Can anyone tell me where I can get instructions/plans or descriptions on how to build Open Grid benchwork?
An internet site would be best.
Basically copy this:
http://www.sieversbenchwork.com/Specifications.html
I would use 3/4" plywood, and rip it into pieces 3½" wide by 4ft long for your pieces, and use #8 x 2½" sheet rock screws.
Open grid benchwork is relatively easy to construct, is light weight, and saves on materials – however, a big drawback to this type of construction is changing your layout in the future. If you ever decide that you want to move a track, open grid is more difficult to modify than a solid foundation. I joined a club 15 years ago that had used open grid construction on its first layout. When we decided to change the trackage in any way, rebuilding was so difficult that we eventually tore the whole thing out and started over with a solid foundation.
Then how do you do especially valleys with a solid top benchwork?
Make your solid top out of extruded foam and carve, and or use foam risers, so that your track is two to four inches above the table top.
See Woodland Scenics’ Sub-Terrain system, you can use parts of it, all of it or none of it, but it will give you the general idea.
My first layout I am building is 50/50 flat and grid type. The flat plywood area is the main yard and the grid work is the high mountains and canyons. I used WS inclines on the plywood to connect with the high grid work.
I am still adding on to the layout in the grid area but I don’t have any scenery or wiring yet so its a piece of cake.
You can make some of the grid sections lower than others then bridge them. I did this for a 2 foot section and then put an three arch bridge across it. Eventually I’ll finish it off as a stone bridge and river.
Enjoy
Paul