I realize that this video is a couple years old but i'm going to be using it for advice when I attempt my first track ballast and weathering here in a few weeks. I'm still in the process of gathering supplies. Interestingly my little test/build is going to be on a T-Trak module kit that I ordered from Midwest Model Railroad, your sponsor!
You kept saying, "IPA" and making me thirsty! All joking aside, I know some people hate it, but I love ballasting. Always have. I consider it part of the scenery.
Hi Ron, thanks again for another great video. Here’s a tip when it comes to clearing the ballast from the track and ties before using the alcohol. Use the other end of your ballast brush, and gently tap the rails. This helps reduce the amount of ballast sitting on the ties, and fills in those pockets that get missed when using the brush to spread ballast. Hope you found this helpful. An old trick but a good one! Keep the videos coming, I’m picking up lots of great tips.
Ron, thanks for this video, I just started the ballast process and realize how careful one should be, especially with N gauge ; your tips are very helpful.
Ron, Nicely done. I take my points and and flexi track outside and give everything a quick spray with Tamiya Red Brown. As each peace of track is painted I clean the rail head straight away. I then weather the rail at a later date before ballasting. If I'm not going to use the track for awhile I put it back in the packets. for storage.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Being someone who is interested in starting MRR as a purely amateur hobby and currently investigating processes, you’ve given me not only great direction here you answered my big question on different things, “the why”. Thanks from a new subscriber.
Welcome to the channel. I am so glad you have found it helpful. If you have specifics you have questions about, let me know. They may be good video topics.
Hi Ron. I start out about the same way you do, but I use a rattle can of Rustoleum Camouflage Earth Brown. I wipe off the rail heads with a paper towel and then go over it with a bright boy without waiting, while it is still wet.
I’ve had success using water soluble clear glue (like Elmers) and mix a lot of IPA to the point it flows easily through an applicator. The IPA carries the glue throughout the ballast.
Super job Ron. I have done a technique that weathers certain tracks in a large yard differently. Colors and sometimes ballast are changed in spots or for a length. The reason I surmise is due to minor derailment repairs and that some tracks may always hold certain cars. These cars may leak contents of a certain color. Therefore one track alone may have a yellowish center from grain spillage. That same track may go green from the grain sprouting. It pays to photograph tracks when safely possible. Again location in the country may haul different commodities so see what’s going on in the area you are modeling. Great job on your paint and ballast video.
Hi, MIchael. I have seen that. Google Earth photos are a great reference for this. I am thinking of doing something more like what you describe in my Wichita Falls yard on the upper deck.
Thanks, Mike. I look forward to getting the whole yard done. I have a couple other projects for North Yard that will be the subject of videos soon as well.
Thanks Ron, a lot of great tips in this one video. This video also pushes me one step closer to investing in an airbrush - seems like an endless number of uses for the hobby. Take care...Anthony
Hi, Anthony. I modeled without an airbrush for years, but once I bought one I don't know how I ever lived without it. Now I have 2 and am about to invest in a 3rd.
Great work Ron. That must have taken you days to complete. Well worth the effort though. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas, knowledge, and skill for us to enjoy.
I am new to your channel an enjoy what I've seen so far. I would love to see a list of products used , paint colors, ballast, glue, etc. pertinent to each video. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Awesome tutorial and really learned a lot about painting, ballasting and weathering track. The airbrush is definitely the go to for painting track. I like your ballasting method for your railyard and I'm going to do mine the same way. And w how you painted spots over the ties I was thinking of randomly putting those tufts near or between the rails. Thanks again for sharing your videos and I'm viewing them from Delmar, Delaware.
Ron, very helpful step-by-step. A lot of steps -- wow -- but it sure produces great, realistic results. Thanks, Ron, I'll be reviewing this video more than once to get the sequence down correctly. - Dean from cold Minnesota
Great tutorial Ron!! I have used both Woodland Scenic and Arizona Rock and Mineral and prefer the Arizona Rock. Looks better and don't have to worry about floaring rocks. I like your method of application and the colors you used are spot on. Thanks for sharing Muse
Hi, David. I am transitioning to all AZ rock, but I had a fair amount of the WS ballast left from my last layout and I'm too cheap to just throw it out.
I like that you use alcohol for a surfactant. I have up.on AS ballast in favor of real at one ballast. Won't mention vendors. Real rock stars where you put it. Good job on painting the track.
