BRAND NEW MODEL RAILWAY BUILD: The Ladykillers Ep. 6 - Ballasting track and weathering ballast

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  • Опубліковано 29 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 84

  • @DelticFilm
    @DelticFilm 22 дні тому +5

    I am not quite old enough to remember steam trains. But I am old enough to remember when the toilets emptied on to the line. Lines then were a mix of s^&t, Oil, dirt and diesel fumes, The track was very black. In stream days, probably even more so?
    Wooden sleepers would also have a very thick soaking of a heavy creosote. On the occasion where wood sleeper are used now, modern wood preservatives are used that don't colour the wood to any degree
    Same for buildings, As a Child, we lived about 30 miles from "the smoke". What stuck me as a young child when visiting my aunt in London was that all the buildings were black too. Most people then still used coal, and smokeless coal had only just been mandated. In the late 70s early 80s there were often documentaries and news features about buildings being cleaned to reveal their true colours not seen for many decades. One example is St Paul's as seen in the opening of Laurence of Arabia (1962), the Cathedral is very black then.

    • @Richard-pe4cx
      @Richard-pe4cx 22 дні тому +3

      i remeber the signs in the toilet 'do not flush in stations '!

    • @DelticFilm
      @DelticFilm 22 дні тому +3

      @@Richard-pe4cx But everyone did!! I loved the Soviet trains in the 80s. When you flushed, you had a nice view on the tracks

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +2

      Well.... what can I say! Should I add an extra layer or er... 'sludge' to make it look more realistic! :-)
      In doing lots of research for the layout it's been fascinating to see how the buildings in and around Kings Cross are now all cleaned and colourful. Even when I was a child, going up to London in the 70s, I remember everything being black. St Pancras was just a huge black cave!
      My dilemma is, do I make everything black and sooty on the Ladykillers - or do I give it a Studio Canal-type recolourised reboot?

  • @JAGRAFX
    @JAGRAFX 23 дні тому +6

    Thank you; Dawn 'n Grumpy. We received the "ballast" episode of LADYKILLERS just now. Don't worry about us. Much like you Brits we will "Keep calm, and carry on." 🎉 ❤️

    • @DelticFilm
      @DelticFilm 22 дні тому +3

      Or should we call you Miss Lopsided and General Gordon?

    • @JAGRAFX
      @JAGRAFX 22 дні тому +5

      @DelticFilm We are going to have to catch up on our 1950's "LADYKILLERS" episodes over here in order to be culturally sufficient in the necessary nuances and ironic detachment requirements of English as spoken in its mother country. Appreciate the note. Ron & Heather at the JAGRAF/X RANCH in Colorado, USA. 🚂 🐕 🐈

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      Glad to hear it Ron and Heather - love to you both xx

  • @going2thedogs
    @going2thedogs 22 дні тому +7

    Good stuff. Dry brushing an acrylic white paint over wooden sleepers will bring out the ‘grain’ on the sleepers too.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +1

      It does. Another great technique for sleepers is to do the reverse - paint them all cream and then dry brush brown/black over the top - that gives a very effective wood grain finish.

  • @terrynutlob4073
    @terrynutlob4073 23 дні тому +7

    Hi Dawn. Very good video as usual. As you know I deliver stone and tarmac for Heidelburg previously called Hanson. Interesting point to make is the track ballast, known as aqua flow 38mm to 60mm stone size in the building industry, although grey overall often has large patches of red /brown in it as there are seems of different colours in the granite ballast at King's Cross comes from the same quarry that is delivered to our terminal by EWS hoppers and the quarry is called Cliffe Hill.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +2

      Is that right? Who knew the world of ballast could be so fascinating! It's really interesting to learn the background and facts behind every part of a layout - throw in some geography, geology and history, as well as art and design, architecture, maths, electronics, electrics, engineering, photography - and building a model railway is an all out broad educational experience.

    • @terrynutlob4073
      @terrynutlob4073 22 дні тому +3

      @@modelrailwayquest I don't think any other hobby includes such a diverse collection of skills and input as model railways do. Take it at a basic fun level, right up to a historical representation of an actual place with precise architecture and social observation. There is something for everyone.

    • @peterduffield9311
      @peterduffield9311 16 днів тому +1

      @@modelrailwayquest Hanson was a company with which I did a lot of work - mainly aggregates and bricks. (If you're into bricks, read "The Clay that Burns" about the Fletton brick making industry based around Stewartby - and lower Oxford Clay).
      Love the videos and the detail therein. Looking forward to many more.
      Best wishes
      Peter

  • @jeffpiper7523
    @jeffpiper7523 22 дні тому +2

    I use the water filling container that came with a steam iron. it is narrow (20mm) and has a lip. Easy to hold and use.

