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I hope I'm not repeating myself here (losing track of which forum I'm on these days.) The initial stage of my new layout (N Scale) is a 30"deep by 7 1/2' long module constructed of 1" foam with no plywood underneath. The foam rests on 1x2s on the flat at about 2' on center. Since it is a mountainous section, the foam mountains bonded to the foam base make for an extremely rigid structure. Picture the fragility of the thin foam used in plastic cups but the rigidity and strength of that cup in its molded form and standing upside-down on a table. In fact, the foam is not attached to the wood framing and while moving it, I put the layout minus the wood framing supported only at the ends and it was remarkably strong. It would break in two if I put too much weight in the center of course, but it demonstrated to me that for my use, 2" foam over 1/2" plywood makes little sense. We are not using it for a dance floor and I do not plan on walking on it. My suggestion is to experiment. Look at the stresses being put on your layout and determine the minimum materials needed to resist them. It makes little sense to overbuild unless your materials are plentiful and free. I had a supply of free 1" pink foam and some 1x2's. Though it proved to be more than sufficient, my plan was to add another layer to the bottom if needed. My first module, almost fully sceniced weighs no more than 14 lbs, with half being the wood framing. Wayne
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