I am switching to real rock by AZ Rock, but I have some WS ballast left from my last layout that I need to use up because I am too cheap to throw it out.
Ron...great tutorial as usual. If one does not like walnut ballast, real rock ballast in HO and N scales is available from Arizona Rock and Mineral directly, on ebay or other internet sources or from your local hobby retailer...Harold
Hi, Harold. Yes, thank you for mentioning this. I am transitioning to AZ Rock ballast after my WS ballast is gone. I think I will use up my supply on North Yard. I like the way it looks when it is done, but I am hoping the real rock will be easier to work with.
I hand painted over 93' of Peco code 83 super flex. And I'm not done yet. Looks like I need an airbrush to do the ties. I've watched other vids on this topic and some of them were painting the individual ties by hand! I'll be dead before they're finished! LOL I didn't catch what airbrush you use or recommend. Subbed and watched almost all of your vids. YOU ARE THE GO-TO GUY FOR MRR STUFF! Cheers, Bob
I use pretty much the same technique. I am ballasting a section of my layout now. The next section I will layout where my track will be and put a gray wash on the road bed first. One thing I do is glue the area where the turnouts go before I fix them to the layout. That the roadbed is already shared and the ballast is under the turnout. I don't risk gluing it closed. Not that I have ever done that. Lol 😂
I have to admit, I was skeptical about how your selective rail painting would turn out. I think it was due to the contrast of the lighter ties with the very dark ground. Once the ballast was added, I was sold though. if I remember, this is something I'll try to do on my layout.
Nice video Ron! A lot of what you show translates to HO scale. Hey I just saw the new whats neat this week video and Lionel strange was wearing your shirt! Awesome!
Thank you Ron. Very informative video. I will have a lot of track to do this to in a short time. Thanks again for all the great videos you produce. Papadan
Another option (so many). Using an old electric toothbrush on the back and running it gently over the ties. The vibration removes the ballast off the ties, thenspray the rubbing alcohol first after apply the mixture glue/water solution.
When you started the video I was taken aback. I would have sworn you were on my inlaws' porch in Kansas City. I was like, "What is Ron doing on their deck?!?"
I use Micro Engineering weathered track so can focus on weathering ties. I stopped using Woodland Scenics ballast because of the problems with it floating and now use other brands which don't have that problem.
Interesting video Ron I know some folks hate ballasting but I really enjoy it I find it brings the track to life and trains look so much more realistic. I tend to ballast last as that is the last job in the real world. Do you use Peco track and point work?. I am tempted to make a video diary of my train room and railroad build any tips?.
Nice job Rob I was just in Missouri in October and my brother-in-law did tell me there’s an abundance of walnuts there I am highly allergic to them ..I wouldn’t doubt it if you know my brother-in-law they live in Carthage
Thanks Ron. Very helpful video 😁. Also, could you show (or just reply to this comment) how you do it without an airbrush. Has anyone used woodland scenics paint pen?
I meant to mention in the video, if I had no airbrush I would to the first layer of paint with Rustoleum Camoflage Brown out of a rattle can. The final weathering between the rails (black) and outside the rails (rust) I would do with pastels or weathering powders.
Love all our videos! Always great tips and techniques. But, I do have a question: At 16:26 it looks like very little of the black ballast is visible between the adjacent tracks. Would it be better to mix black and gray in varying amounts (in the case of your trackage) to simulate the black showing through the newer gray ballast? If not, is it really necessary to use the black? (Just wondering if it's an added step that isn't gaining anything in this situation).
I wouldn't mix them as they would look mixed, not like layers. Enough shows through to get the effect, and if I wasn't using the black I would be doing the same with gray, so there is no added step, just a different color.
I know this is a bit of an older video, but do you now have different ideas on painting/cleaning track with reference to the "New" cleaning method of no bright boy, using mineral spirits and No-ox-id?
Ron, the first airbrush painting of the rails is done with Model Master railroad tie brown. Is that acrylic or enamel? If acrylic will it adhere to the bare metal rail and unprimed ties as well as enamel? Thanks
on your weathering track video you talk about combinations of four colors that when mixed you paint individual ties. what are those combinations? How much of each color did you use. I have the paint and I am ready to go. Thanks.
