Wow! Mike, thank you! You made ballasting look very easy even I can now do it. Before this video I had no idea how ballasting worked or how to apply it and how to glue it down. Your video is very complete and informative. You are the man!
Hey Mike, thanks a ton for doing these videos. I started my first n-scale layout a couple of months ago, and your tutorials helped me choose to use unitrack, DCC, and helped me figure out quite a few other things along the way. Just started ballasting my track this afternoon using essentially this method. Thanks again.
Thanks for posting this video! It's been quite helpful. I'm using the n scale superelevated double track, laying and spreading the ballast is fairly easy but when it comes to setting the glue in place, the scenic cement clumps up the ballast. As advised I'm going to take a couple of old pieces of track and try the dish soap and water method, then apply the scenic cement.
Hi Mike so glad I found your Chanel. To be honest with you this is the first video I watched for ballasting uni track. I’m taking your advice and ballasting and glueing the track down your way, THANKS MUCH!
It turns out I've watched quite a few of your videos and never realized who I was watching, Sorry about that, I've also used your masking tape idea to cover my risers, (worked great), guess I should pay mare attention to who I watch but leery about subscribing to to many channels but when Ron mentioned your name and I found it, it all clicked into my old brain, thanks again.
Ok I have been watching your video's tonight because I am about to start a layout and had to comment because I am a huge JG #24 fan as well. Awesome you wore the hat. Also I really want to thank you for providing so much detail. I will need some additional time to watch all the videos but I will.
Thank you for the helpful video, its funny I learned to do that on my own without knowing it but I did pick up the tip on using alcohol which I haven't done and will now begin to use in my water mix.
Thanks for this video. Learning a lot from your videos. Still in the planning stage of my n scale layout. Will be ordering from Fifer Hobby soon I hope
Mike really nice video, I just finished my ballast on my Kato track. I was encouraged to see that me being somewhat new to the hobby I used some of the same techniques that you used. I did not use the paint pen or the black wash but I am very happy with the way mine turned out. TexasJeff
Thanks , It needs to be rubbed of with a bright Boy or some sort of cleaning block. Stay away from any type of sand paper. You might want to look at my track cleaning video. Thanks Again , Mike
Same way but cover the switch tab hole and put a small piece of tape over the pivot and a folded piece of tape in each point rail and that will make it easier. Thanks , Mike
This video helps me a lot! I am building a N scale layout thats 6FT by 22IN and ballasting track has to be the most scary for me because of dealing with switches...
of late ive been using woodland scenics paint pens for rail and ties. when dry i lightly apply weathering chalk to the ties. i apply ballast with a bachmann spreader with the center hole masked off
Hey Mike I just came out with an Idea Glue the Balast to the Table where the Track is going instead of gluein it to the Track instead. I think it would look Better and Different that Way then paint the Ties and the Rails.
