I’m building my first layout based on Atlas Great Eastern line 9x18 feet. What type of wood and plywood should I use, It will be modular for If I have to move it in the future or should I buy a bench work system ie Mr. Benchwork or Mianne bench work? I do plan to put a Millhouse River Studio roundhouse turntable on the layout if that helps.
What skills do you have? What tools do you have?
Stay away from dimensional lumber, IMO. If you have a local source for birch shop plywood (usually 4x8), and/or baltic/artic birch multi-layer plywood (5x5) these would be much more stable and easier to work with. This is how I built my bench work and you can save a good deal of money. Check out OGR forum sponsor Model Railroad Benchwork website. If you don't have the tools he has the parts already cut and drilled as kits. With shipping these days you may want to consider who is closest to you. Mianne is in Mass., Model Railroad is in the Chicago area.
Here's a shot of part of my bench made in the Model Railroad Benchwork style, I even made the legs from laminated plywood strips. I rip the plywood down to 1x3 1/2" and everything is joined with pocket screws. No glue or adhesives needed. It easily holds my 210 lbs if I climb up on top of it.
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