I don't have any set formula. I put a bit of each color in separate spots on a mixing palette, the mix a little of this and that until I like it, always using a reference photo for comparison. No 2 ties look exactly alike, so an exact color match is unnecessary.
Hi Ron, just starting to watch your videos. I'm planning on starting my HO layout in the near future so I find these videos quite useful. One question on ballasting, I've seen other videos where they use a "ballast spreader car" that you push along the rails as it deposits an even layer of ballast. Any thoughts on that approach ? Thanks.
Hey Ron! What’s your opinion on weathering track before laying it down. I took 6 pieces of peco code 55 and washed them with alcohol. I then sprayed them with model masters rail brown. Then did the different grays on the ties and then added rust to the rails. I’m very happy on how they came out and now to install. Just wondering what you think? Thanks Ron!
Great video. Question on the paint for the airbrush: what's the base of those paints? You didn't mention having to use a respirator or having a well ventilated area, so I'm only guessing on the type of paint. I ask because I want to invest in an airbrush at some point but most of the stronger paint fumes give me wicked bad headaches even when taking precautions. Thanks!
All of the paints I used in this video are acrylics, and it is always a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area when using any kind of a spray paint.
Hi Ron, great video. If you were going to use Matte Medium to glue the ballest; what would you recommend the ratio of matte medium to water be? And would you add anything else to that mixture? Thank you, God Bless you and your family.
I used oily black, an old Polly Scale color, but it is also available from other sellers. Vallejo has an oily black paint. That would be my personal choice.
I haven't model railroaded since I was a kid I want to start again with n scale. One problem I always had was the current dropping off in different parts of the track trains slowing down and gaining speedy in. How do you maintain the same amount of current all through the track
Use a bus wire--a larger gauge wire (12 or 14 AWG) that runs from your power pack or DCC system across your layout with feeder wires running from that bus wire to the track every few feet. The wire has less resistance than the track, so it helps reduce voltage drop and increase electrical reliability.
Wow this cool hey would this work on O gauge or it wouldn't? Also since I'm a beginner in model railroad, do u know how to make a spiral mountain? I'm just wondering
Ron's Trains N Things I think that's what it is, I'm trying to make the Polar Express Spiral mountain and I'm using O guage I'm having trouble starting it if u seen the spiral mountain in the Polar Express film that's the one when I meant Spiral mountain. I'm trying to make it but I'm having trouble, do u know how to do a spiral mountain?
I am new to this hobby. I am interested in doing a mine. I am looking for the train that took the miners to the job site in the mine. Does anyone even make such a thing? Thanks ahead of time.
Not really. I use a #11 hobby knife blade and slip it into the connective plastic from both sides, but be careful not to prune the rail up off the surrounding ties.
Couldn't agree more....ballast all over the place and especially on top of ties ruins the whole layout! O scale 2 rail with WS coarse gray blend ballast for me! Awesome details Ron!
I am wondering why you are using 70% IPA and not 99% which has less water in it. Is there a particular reason for this choice or is it just that in the USA 99% isn't readily available?
Excellent video! I do miniature wargaming, and a lot of your techniques are transferable. How much time did it take to ballast and weather the section of the yard in this video?
The most time was spent picking ballast out of the web of the rails and painting individual ties for weathering. That said, all to gether this took 8-10 hours.
If trackwork is a subject of interest to you, watch this next: ua-cam.com/video/Nu9qlIckU7Q/v-deo.html
I realize that this video is a couple years old but i'm going to be using it for advice when I attempt my first track ballast and weathering here in a few weeks. I'm still in the process of gathering supplies. Interestingly my little test/build is going to be on a T-Trak module kit that I ordered from Midwest Model Railroad, your sponsor!
You kept saying, "IPA" and making me thirsty! All joking aside, I know some people hate it, but I love ballasting. Always have. I consider it part of the scenery.
The final effect you got looks better than a lot of HO track weathering/ballasting tutorials I've seen on youtube.
Hi Ron, thanks again for another great video. Here’s a tip when it comes to clearing the ballast from the track and ties before using the alcohol. Use the other end of your ballast brush, and gently tap the rails. This helps reduce the amount of ballast sitting on the ties, and fills in those pockets that get missed when using the brush to spread ballast. Hope you found this helpful. An old trick but a good one! Keep the videos coming, I’m picking up lots of great tips.