Hi Mike, I find that your video for ballasting your track very straightforward and easy to follow. However, I see unlike other experts you don’t apply white glue to side of the Kato track base before you start the ballast process! So I’m wondering is there a reason for this? Thank Brian
You would have to burnish it where you were going to solder, Yes. When I clean used track it is soaked for some time and generally removes all of the glue on the rail it's self. Thanks , Mike
hey Mike getting ready to do some ballasting myself , how does the electrical connections when your done painting and ballasting ur kato track do you still get good connection
How did you weather the switches??? Did you use the same black wash or used a different technique? I am doing my layout too. Its on a hollow core door using unitrack modeling the Chicago Area. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Mike, I am getting ready to secure my Kato Unitrack to my new layout. My layout is a base of plywood with an inch of foam on top. I used a unique paint that has sort of sand paper texture in earth tone for a base color. My question is how do you secure your Kato track onto the foam? Thank You
Hi Mike. I'm sure you're vey busy with all the questions you have to answer from people like me, trying to pick your brains. It's simple it seems like you're the only Railroad expert out there that's really an expert. At least that's my opinion. Anyway, I almost forgot to ask you again about the N scale ballast and what size ballast is more appropriate with the Kato N scale track.....FINE or MEDIUM? Thanks so much. I'm just don't want to start pulling up track if it doesn't look right. Take care. Mark
@@N-Scale Thanks Mike for getting back to me. I'm very busy trying to get everything together for ballasting the Kato track. In fact I picked up a fan brush like the one you used in the video. I really think your process of ballasting the track is the best I've seen. It especially looks great with the Kato track...you'd never know it was Kato track under the ballast after it's done. As far as I'm concerned... the ballasting is what makes the difference in the realism of the whole layout Very well done!! Mark
Nice video, but you have that you is using the Floquil pen, Floquil is no longer available and you state that you use brown instead of rustic.... In your hobby supply you are selling rustic, all the places I have checked do not have the brown just rustic. Any suggestion on where and what I can find the track painter in brown
Hello Mike, I am new to this hobby and want to start a "N" scale layout in my bedroom of my apartment. I don't have much space(maybe 36"x60". I have purchased a Kato M1 Starter Track kit. I want to run DCC after my layout is complete. My question is will it hurt to run DCC trains on a DC layout til I get my layout where I want it. I don't want to buy DC trains then later buy DCC trains. To me that is a waste of money. Thanks for your reply in advance
I'll have to save up to get the command center, throttle and booster. That is a lot of money which I don't have starting out. I need to get it going first. I like your videos. they have shown me a lot so far and I'm saving these for future references. I hope that's ok. Thank you for answering my question so quickly. Walt
I forgot to ask. Your video does not address cleaning the track properly after you ballast. Can you describe your method for cleaning the track after you are done?
Mike, Hi... If you was to start all over what brand of N scale track would you use? Does Kato Unitrack turnouts have many derailments vs. other brands? Is all Kato Unitrack DCC friendly such as their 3 Color Signal tracks and Turnouts? Is Kato like Peco with how you have to wire the turnout on a DCC layout with a insulated joiner behind the frog of the turnout? How would you rate Kato Unitrack with 1 for bad and 10 for being great in it's overall use, looks, and years down the road with any problems? I had a 10 x 12 N scale layout with Peco turnouts and Model Power code 80 flex track, I had problems at the turnouts with power even though I wired on both sides of the turnout with the insulated rail joiners behind the frogs, The layout was DCC! I got very poor track running also at some of the small turnouts! I got rid of all my N scale and took the layout down due to this problem! I've been a model railroader for 45 years in all scales but this was one problem that seemed it could never be fixed.. Please give me some insight on your thoughts about the questions I asked above... Thanks, Mark...
A question: is the the method you use to affix the N scale Kato unitrack to the layout's surface? Is this sufficient to attach the Kato Unitrack to the supporting surface using all your diluted Elmer's glue?
I use Peco track pins into the Homasote but silicone was used in dabs on the nail posts to affix the track to foam at the club. The scenery is more tan sufficient to hold Unitrack down as well. Thanks , Mike
Ballasting is SO IMPORTANT.... if you use a medium size you can even do it with tweezers.... if you really lean in and analyze the ballast you can see flaws and then fix it.... main rule GO SLOW
Wow! Mike, thank you! You made ballasting look very easy even I can now do it. Before this video I had no idea how ballasting worked or how to apply it and how to glue it down. Your video is very complete and informative. You are the man!
Thanks so much Joe , glad to have you follow along !!!
Mike
Hey Mike, thanks a ton for doing these videos. I started my first n-scale layout a couple of months ago, and your tutorials helped me choose to use unitrack, DCC, and helped me figure out quite a few other things along the way. Just started ballasting my track this afternoon using essentially this method. Thanks again.
Thanks , and glad to help.
Mike
Thanks for posting this video! It's been quite helpful. I'm using the n scale superelevated double track, laying and spreading the ballast is fairly easy but when it comes to setting the glue in place, the scenic cement clumps up the ballast. As advised I'm going to take a couple of old pieces of track and try the dish soap and water method, then apply the scenic cement.
Thanks Robert, That will cure your problem.
