10-10-2022, 08:43 AM
When applying ballast, I use a paper cup to dump the material onto the track, both between the rails and also on the outer edges, then use a soft-bristle brush, about 3/4" wide, and held almost parallel to the track, to drag the excess ballast further down the track. In some instances, this might need to be repeated more than once.
To remove excess ballast from the top of the ties, grasp the ferrule of the brush lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then lay the brush handle across both rails, then move it along the track, tapping the brush handle rapidly. This will usually cause the excess ballast atop the ties to bounce into the space between each tie.
To affix the groomed ballast in place, add a few drops of dish detergent into a sprayer filled water (if your water is overly hard, use distilled water, which is available in most grocery stores in gallon jugs. (A cheaper alternative is to use water collected in the bucket of your dehumidifier - (be sure to clean the bucket thoroughly before turning the dehumidifier back on).
Don't be too stingy with the water...I usually spray upward first, so as to not allow the spray to move the ballast. Once it has been dampened, you can spray the ballast more directly.
To affix the ballast in-place, I use ordinary LePages white glue, mixed about 50/50 with water....
Depending on how deep the ballast is spread, it may take quite some time for the glue to set (I had some alongside the track that was almost an inch deep, and it took almost a week to fully harden.) For track on roadbed or directly atop the layout's surface, the ballast should be firmly in-place by the following day. Once the glue has set and is completely dry, do make sure to clean the tops of the rails, as any glue on them will interfere with electrical contact.
Wayne
To remove excess ballast from the top of the ties, grasp the ferrule of the brush lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then lay the brush handle across both rails, then move it along the track, tapping the brush handle rapidly. This will usually cause the excess ballast atop the ties to bounce into the space between each tie.
To affix the groomed ballast in place, add a few drops of dish detergent into a sprayer filled water (if your water is overly hard, use distilled water, which is available in most grocery stores in gallon jugs. (A cheaper alternative is to use water collected in the bucket of your dehumidifier - (be sure to clean the bucket thoroughly before turning the dehumidifier back on).
Don't be too stingy with the water...I usually spray upward first, so as to not allow the spray to move the ballast. Once it has been dampened, you can spray the ballast more directly.
To affix the ballast in-place, I use ordinary LePages white glue, mixed about 50/50 with water....
Depending on how deep the ballast is spread, it may take quite some time for the glue to set (I had some alongside the track that was almost an inch deep, and it took almost a week to fully harden.) For track on roadbed or directly atop the layout's surface, the ballast should be firmly in-place by the following day. Once the glue has set and is completely dry, do make sure to clean the tops of the rails, as any glue on them will interfere with electrical contact.
Wayne