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I used 3/8" A/C ply on 1x4 select grade pine (#2 or better).  I hand picked my lumber from a local lumber yard (that is rail served!).   None of it is cupped, bowed or bent.  I tested it with a hygrometer.   Didnt buy anything that had more than 30% moisture content.  Construction did not commence until I had consitant readings below 10% for over a week. I did not start construction for several months.  I let the wood sit in my living room on a sheet of plastic (where the layout was being built).  I had a de-humidifier running the entire time.  I rotated which wood was on top.  I added weights as needed to keep it straight.  A hint here:  You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing longer lengths of lumber.  You just have to keep them on a level surface while they are drying and rotate them/weight them to keep them stable. Do not use Home Depot and Lowes if you can avoid it.  Most of their lumber is framing lumber and their select grade is overpriced (and mostly junk). Dont buy lumber that is stored outside.  Each section is a table with two legs (also 1x4).  There are 2x2 square pieces that where drilled; T-nuts and carriage bolts installed.   These were attached to the legs.  Each table is a Box made of 1x4s with 1x3 or 1x4 cross pieces.  Each section was bolted together for easy removal.   When bolted you could lean on the whole thing with no issues.  The layout was stable.  On top of the plywood I attached 2" Blue foam, and used Woodland Scenics foam risers and inclines. If I had to do it again, I would use splines made of MDF. MR has a book on benchwork.
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