BigE
Active Member
Eric - I would go with 3 1/8" spacing on curves, NMRA recommendation is 2 31/32" but I like to be sure. See this for reference:https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/.../pdf/rp-7.2_curved_track_centers_draft_02.pdf
I like plywood for benchwork surfaces, I do use luan for peninsula backdrops. Around here at least, luan is only available as thick as 1/4" which I consider too thin for my benchwork. I don't know what might be available in your area. With lots of bracing it may work. I also do not have humidity to deal with like some, so my plywood doesn't warp. I don't use MDF for many reasons, especially since I use track nails which are almost impossible to nail into MDF board. Folks who use caulk don't have that problem. MDF seems to be cheaper; I cannot comment on luan since they don't offer 1/2".
I assume your spacing is centerline to centerline - yes?