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L-girder is a type of open benchwork construction that gives a bit more flexibility than the traditional open grid work type. Basically, it consists of a 1x3 or 1x4 mounted vertically, with a 1x2 secured to one narrow side of the 1x4 horizontally, making an L-shape. Two L-girders are usually spaced anywhere from 2 - 4' apart, and have legs somewhere near each end (6 - 8' apart, as mentioned above), making a very stable and strong base for the rest of the benchwork. The spacing depends, of course, on how big you want that base to be. Once the L-girder frame is in place, you use 1x2s mounted on the narrow edge perpendicular to the L-girders as the support for the risers that actually hold the sub-roadbed, scenery base, etc. Again, spacing of the supports depends on the type of sub-roadbed you're using, but 18" - 2' apart is common. Kalmbach has a great book called something like "Model Railroad Benchwork Made Easy" (can't find my copy right now, so I'm not sure of the exact title [:)]) that goes into great detail on the various types of benchwork systems, and gives step-by-step instructions on building them. Worth the money!
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