Two levels on open benchwork using joists and risers

Here's a video I did that use open benchwork with two levels of track:

grid is too heavy for multi-level

Open grid is a bad idea for upper levels on a multi-level plan.  You want to go with something lightweight and thin.  What I recommend is building lightweight sections for both levels, and building a heavier frame benchwork to support the lower level directly, and build a thin vertical wall to mount behind the benchwork to act as a wall to support the upper level like a shelf.  The backdrop will cover the lower wall, and if you build it high enough, the wall can support the upper level backdrop as well.

The sections we build for our club layout are 3/8 plywood with 2x2 cross bearers and a vertical stiffener out of plywood at the front attached to the bottom of the 3/8 sheet.  We support the upper levels with pressed steel shelving brackets. We make our shelves continuous, but they could just as easily be made into sections joined together.

Not my experience

"Open grid is a bad idea for upper levels on a multi-level plan."

I had no problem using open grid with two levels.  As long as the basic benchwork is well built you can go multi-level.  I dare say I could have gone to 3 or 4 levels if I wanted and it would have been plenty strong.

not the same thing

Rick, what you call two level is actually single level, since there is only one piece of benchwork.  I'm pretty sure the poster was asking about two separate decks.  Perhaps I'm mistaken, though...

A couple of different thoughts

First being "my first ever layout".  This is an awfully big project for you 1st time out IMHO. 

Second is 31" to 35" is getting deep, especially on a multi level layout.  Considerations of depth and the dynamics it has are examples of why I say this might be a big bite for your 1st chew

Steve

Rodger that!

Jurgen,

I misunderstood what he was asking.  Thanks for setting the record straight.

Bad Idea?

I'm not sure about this either.  My current layout - maybe about a third with two decks - uses a 1X3 grid for all benchwork, and my last one - which was almost entirely two decks - did as well.  I've also used a grid from 1X2s.  Of course different layout designs may work better with a different approach to benchwork, but open grid can work just fine if the layout is designed to accommodate it.

One concern here is the OP going multi-deck for a first layout.  The planned 31"35" depth seems potentially problematic in terms of access too.  Depending on skill and prior construction experience both aspects could lead to frustration quickly, but I wish him luck.

Please Reconsider

I agree wholeheartedly with Steve. Multi-level brings with it many engineering challenges not faced by single level construction. I know, I am building one. Mistakes can be very costly both financially and enjoyment-wise. Highly suggest you reconsider using single level. And take it to the bank, 31"-35" is too deep for practicality reasons. It will work on paper but quickly become a PIA once built.

sorry for not been so

sorry for not been so clear....

The plan of going multilevel is just an idea really..I just wanted to know some ideas on how that can be done...

My actual plans just have a section with a terminal on top and below that a hidden loop (my plan is essentially an oval with a U shape) and i think i can handle that with risers as rick says. The rest of the plan is almost on one level. So i will take for word of experience on this and for the moment forget the multilevel...thanks.

I've analyzed how deep the plan is 31" left side 35" right side of the U. I know it's beyond the recommended but that is one of the think i want to experience/experiment myself. I'm 6'5" tall and the benchwork will not be too high so my long arms can reach. If after laying track temporally I see it will be too far back, the plan will change.

anyway this is a long term plan and it will change as i gain experience, all this planning is just part of the learning process

the question still stand but i will redesign it ...how can I place a terminal yard on top and a hidden loop below on open grid using plywood as base?

can i use for example a plywood base for a part of the benchwork and risers on another part of the benchwork? so i can place the terminal using risers?

I did that on my last

I did that on my last layout.  I used L-guirder on the lower level and box on the top.  I used metal brackets and 1x2 and 1x4 and it all worked really well.  My decks were about 24" deep.  I did have a largish gap between decks.

lots of ways

I think it would be interesting to compare notes on how those of us who use multi-level construction go about it.  I have a feeling that there are pros and cons to each of our techniques.  Maybe I will do a drawing of how I build my upper levels so that it might be easier to visualize.

Levels

Hylik, the depth/width of your planned railway is likely overly optimistic. The weight of the upper level is going to be a major concern unless you plan to support the upper level with some kind of vertical support at the front of the layout. I suspect that if you did this you would soon find that you wouldn't like that idea.

My layout is on two levels and my bottom level is 24" wide with most being 20". The upper level varies in width from 8" to 16". You are going to need a vertical support at the back of the layout that will have to extend to the height of the backdrop for the upper level. Even then it would be wise to plan the vertical supports so that they could be screwed into a stud in the wall. The front of the bottom level can be supported by legs. To support the top level you are going to have to decide on a horizontal method of support. This can be done in several ways with either wood or commercial shelving brackets and wood.

Unfortunately, Chris' picture didn't show here so I'm not sure what he suggested.

Working reach

Hate to keep sounding like a broken record on this but your reach and your working reach are two entirely different things. Sure you might can reach, but can you work comfortably?  Just another factor to consider.

Michael

noah thanks for the advice, i

noah thanks for the advice, i really do appreciate it but i cant answer if i can work comfortably because i havent work before on a model train...after i build the benchwork i can answer that question.

if not then i'm willing to reduce the plan to 28" or 24" even if that mean i have to let go most of the things i want