Mike
I would like to thank you for posting this video. I must say it was one of the best information videos for ballasting Kato track!
Mike
Thanks Mike , Glad to help.
Mike
thanks Mike, I have enjoyed watching many of your videos and like your tips and ideas
Thanks for being here !!!!
Hi Mike so glad I found your Chanel. To be honest with you this is the first video I watched for ballasting uni track. I’m taking your advice and ballasting and glueing the track down your way, THANKS MUCH!
It turns out I've watched quite a few of your videos and never realized who I was watching, Sorry about that, I've also used your masking tape idea to cover my risers, (worked great), guess I should pay mare attention to who I watch but leery about subscribing to to many channels but when Ron mentioned your name and I found it, it all clicked into my old brain, thanks again.
Thanks John , glad to be of service.
Mike
OK , the ballasting most definitely makes it look better.
Thanks , Mike
Another excellent video Mike, i really enjoy your how to videos
Thank You Jeff and we are glad to have you.
Mike & Robin
Ok I have been watching your video's tonight because I am about to start a layout and had to comment because I am a huge JG #24 fan as well. Awesome you wore the hat. Also I really want to thank you for providing so much detail. I will need some additional time to watch all the videos but I will.
Thank you mrfifer I will try this .. I'll be starting a n scale this fall !!
Thank you for the helpful video, its funny I learned to do that on my own without knowing it but I did pick up the tip on using alcohol which I haven't done and will now begin to use in my water mix.
Thanks Dan , I am glad you were able to use an idea in there.
Mike
Glad too help ! Mike
Great job Mike.. we will be trying that in the future.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
I used Peco track pins into Homasote but a friend used dabs of silicone to his foam and worked well.
Mike
Thanks for this video. Learning a lot from your videos. Still in the planning stage of my n scale layout. Will be ordering from Fifer Hobby soon I hope
Thanks so much Ryan, Hope I am helping.
Mike
So far I have had no issues. Just keep the ballast out of the turnouts and limit the paint and glue at the pivot point of the turnouts.
Thanks , Mike
Mike really nice video, I just finished my ballast on my Kato track. I was encouraged to see that me being somewhat new to the hobby I used some of the same techniques that you used. I did not use the paint pen or the black wash but I am very happy with the way mine turned out. TexasJeff
Thanks CS , glad is was made for you.
Mike
Thanks , It needs to be rubbed of with a bright Boy or some sort of cleaning block. Stay away from any type of sand paper.
You might want to look at my track cleaning video.
Thanks Again , Mike
Same way but cover the switch tab hole and put a small piece of tape over the pivot and a folded piece of tape in each point rail and that will make it easier.
Thanks , Mike
No problem at all , if you need anything you can call us at the shop as well.
Thanks , Mike
This video helps me a lot! I am building a N scale layout thats 6FT by 22IN and ballasting track has to be the most scary for me because of dealing with switches...
Thanks , Glad to help !!
Mike, excellent video, just what i've been looking for as im starting on a HCD layout.
Thanks, Phill.
Thanks , I am glad you could use the information.
Mike
Nice hat! Will miss Jeff racing on Sundays. More time to make model railroads!
+sjones801 Yeah , Me too.
Mike
Thanks for the video. I'm just starting a small layout this type of help is great.
of late ive been using woodland scenics paint pens for rail and ties. when dry i lightly apply weathering chalk to the ties. i apply ballast with a bachmann spreader with the center hole masked off
Cool , sounds like a great plan.
Mike
I do not see why it would not .
Thanks , Mike
Great how to video! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks D , I could not fit in the whole video without time laps.
Mike
@gotoguy69 Just use an abrasive track cleaning block such as Bright Boy or Walthers Craotex.
Thanks , Mike
Great video thank you I am starting a new n scale build can you tell me your pros and cons on the kato track?
The only con to me is tie spacing and rail height.
Thanks , Mike
Hey Mike I just came out with an Idea Glue the Balast to the Table where the Track is going instead of gluein it to the Track instead. I think it would look Better and Different that Way then paint the Ties and the Rails.
