My brother has put together an HO switching layout against two walls of his basement (with some of my assistance).  It is a short line, roughly based in rural southern Wisconsin, circa 1995, and has connections with CNW(UP), BN, and MR&T.  

The benchwork is made up of basic tables (most being 2' x 4').  While this isn't designed so that the layout is considered portable, they can be separated with limited damage when my brother and his wife move to another house.  Layout height is 47", and there are no elevation changes.

 

My brother stuck with reliable and inexpensive Atlas code 100 track, and #6 turnouts (except some #4 turnouts, where noted).  The layout is wired up for DCC, and we installed a Digitrax Zephyr, UP5 panel, and a UR91 panel. 

 

At this point, almost all of the track is laid and wired, and we are painting track.