Ron - By far, the most comprehensive, detailed ballast and weathering video I've ever seen. Nice job!
Ron, thanks for this video, I just started the ballast process and realize how careful one should be, especially with N gauge ; your tips are very helpful.
Ron, Nicely done. I take my points and and flexi track outside and give everything a quick spray with Tamiya Red Brown. As each peace of track is painted I clean the rail head straight away. I then weather the rail at a later date before ballasting. If I'm not going to use the track for awhile I put it back in the packets. for storage.Cheers, Chris Perry.
This tutorial is phenomenal! I love the high-resolution close-up shots.
Being someone who is interested in starting MRR as a purely amateur hobby and currently investigating processes, you’ve given me not only great direction here you answered my big question on different things, “the why”. Thanks from a new subscriber.
Welcome to the channel. I am so glad you have found it helpful. If you have specifics you have questions about, let me know. They may be good video topics.
Hi Ron. I start out about the same way you do, but I use a rattle can of Rustoleum Camouflage Earth Brown. I wipe off the rail heads with a paper towel and then go over it with a bright boy without waiting, while it is still wet.
I’ve had success using water soluble clear glue (like Elmers) and mix a lot of IPA to the point it flows easily through an applicator. The IPA carries the glue throughout the ballast.
Super job Ron. I have done a technique that weathers certain tracks in a large yard differently. Colors and sometimes ballast are changed in spots or for a length. The reason I surmise is due to minor derailment repairs and that some tracks may always hold certain cars. These cars may leak contents of a certain color. Therefore one track alone may have a yellowish center from grain spillage. That same track may go green from the grain sprouting. It pays to photograph tracks when safely possible. Again location in the country may haul different commodities so see what’s going on in the area you are modeling. Great job on your paint and ballast video.
Hi, MIchael. I have seen that. Google Earth photos are a great reference for this. I am thinking of doing something more like what you describe in my Wichita Falls yard on the upper deck.
I love ballasting it is one of my favorite parts to a layout and I love this tutorial you help a lot thanks 😊
The yard looks great and some really good explanations of a tedious process. Thanks for sharing Ron.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. I look forward to getting the whole yard done. I have a couple other projects for North Yard that will be the subject of videos soon as well.
@@RonsTrainsNThings Cool , Thanks Ron. Mike
Great video , it has also helped me decide that the purchase of an air brush would be a good idea at this point.👍
Looks really good Ron! North yard is really looking awesome!
Thanks brother.
Ojw that yard joke.... I LOVE THIS DUDEEEE
Thanks Ron, a lot of great tips in this one video. This video also pushes me one step closer to investing in an airbrush - seems like an endless number of uses for the hobby. Take care...Anthony
Hi, Anthony. I modeled without an airbrush for years, but once I bought one I don't know how I ever lived without it. Now I have 2 and am about to invest in a 3rd.
Nice work there Ron! And now I can say my yard looks as good as yours!,, backyard, that is.
Lol!
Lot's of good technics that I will employ on my layout! Thanks Ron. Mike
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.
Great video! Enjoyed how it turned out and had fun watching.
Thanks.
Great work Ron. That must have taken you days to complete. Well worth the effort though. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas, knowledge, and skill for us to enjoy.
I worked on it evenings for about a week so far.
"No birds were harmed in the making of this video". keep up the great work.
LOL, true.
I am new to your channel an enjoy what I've seen so far. I would love to see a list of products used , paint colors, ballast, glue, etc. pertinent to each video. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Thanks Ron, you as always do a great job at explaining each step, the spills and grass make a nice touch....thanks for sharing....Jack 😄
Some people don't like to dirty up their yard with spillage, but real yards have lots of it, so I like the realism it adds.
As always another awesome video, and again very timely
Thanks.
Awesome tutorial and really learned a lot about painting, ballasting and weathering track. The airbrush is definitely the go to for painting track. I like your ballasting method for your railyard and I'm going to do mine the same way. And w how you painted spots over the ties I was thinking of randomly putting those tufts near or between the rails. Thanks again for sharing your videos and I'm viewing them from Delmar, Delaware.
Thanks for your comment. I don't love ballasting, but weathering the track and treating it as a model makes it more enjoyable.