Maybe you could put up a video?
Mike
I try to You’ll like it.
I Run Bachmann and when I do you’ll like it.
Mike,
This was very helpful. How are cleaning the rails after using the pen, paint and glue?
Hi Mike, I find that your video for ballasting your track very straightforward and easy to follow. However, I see unlike other experts you don’t apply white glue to side of the Kato track base before you start the ballast process! So I’m wondering is there a reason for this? Thank Brian
I do not glue the track down. I let the ballast and scenery do it.
Mike
@gotoguy69 Thanks Goto , I hope you have fun with the new layout!!!
Mike
Thanks , I hope it was helpful.
Mike
Still a great video! 😊. Doesnt look like youve changed much in your last ballast overview. Maybe the wash?
Yep , I now do a wash !!!
@N-Scale Hehehe awesome 👌 👏
Thanks for the video, very helpful. Have you tried to color some of the ties in any manner other then the grimey black wash?
Mike B.
Thx. for the tip ( wet water ) . I can't find any rubbing alcohol anywhere .
Likely not at this time.
Mike
Good Video Ballast Kato Unitrack Rall s Videos!
Good Video, question?What about the rails with the glue and adhesive on it?Don't you need to go back and clean off ? Thanks Mike
You would have to burnish it where you were going to solder, Yes. When I clean used track it is soaked for some time and generally removes all of the glue on the rail it's self.
Thanks , Mike
What’s the best way to ballast a crossover? Great video mike!
Whos brand of track?
Kato!
@@johncanillas8939 It would be done in the same way just be careful around the slide openings and do not overdo the glue.
Mike
Awesome thank you!
Very Informative!
Thanks so much Nozomi. Try to post some video and send me a link .
Thanks , Mike
Love you videos, Mike. Do you have one on painting Kato rail? I'm trying to decide whether to paint with a brush or use a paint pen.
Thanks so much Chris. I prefer a paint pen for the rails and just a wash of thinned acrylic for the color and weathering.
Mike
Thanks , Done Deal.
Mike
Nice vid, do you think one of those pens would work for O scale (lionel Fastrack) and how much do they cost?
hey Mike getting ready to do some ballasting myself , how does the electrical connections when your done painting and ballasting ur kato track do you still get good connection
The black paint on the top of the rails doesn't affect the traction?
You need to clean track afterwards naturally.
Mike
can you make a video on how to clean track with ballast already on the rails?
How did you weather the switches??? Did you use the same black wash or used a different technique? I am doing my layout too. Its on a hollow core door using unitrack modeling the Chicago Area. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Mike,
I am getting ready to secure my Kato Unitrack to my new layout. My layout is a base of plywood with an inch of foam on top. I used a unique paint that has sort of sand paper texture in earth tone for a base color. My question is how do you secure your Kato track onto the foam?
Thank You
I do not use foam on my layout but at the club we used drops pf silicone at the joints.
Thanks , Mike
Do you need to clean off the black wash from the rails?
Of coarse. The Top of the rail.
Mike
Hi Mike. I'm sure you're vey busy with all the questions you have to answer from people like me, trying to pick your brains. It's simple it seems
like you're the only Railroad expert out there that's really an expert. At least that's my opinion. Anyway, I almost forgot to ask you again about
the N scale ballast and what size ballast is more appropriate with the Kato N scale track.....FINE or MEDIUM? Thanks so much. I'm just don't
want to start pulling up track if it doesn't look right. Take care. Mark
Fine .
@@N-Scale Thanks Mike for getting back to me. I'm very busy trying to get everything together for ballasting the Kato track.
In fact I picked up a fan brush like the one you used in the video. I really think your process of ballasting the track is the best I've seen. It especially looks great with the Kato track...you'd never know it was Kato track under the ballast after it's done.
As far as I'm concerned... the ballasting is what makes the difference in the realism of the whole layout Very well done!! Mark
Afte painting the rail does it still conduct electricity?
thank you Mike
What ballast do you use for Kato track?
