Winter hill layout from mr 2013

Good day

A follow modeler suggested to look at this quarry layout as great beginning layout. I have a couple of questions.

1st i want to minimize amount of bench work so i was thinking basic shelf with a attachable road.

2nd using foam and woodland scenic raiser for the elevation changes and for the road.

Lastly miminize track work i think this would a great starting point.

http://mrr.trains.com/how-to/build-model-railroad/2012/11/build-a-quarry-branch

Here is track plan.