Ron, very helpful step-by-step. A lot of steps -- wow -- but it sure produces great, realistic results. Thanks, Ron, I'll be reviewing this video more than once to get the sequence down correctly. - Dean from cold Minnesota
Hi, Dean. I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck as you do you own.
Great tutorial Ron!! I have used both Woodland Scenic and Arizona Rock and Mineral and prefer the Arizona Rock. Looks better and don't have to worry about floaring rocks. I like your method of application and the colors you used are spot on. Thanks for sharing
Muse
Hi, David. I am transitioning to all AZ rock, but I had a fair amount of the WS ballast left from my last layout and I'm too cheap to just throw it out.
I like that you use alcohol for a surfactant. I have up.on AS ballast in favor of real at one ballast. Won't mention vendors. Real rock stars where you put it. Good job on painting the track.
I am switching to real rock by AZ Rock, but I have some WS ballast left from my last layout that I need to use up because I am too cheap to throw it out.
Great in-depth tips and demonstration as always! Looks awesome! Thanks again!!
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.
Hi Ron thank you for sharing this great how to video I look forward to seeing the next video
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.
Like the video Ron as I’m in the process of building my own yard now and was hoping to see yours for an awesome one. Tks william
Thanks.
Thx now I know how to put rocks and paint and weather my ez tracks on my ho scale csx Bachman set
Ron...great tutorial as usual. If one does not like walnut ballast, real rock ballast in HO and N scales is available from Arizona Rock and Mineral directly, on ebay or other internet sources or from your local hobby retailer...Harold
Hi, Harold. Yes, thank you for mentioning this. I am transitioning to AZ Rock ballast after my WS ballast is gone. I think I will use up my supply on North Yard. I like the way it looks when it is done, but I am hoping the real rock will be easier to work with.
I hand painted over 93' of Peco code 83 super flex. And I'm not done yet. Looks like I need an airbrush to do the ties. I've watched other vids on this topic and some of them were painting the individual ties by hand! I'll be dead before they're finished! LOL I didn't catch what airbrush you use or recommend. Subbed and watched almost all of your vids. YOU ARE THE GO-TO GUY FOR MRR STUFF! Cheers, Bob
I use pretty much the same technique. I am ballasting a section of my layout now. The next section I will layout where my track will be and put a gray wash on the road bed first. One thing I do is glue the area where the turnouts go before I fix them to the layout. That the roadbed is already shared and the ballast is under the turnout. I don't risk gluing it closed. Not that I have ever done that. Lol 😂
Thanks Ron, very helpful!
Thanks Ron for turn me on about Midwest Model Railroad I have had great service from them.
hahahah awesome green screen!! I like how you used the paper to make the spill area!
Thanks, Joe.
Very good video one of the best on your page.
Thanks.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about how your selective rail painting would turn out.
I think it was due to the contrast of the lighter ties with the very dark ground. Once the ballast was added, I was sold though. if I remember, this is something I'll try to do on my layout.
Nice video Ron! A lot of what you show translates to HO scale. Hey I
just saw the new whats neat this week video and Lionel strange was wearing your shirt! Awesome!
HI, Scott. Yes, most techniques can be used or adapted for multiple scales. Yes, Lionel is a good friend. I saw that too.
Thank you Ron. Very informative video. I will have a lot of track to do this to in a short time. Thanks again for all the great videos you produce. Papadan
You bet. Thanks for watching.
Another option (so many). Using an old electric toothbrush on the back and running it gently over the ties. The vibration removes the ballast off the ties, thenspray the rubbing alcohol first after apply the mixture glue/water solution.
Nice work!!
Thanks.
Yea man track looks awesome! Well explained brother!
Hey you should wink at the camera at the end when you take your sip out of your RTNT mug hahah
When you started the video I was taken aback. I would have sworn you were on my inlaws' porch in Kansas City. I was like, "What is Ron doing on their deck?!?"
Lol. I"m not, but I am less that 100 mi away from anyone in KC.
CMSU??? So you're somewhat close to where I live! Love the channel, thanks for the videos!
Where is that? Send me an email to ronstrainsnthings@gmail.com.
[thank, you for you're video]👍
Not a fan of the walnut Ballast, I like working with Arizona Rock & Mineral company ballast. Great video again
Yes, when my WS ballast is gone that will be what I use.
I use Micro Engineering weathered track so can focus on weathering ties. I stopped using Woodland Scenics ballast because of the problems with it floating and now use other brands which don't have that problem.
