Birch or Masonite ?

[Train Fan]

Will be building a Benroy style teardrop in the near future. Have been looking at birch plywood but can only find 1/4 " but not 1/8 " . Was wondering if the 1/4 " will it be able to bend enough for using as the top or can I get by using 1/8 " masonite backerboard because I will finishing off with an aluminum skin .

[DMcCam]

You might need to go to a professional lumberyard to get the 1/8" birch that's were we were able to find it. The best size/price was for 5'x5' sheets.

1/4" birch is doable for the exterior but will take more than twice the elbow grease. You might even use hot water or steam to pre-bend it clamping it in place while it dries then attaching it permanently.

Masonite is less structural and heavier inch for inch. It also doesn't handle any water whatsoever so you'll need to really seal it. Well, actually you'll have to really seal anything you use that's porous including the plywood.

Just my 2-cents.

Best,

Dave

[Danny]

You can bend 1/4 inch ply many of us have. Masonite should work just fine if you intend to cover with metal.Be sure and use plenty of water proof goo,.As I recall, some of the old vintage tears used masonite. Don't have any photos but, they exist. Danny