alternating stems

[filmtunes]

I have a figure of four repeated 16th notes and would like to write them in the following way :
first and third note stems upwards and beamed together,
second and fourth note stems downwards and beamed together.

Is there an easier way than to use two layers and hiding rests?

[Peter Thomsen]

Using two layers is definitely one of the easier solutions.

Also do this:
Document Options > Beams:
"Extend Beams Over Rests" & "Extend Secondary Beams Over Rests"

Instead of hiding the rests I suggest that you displace the rests by using the plug-in "Move Rests".
Displacing the rests 900 steps above the staff will probably place the rests above the top edge of the page.
In that way the rests won't print, even if they aren't actually "hidden".

If you don't want the beaming to extend over "outer" rests, break the beaming between the "outer" rest and the remaining part of the beam group.

Peter