Hey, Jerry. I am making that transition to real rock as well, but I am using up my supply of WS ballast on this yard. I'm too cheap to throw it out.
@@RonsTrainsNThings I sympathize with your economic predicament. I still had a lot of track to ballast when I made the switch.
Interesting video Ron I know some folks hate ballasting but I really enjoy it I find it brings the track to life and trains look so much more realistic. I tend to ballast last as that is the last job in the real world.
Do you use Peco track and point work?.
I am tempted to make a video diary of my train room and railroad build any tips?.
On this layout, yes, all of my track and turnouts are Peco.
Nice job Rob I was just in Missouri in October and my brother-in-law did tell me there’s an abundance of walnuts there I am highly allergic to them ..I wouldn’t doubt it if you know my brother-in-law they live in Carthage
Hey, Dave. Carthage is just about 70 mi from me. You should drop me an email and tell me about him.
He is a well known artist in Missouri his name is Andy Thomas ..
Thanks Ron. Very helpful video 😁. Also, could you show (or just reply to this comment) how you do it without an airbrush. Has anyone used woodland scenics paint pen?
I meant to mention in the video, if I had no airbrush I would to the first layer of paint with Rustoleum Camoflage Brown out of a rattle can. The final weathering between the rails (black) and outside the rails (rust) I would do with pastels or weathering powders.
Nice. Thanks.
Love all our videos! Always great tips and techniques. But, I do have a question:
At 16:26 it looks like very little of the black ballast is visible between the adjacent tracks. Would it be better to mix black and gray in varying amounts (in the case of your trackage) to simulate the black showing through the newer gray ballast? If not, is it really necessary to use the black? (Just wondering if it's an added step that isn't gaining anything in this situation).
I wouldn't mix them as they would look mixed, not like layers. Enough shows through to get the effect, and if I wasn't using the black I would be doing the same with gray, so there is no added step, just a different color.
I know this is a bit of an older video, but do you now have different ideas on painting/cleaning track with reference to the "New" cleaning method of no bright boy, using mineral spirits and No-ox-id?
Ron, the first airbrush painting of the rails is done with Model Master railroad tie brown. Is that acrylic or enamel? If acrylic will it adhere to the bare metal rail and unprimed ties as well as enamel? Thanks
But my yard does look like that! Good old winter in MN...
Yes, mine too, clearly.
MN!! 👍👍
Great video as always, the model Masters paint is obsolete, any other paint you recommend
For track now I use Microluxe from Micro Mark.
Ron any plans on creating a video on how you lay cork roadbed and track?
I will definitely be laying some track on video as I have a few industrial tracks still to lay.
on your weathering track video you talk about combinations of four colors that when mixed you paint individual ties. what are those combinations? How much of each color did you use. I have the paint and I am ready to go. Thanks.
I don't have any set formula. I put a bit of each color in separate spots on a mixing palette, the mix a little of this and that until I like it, always using a reference photo for comparison. No 2 ties look exactly alike, so an exact color match is unnecessary.
Hi Ron, just starting to watch your videos. I'm planning on starting my HO layout in the near future so I find these videos quite useful. One question on ballasting, I've seen other videos where they use a "ballast spreader car" that you push along the rails as it deposits an even layer of ballast. Any thoughts on that approach ? Thanks.
I got a small question. If you put the glue on the track will that mess with the electronics? Thank you
The short answer is no. I wouldn't turn on you system while wet water/alcohol/glue is standing on the layout, but once dry there is no issue.
How long does it take to dry?
What website would you go to in order to get n scale trains? I live in MO too and both of my shops in my town have closed. Thanks
midwestmodelrr.com, which is in Independence, MO.
Hi Ron, do you possibly have vid on how to do number boards on n scale loco's, I've got a kato SD 9 without them , thank you!!!!!
I do not. You can probably fly get replacement boards from Kato.
Hey Ron! What’s your opinion on weathering track before laying it down. I took 6 pieces of peco code 55 and washed them with alcohol. I then sprayed them with model masters rail brown. Then did the different grays on the ties and then added rust to the rails. I’m very happy on how they came out and now to install. Just wondering what you think? Thanks Ron!
