You guys have all come up with great ideas. My mind's whirring now! I really like the idea of a smaller footprint while storing. Since it's going to be covered and decorated (the wife is in charge of that), the bucket idea is great. I've been drawing all options out on paper and thanks to everyone here, this is going to be a piece of cake. More to follow when I decide and of course pics when I get something finished.
Both my father and grandfather were master carpenters in the motion picture industry. In fact, when my dad first started, his job was "propmaker, miniature." Obviously, I went in a different direction for a career! I bet they're both rolling over in their graves...

Thank you so much! ! was considering the foam, but the tree also has to go on the platform. I had no idea about the "ping pong" board.

Recently, I bought a White Christmas Express G scale set. I am new to this scale and have always had Z and N. Anyway, here's the problem:
The layout needs to be at least 4'3" across. A sheet of plywood is 4'. I want a very simple table (as it will never be seen) that will be appx. 4'6"x8' and 15" off the floor. What would be the easiest way to get the 4'6" width?