Masonite I beams

@clem k posted:

Making a load for a flat car, thinking of using 1/8" Masonite. What glue would be best. I plan on making about three or four steel heavy duty beams about 15" long or sixty scale feet. You have photos of something you have done?

Thank you

Clem

TitebondIII ultimate wood glue.

DO NOT USE water-based (or water-soluble) glue like titebond (there are many others) unless you want the masonite to swell.

Using 1/8 Masonite is going to produce a real heavy looking beam. I haven't made beams for a flat carload but I make Steel beams for my elevated trolley line from Polystyrene and Evergreen Polystyrene strips.

Gene that's what I wanted really heavy looking, two to a flat car.

Clem K

Masonite will be perfect for I beams.  I love Masonite and have made several building using it and applying brick paper on the smooth side. I have used Elmer's Glue All for the buildings like my round house without issues and it is water based.

Below:  Round house and the four window building hiding outlet from track behind back ground and building front, all from Masonite, the first two using Elmer's Glue All.  Roofs were rough side up Masonite.  Little train station in left rear was made from Masonite by my Dad in 1948.

I had a dust problem cutting several hundred track ties for 027 track with a band saw.  Extra fine Masonite dust got all over the shop until I mounted two vacuum cleaner pickups, one  below and one above the saws table near the blade.

You may know they sell 1/8 inch Masonite with both sides smooth, which is better for some applications, like maybe beams.

Charlie

Thank you Charlie

Is masonite available smooth on both sides? The product I've seen is smooth on one side, and dimpled on the other. It can be sanded smooth, but wont be the same texture as the smooth side. Joint compound or wood filler on the coarse side may work though. I've used masonite for coal and ballast load bases, and have had no issues with water base Titebond.

Rail

Yes Masonite is made with both sides smooth.  You may have to call around to find it or special order it.

Charlie

@Choo Choo Charlie posted:

Rail

Yes Masonite is made with both sides smooth.  You may have to call around to find it or special order it.

Charlie

OK then, that solves that issue! Good to know; I've never seen it.