Reply to "the question of plywood for layout"

The one thing I've noticed over the years is bragging rights come into play . Ya know, "The ol' mine's bigger than yours" thing?

The layout construction of which you mention is used mostly on lighter scales other than O-Gauge. These being HO, N & Z. Most O-Gauge layouts use at 1/2" plywood base covered with 1/2" soundboard or 1/2" Homosote. To this some add a foam base, also. Onto the base construction is done as with other scales.

You will see some layouts that are built to with stand an 11.0 earthquake . In these cases the lack of basic building construction knowledge becomes very apparent . If everyone would take the time to read & study basic layout construction manuals the downfall of others can be overcome.