Well we have seen there are many options to make a base for a train layout.
For myself it was simple, What material was available? Plywood was very expensive and rare in Jamaica in 1977. I found out an expatriate we knew was the plant manager of a plant that made particle board from sugar cane pulp called bagasse board. I asked him where I could buy a couple of sheets and he said he would have two delivered to my house for no charge! Problem solved. The board was more than adequate at 3/4 inch thick. So even particle board will work as a base.
When I got back to the states and later in 1988, I wanted to expand and bought 1/2 CD plywood from Home Depot. It was noisier and I added tie size strips of truck inter tube under the tracks and under the switches which solved the problem.
Any of the ideas above will work but I do not think there is a need to spend a fortune on say multi layer plywood for a base that will not even be seen. Regular wood working practices will work well and should be plenty strong. It is worth effort to find a way to make the base system quiet especially if running several trains at greater than scale speeds!
Charlie
From Kingston, Jamaica