  • @AaronOxfordExmouth1989
    @AaronOxfordExmouth1989 23 дні тому +8

    As usual, a great video. Ballasting is my least favourite thing to do. However, a little time yealds big results. I prefer a paint dropper, as it's easier to control, but, as you say, it's a personal preference. I need to reiterate, I believe that you are doing more for the model Railway hobby than most others, because you make it accessible to all. I'm truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful community, created by yourself , Grumpy and the Questie club. Long may you continue to enlighten, entertain and enable. 1st class top in show.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +2

      Aww, thanks Aaron. I think it's all about perspective... if you go into it thinking "ballasting is boring and tedious" then it will be. But I found doing the research on the types of ballast really interesting... and using the more realistic ballast makes such a difference, because each of the tiny pieces is unique. Saying that... I only had to ballast about 2 feet of track!! :-) Thanks as always for such kind comments and all your support - it's lovely to have you as a Questie. xx

  • @ianjeffery6744
    @ianjeffery6744 22 дні тому +6

    Coming on nicely! I must confess that I'm one of those who don't use ballast, preferring to simply paint the trackbed...from normal viewing distance, I'm convinced it looks OK, even if no-one else is...

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +2

      Good for you - I think the 'right way" to do things is the way that works for you and which you get the most enjoyment from. I've seen some great layouts without ballast... I'm sure yours looks fab.

  • @NYCS19339
    @NYCS19339 22 дні тому +4

    In the US sometimes you see different colour ballast at level crossings when they have been redone and the contractor brought in ballast from a different quarry.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +2

      And also - new ballast will be a lot "cleaner" than the old. :-)

  • @MartinFutter70
    @MartinFutter70 19 днів тому +2

    Another great video of useful hint, tips and money saving information 😀

  • @Madonsteamrailways
    @Madonsteamrailways 22 дні тому +5

    Ballast is used on every railway I have ever seen!! It’s there to keep the track off the actual ground so that the underside of the track doesn’t get broken by the trains rubbing.

    • @terrynutlob4073
      @terrynutlob4073 22 дні тому +2

      @@Madonsteamrailways That is true , plus it allows water to drain from the underside of the sleepers, greatly increasing their life before wet rot sets in.

  • @peterhudson4027
    @peterhudson4027 22 дні тому +2

    Being lazy (or should I say, my time is at a premium), I add a drop - literally - of black poster paint to the glue/water mix. It dirties up the ballast without tinting it too much, for no extra effort.

  • @ProfPtarmigan
    @ProfPtarmigan 17 днів тому

    Another excellent video Dawn. For ease and re-use I have used a dark grey ballast mat under my track with just a few bits of ballast material added for effect where I thought I needed to.
    On a different note! I still think the song was written by Grumpy, but was tweaked by Suno and set to music. I have heard two other pieces now with a near identical tune, one of which has exactly the same word structure.

  • @davidhinks8384
    @davidhinks8384 22 дні тому +1

    Great episode Dawn, thank you. Ballasting can make or break a layout and can be be quite therapeutic. Always enjoy your advice and of course Grumpy's occasional interruptions.

  • @mauracurran6500
    @mauracurran6500 23 дні тому +4

    Fabulous Dawn, great video

  • @johnedwards8194
    @johnedwards8194 21 день тому +1

    Hi, it's all Coming on nicely! I like to tap my rails when ballating as any dust fills and helps me with weathering. Keep them coming.

  • @Duececoupe
    @Duececoupe 22 дні тому +2

    A very ballasted....balanced....eeerrmmmm....(looks the cup)....what the (put your choice of sentence enhancer here) was in the coffee!? 😳😲😉😆😂
    A most enjoyable video, as always!
    I better track down the others now....

  • @garymckinnon6903
    @garymckinnon6903 22 дні тому +2

    A video executed once more to the highest standards! My efforts at ballasting were done in a far less detailed way, since I occasionally change my mind about track routing! For an exhibition layout however, detail matters. Not to mention a touch of artistic flare!😊

  • @stephendavies6949
    @stephendavies6949 22 дні тому +1

    Nicely done, Dawn. Your style, presentation & camerawork skills provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
    I'm reminded of how different life was in the 1970s/early 80s when I was first in the hobby. Ballasting - like many a technique in those days - was a bit of a dark art. The only way for a casual modeller to watch ballasting in action was if the TV progarmme "Modellers' World" covered it. And of course, it wasn't possible to record it!