Great video. Question on the paint for the airbrush: what's the base of those paints? You didn't mention having to use a respirator or having a well ventilated area, so I'm only guessing on the type of paint. I ask because I want to invest in an airbrush at some point but most of the stronger paint fumes give me wicked bad headaches even when taking precautions. Thanks!
All of the paints I used in this video are acrylics, and it is always a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area when using any kind of a spray paint.
How do you ballast around large holes in the side of the roadbed for switch machines for code 55 Peco switches?
Thank you Ron. I plan on trying this . How deep is North Yard. Is it 24"? Thank you for sharing.
Yes, 24"
Hi Ron would 50% rubbing alcohol work because it’s almost impossible to find 70% right now
You should do a layout tour. Haven’t seen the whole layout
I've done 3. Here is a link to the latest. ua-cam.com/video/FOD4W9AWNpw/v-deo.html
Hi Ron, great video. If you were going to use Matte Medium to glue the ballest; what would you recommend the ratio of matte medium to water be? And would you add anything else to that mixture? Thank you, God Bless you and your family.
I use 1 part Mod Podge Matte to 3 parts water and a couple drops of dish washing soam.
Thanks Ron..
Hi Ron.
What black paint gives that oily look? Thanks for your help!😃
I used oily black, an old Polly Scale color, but it is also available from other sellers. Vallejo has an oily black paint. That would be my personal choice.
I haven't model railroaded since I was a kid I want to start again with n scale. One problem I always had was the current dropping off in different parts of the track trains slowing down and gaining speedy in. How do you maintain the same amount of current all through the track
Use a bus wire--a larger gauge wire (12 or 14 AWG) that runs from your power pack or DCC system across your layout with feeder wires running from that bus wire to the track every few feet. The wire has less resistance than the track, so it helps reduce voltage drop and increase electrical reliability.
How far can a 1/2 of airbrushed paint go? I have 90'+ of track.
hi Ron
very nice
how long is the yard and how long did it take to finish
Thanks.
Wow this cool hey would this work on O gauge or it wouldn't? Also since I'm a beginner in model railroad, do u know how to make a spiral mountain? I'm just wondering
Yes, the same process would work in any scale. By spiral mountain, do you mean a helix?
Ron's Trains N Things I think that's what it is, I'm trying to make the Polar Express Spiral mountain and I'm using O guage I'm having trouble starting it if u seen the spiral mountain in the Polar Express film that's the one when I meant Spiral mountain. I'm trying to make it but I'm having trouble, do u know how to do a spiral mountain?
I am new to this hobby. I am interested in doing a mine. I am looking for the train that took the miners to the job site in the mine. Does anyone even make such a thing? Thanks ahead of time.
I have seen those in models, but I can't tell you where.
Great video as always. How much length of track were you painting/weathering/ballasting at one time?
I was working about 3 feet at a time.
Is there a relatively simple way to cut and remove ties from under glued down track?
Not really. I use a #11 hobby knife blade and slip it into the connective plastic from both sides, but be careful not to prune the rail up off the surrounding ties.
Yeah, thanks, that was my best guess.
Couldn't agree more....ballast all over the place and especially on top of ties ruins the whole layout! O scale 2 rail with WS coarse gray blend ballast for me! Awesome details Ron!
Thanks.
how long is your yard?
I started watching and you didn't mentioned product of paint or type you spray. I ma quessing acrylic.
You covered up all the black ballast? I'm confused.
I will show in places, some places more than others. The effect is more pronounced by far on mainline track.
7:20 & 7:33 So now I have to buy some antistatic dryer sheets and panty hose. This train thing keeps getting more and more expansive.
I am wondering why you are using 70% IPA and not 99% which has less water in it. Is there a particular reason for this choice or is it just that in the USA 99% isn't readily available?
What is IPA?
Isopropyl alcohol
For the IPA at 70%, I assume I can water down my 99% IPA?
Excellent video! I do miniature wargaming, and a lot of your techniques are transferable. How much time did it take to ballast and weather the section of the yard in this video?
The most time was spent picking ballast out of the web of the rails and painting individual ties for weathering. That said, all to gether this took 8-10 hours.
Nice, but Arizona is much easier to use. It doesn’t float, as Woodland’s walnuts do.
Yes, I am making the switch to AZ, but I am using up the supply of WS I had on hand.
Not close enough. Can't see. You're hand is in the way
"No birds were harmed in the making of this video". keep up the great work.