Open Grid Layouts

Hi Marty,

If you go to my website (link below), click on "Photos" in the menu on the left, then click on "Construction Photos added 05/29/00" you'll see several areas of the layout before and after hardshell and scenery.

Ours is sort of our own combo of L Girder and open grid type. We used 2 x 4's and it's not a true "L" girder, but the concept is the same.

Hi Marty,

My layout is a mix, I looked and while I have some bench work photos, they may not have waht you are looking for.  The back elevated mainline is done in a "cookie cutter" approch, with the lower areas and yards with a relativly flat area.  this is the link to that thread with phtos

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/2415514336631104

Also Here is a link to a great site featuring Bob Bartizek's great layout, and has a number of photos of the construction and the bench work.  You may find it useful.

http://www.pennwestrr.com/

Marty, that's what I've always done too, including my current layout I'm building.  For elevated main lines I just build up trestles to raise them on the solid plywood.

I had wanted to try an open grid design but figured I'd make changes as the building went along and have to continually tear out the track bed to reposition when I'd want to change the track plan, which is easier on flat plywood.

But in retrospect, I used 24 sheets of plywood for my layout.  Even if I cut out roadbed for an open grid design and made as many changes that I have, I'd probably would have still  used less plywood.

I believe I have another big layout I'll build in the years ahead, so I'll probably do an open grid then!

My website has construction photos.

Here are a couple before and after shots for you Marty

Thanks guys.

I'm taking it all in.  I am at a crossroads of reworking the layout at my dad's or trying to hold off until I have my own place.  Unfortunately the later seems to get pushed further and further out as my divorce gets uglier and uglier.

If money is the root of all evil, my ex is the tree.

Scrapiron-  I couldn't help but notice you are using oak 2X4s for your legs as well as fascia.  And a beautiful 5/4X12 oak piece for your shelf.  Heavy duty, that should look sweet.