  • @simontrainsmodelrailway
    @simontrainsmodelrailway 21 день тому +1

    It's coming on nicely and a great tutorial video as well

  • @richarddrew8351
    @richarddrew8351 22 дні тому +2

    A good video, thank you. One additional thing to note is you may not want the same ballast across the layout - the main line ballast is often different to that used on sidings or round yards.

  • @BuggleskellyStation
    @BuggleskellyStation 22 дні тому +2

    Lovely results Dawn. i was sent lots of True to Scale samples to try out, I've been very impressed with their ballast, looks the correct scale for once!

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      Me too.. once you use their ballast, it's very hard to settle for the standard stuff!

  • @kenlavey7771
    @kenlavey7771 20 днів тому

    Hi Dawn ( and Mr. Grumpy )
    Thanks for your warm and gracious welcome at Tolworth Showtrain . I’m so glad I responded to you invitation to say “Hi”.
    Ken EM modeller .

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому

      Hi Ken - it was great to see you and thank you for taking the time to come and say Hello! See you at our Woolwich show?

    • @kenlavey7771
      @kenlavey7771 17 днів тому

      @ Hi Dawn , sadly I won’t be able to get to Woolwich but have a great time and a successful show .Ken .

  • @Madonsteamrailways
    @Madonsteamrailways 22 дні тому +4

    There seems to be a lot of different types of ballast. Most of the British Railways ballast was pale stone, but it used to be very different from the way it is today.

    • @terrynutlob4073
      @terrynutlob4073 22 дні тому +1

      @@Madonsteamrailways years ago most ballast would be from the regional quarry supplying the railway company in question, hence the off white ballast in Cornwall from the GWR and pink ballast in Scotland. Now as all the regions are declining and being replaced by large Rail Track operation areas alot of ballast is washed and reused, resulting in a common light grey being nearly everywhere now.

  • @dinosauralan.9486
    @dinosauralan.9486 22 дні тому +2

    Well done, concise, interesting, informative easy to understand and follow a most logical approach to possibly the most tedious, tortious and too some incredibly boring.
    However, if done as per your instructional and concise way, it becomes an additional `feature` rather than just the track bed.
    To which can be added to over time features or attractions that to enhance the layout.
    A platelayer hut, a detonator hut, or even to a simple scene of an up turned and well clear of the track a platelayer's trolley. Maybe even a platelayer or two, a track walker seen to be enjoying his `snap` too or just the passing `traffic`??
    Over the years of my trainspotting, one now takes note not only of the `traffic` but also the debris as too, the colour of the side of the rail which can vary from a dirty mid brown, to a greasy black at turn outs, (points) crossings or where a loco has to halt and stands before a signal.
    Simple but missed "Observation", even down to the odd rabbit or stray dog for within the era of your creation.
    Take care, both thanks again.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      I agree Alan - if you approach it as "oh no, I hate ballasting, this is going to be tedious..." then guess what, it will be. But, as you say - if you see it as all part of the process, and noticing the little details, then it can be an enjoyable - and also quite relaxing - step.

    • @dinosauralan.9486
      @dinosauralan.9486 22 дні тому

      @@modelrailwayquest One thing I learned in life was when one takes upon one`s self a monotonous, seemingly endless and possibly mind bendingly boring task.
      Assemble all items required for the coming task/tasks, find a comfortable seat, arrange the items in frequency of requirement. Have a bin or box handy for depositing all the rubbish leftovers.
      Turn the radio or CD player `on` and its repeat function. (I employ audio CD`s.)
      Start the task, get as quickly as possible into a rhythm as in trying not to forget what one is doing, but it be a process of enjoyment listening and working in a sort of harmony.
      I used to have to overhaul 144 head bottle fillers, each head had about ten or twelve `o` rings that had to be replaced. Usually, I could by the end of the day (8 hours) have completed the lot and then placed all in plastic bags for sterilization overnight.

  • @KeanesCove
    @KeanesCove 19 днів тому

    I use a teaspoon to tap the rails and the ballast miraculously jumps off the sleepers!

  • @michaelwolak3098
    @michaelwolak3098 21 день тому

    Hi Dawn another excellent tutorial have learnt quite a bit about ballasting, you can’t have long to go to finish it for greewhich.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому

      Thanks Michael - a lot of work to do but it will get done!