Kato Ballast
Nice video, but you have that you is using the Floquil pen, Floquil is no longer available and you state that you use brown instead of rustic....
In your hobby supply you are selling rustic, all the places I have checked do not have the brown just rustic.
Any suggestion on where and what I can find the track painter in brown
I know this and there are now no other option besides the woodland pens.
Thanks , Mike
Hi Mike. Great video! The Kato ballast looks great! By the way do you use the fine gray ballast? Thanks Mark
I use only the Kato Ballast and it is all grey w/black speckles
@@N-Scale Hi Mike, do you have a preference for fine or medium, in other words which size looks more in scale with the Kato track?
Thanks!
Welcome !!
where did u buy the paint pen?
Nothing under the track.
Thanks , Mike
Do you solder unitrack? Do you glue it in place?
I only solder sections I will not be able to reach later. I do not glue track down.
Thank you.
Hello Mike, I am new to this hobby and want to start a "N" scale layout in my bedroom of my apartment. I don't have much space(maybe 36"x60". I have purchased a Kato M1 Starter Track kit. I want to run DCC after my layout is complete. My question is will it hurt to run DCC trains on a DC layout til I get my layout where I want it. I don't want to buy DC trains then later buy DCC trains. To me that is a waste of money. Thanks for your reply in advance
+Walter Deville It should be OK but they will not run as well on DC. Why not just go with the DCC Now?
Thanks , Mike
I'll have to save up to get the command center, throttle and booster. That is a lot of money which I don't have starting out. I need to get it going first. I like your videos. they have shown me a lot so far and I'm saving these for future references. I hope that's ok. Thank you for answering my question so quickly.
Walt
+Walter Deville No problem Walt. Don't waste the money on a booster unless you really need one.
Thanks , Mike
Does this work on Bachman ez track
I forgot to ask. Your video does not address cleaning the track properly after you ballast. Can you describe your method for cleaning the track after you are done?
How do you do your drop wires?
I use all Kato 20-818 and no set rule to how far apart but where needed.
Thanks , Mike
Mike What did you use to hold the track down prior to painting, thanks Ken
I do not glue track down.
Mike
@@N-Scale At all? We can do that lol? I thought it would be just a matter of fact that you would glue down your track on the layout... hmmm.
@@CL_Hat I usually do not because the scenery will do the job.
Mike, Hi... If you was to start all over what brand of N scale track would you use? Does Kato Unitrack turnouts have many derailments vs. other brands? Is all Kato Unitrack DCC friendly such as their 3 Color Signal tracks and Turnouts? Is Kato like Peco with how you have to wire the turnout on a DCC layout with a insulated joiner behind the frog of the turnout? How would you rate Kato Unitrack with 1 for bad and 10 for being great in it's overall use, looks, and years down the road with any problems? I had a 10 x 12 N scale layout with Peco turnouts and Model Power code 80 flex track, I had problems at the turnouts with power even though I wired on both sides of the turnout with the insulated rail joiners behind the frogs, The layout was DCC! I got very poor track running also at some of the small turnouts! I got rid of all my N scale and took the layout down due to this problem! I've been a model railroader for 45 years in all scales but this was one problem that seemed it could never be fixed.. Please give me some insight on your thoughts about the questions I asked above... Thanks, Mark...
Could you please email this to the shop? It is an extensive question. Or call the shop and I will discuss this with you.
Thanks , Mike
A question: is the the method you use to affix the N scale Kato unitrack to the layout's surface? Is this sufficient to attach the Kato Unitrack to the supporting surface using all your diluted Elmer's glue?
I use Peco track pins into the Homasote but silicone was used in dabs on the nail posts to affix the track to foam at the club. The scenery is more tan sufficient to hold Unitrack down as well.
Thanks , Mike
Where is this hobby store ?
We are on line at www.fiferhobby.com and in Las Cruces NM
Ballasting is SO IMPORTANT.... if you use a medium size you can even do it with tweezers.... if you really lean in and analyze the ballast you can see flaws and then fix it.... main rule GO SLOW
So true, take your time.
Mike