try some higher work heights and found it very helpful when doing fine work, particularly when it eliminates the hunched over posture.

There's a lot of research about workplace ergonomics, and the findings apply just as much if you are having fun. Here are some interesting links:

Sitting comfortably.

Standing comfortably.

Hand tools that won't cripple you.

pqe

That was the plan to make repairs....Great minds think alike. :-)    

I need storage space underneath the layout, so 2 of these Home Depot grey stackable bins on top of one another, then the stack gets a dolly. Easy storage system for me and my wife to access.

In your consideration of ergonomics for your layout, don't overlook the dimensions needed for clearing your head and shoulders.  That height pertains not only to the overhead above the aisles, but also the overhead above the layout itself.  From the isometric, it looks as if there could be a concern about working over a layout set for operating at chair height.

It would be worthwhile to build a test section and try laying track on it before finalizing a height decision.  A compromise to be considered for any layout height is extending the layout fascia edge further towards the center of the room and adding at least a short vertical backdrop at the back of the layout.  That would help with both the headroom and the scenic awkwardness of an inwardly slanted backdrop.

Don
 

Some good thoughts here on each side of the fence. I've seen modules that swivel so that working on the underside is easy so why not removable sections that allow a comfortable construction height? This could differ from the actual installed height on/in the location to run trains. Most if my towns were built on my patio, outdoors, and installed in the layout room.

O scale still has me figuring, though, as singer up building HO layouts. A similar town that takes over 12' for me might be less than two 4' sections (with room to spare!). While 6' sections seem an alternative it turns out getting them up stairs and around  penninsula walls is another matter - especially with a sloping ceiling. 

In retrospect it might be worthwhile making some sections with a removable connector so it can be swiveled to either side for access. 

Neil

Yes, the number of operators AND the height ofd those operators too is impotant. Humans take up more floor space sitting than standing. 

I'd like to take the seat off of that mechanic's seat, and bolt it to a furniture dolly.... THAT might work well for under the layout maintenance and repairs.

Let me toss in a sort of off-the-wall idea... literally. How much room would you get if you built the layout as a series of pennisulas projecting into the room, with only narrow connecting sections between them up against the wall or angled "ceiling?"