  • @robbiecook8770
    @robbiecook8770 21 день тому +1

    Hi Dawn, very informative as usual & great help on ballast colours & sizes. I was bought up only a mile from Kings Cross in the 40’s/50’s/ & 60’s ha bing spent a lot of my early years on platform 10 at Kings X. Afraid I love Grumpy’s interruptions some very good so perhaps you would give him a small section on your video’s, “Grumpy’s Corner” it may quieten him down? You ended with a super piece of music “Choo Choo I love you ? But cannot find it anywhere. Who was it? Many thanks you to for the entertainment it a joy to watch. Robin.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому

      Hi Robbie - thank you! What a fantastic place and time to grow up in. I am fascinated by the area around Kings Cross. Grumpy does have a legion of adoring fans - I accept that. :-) Grumpy's Corner is a great idea though I'm sure a "corner" will soon become "a whole room and then some". Choo choo I love you is a MRQ track and I will be revealing all in tomorrow's Wednesday Express (Not Stopping at Peterborough) live stream.

    • @robbiecook8770
      @robbiecook8770 18 днів тому

      @@modelrailwayquest Great to hear from you Dawn & thank you for the reply. I only mentioned the "corner" as that is where I was sent when I interrupted the teacher with my jovial remarks. I was told to sit there until I had something sensible to say. This seldom happened but it did teach me that the class did not revolve around me.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому

      @@robbiecook8770 Ha ha! Grumpy would be in the corner for hours then...! :-)

  • @andrewsgarage796
    @andrewsgarage796 22 дні тому

    Another great video Dawn Best regards Andrew from Downunder :)

  • @flyball1788
    @flyball1788 23 дні тому +2

    Another great tutorial. I'm going to really struggle paying that much attention to small details but it's a help to see that it pays off. One question - what's the song and who's singing it?

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      Thanks @flyball1788 - I think it's about doing what feels right for you and what you enjoy. Or get someone else to do the bits you don't enjoy so much! :-). I've received lots of comments about the song - I'll tell all in next week's Wednesday Express.

  • @richardbraham2486
    @richardbraham2486 22 дні тому +1

    Any thoughts on the geoscenics brand of ballast? Apparently you don’t need to spray water on it before applying their glue type.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  8 днів тому

      I haven't used Geoscenics but I'll definitely give them a try and see.

  • @RT65CB-SWL
    @RT65CB-SWL 22 дні тому

    Educational and interesting video. But when you are free from ‘The Ladykillers’ project, please could you do a video on ballasting points/turnouts.
    BTW… I am stuck on the best way to make the incline to the coal drops on my ‘Settrington’ layout that I emailed to you last week. Any hints, tips, ideas, etc? Thank you.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому +1

      I will certainly bear that in mind - lots of videos to come in 2025!

  • @cedarcam
    @cedarcam 22 дні тому

    It depends what era you are modelling when it comes to ballast being neat and tidy. For some reason there is this belief amongst modellers that all the sleepers are always clear of any ballast, yet in real it is not so, especially on the modern railways where it is often covering the sleeper ends completely and piled higher than the rail top, which on a model is not really practical as it hinders cleaning the rails, you can see on some of your photos there is ballast on some sleepers eg at 0:48. At the time of your layout there was great pride in having the ballast neat and a straight edge to it, much of the work done by hand, today with the machines used they do sweep the excess off but it is not left perfect. It is always worth going to look around a railway station and take a few photos to get an idea of the colour of the ballast which does vary a lot depending on how old it is and if it is a busy main line or heritage railway running steam trains. Having said that your end result does look good so please don't think I am being critical of your work, just wanting to share from experience.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  18 днів тому +1

      Thanks @cedarcam - always good to get feedback! And one thing I know - ballast can be a fascinating subject!

    • @cedarcam
      @cedarcam 18 днів тому

      @@modelrailwayquest Yes Ballast and track colour could be a very long video subject. I was on track many years and been able to experience in close detail the many forms it takes.

  • @andrewkeast2132
    @andrewkeast2132 22 дні тому +1

    Great video Dawn. Loving the song. What’s the title?

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      Thanks Andrew - the song's official title is Tracks of My Mind but we call it "Choo Choo, I love you!"

    • @andrewkeast2132
      @andrewkeast2132 22 дні тому

      Thanks Dawn. I can’t find it on Google. Who are the artists? My wife and I love it. Thanks so much for sharing.❤

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +1

      @@andrewkeast2132 You won't find it on Google because it is a Model Railway Quest track. 🙂

    • @andrewkeast2132
      @andrewkeast2132 22 дні тому

      Well - I am taking the ‘track’ down to Club tonight. We can all boogie between track laying!😊😊

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  21 день тому

      @@andrewkeast2132 Enjoy!

  • @Madonsteamrailways
    @Madonsteamrailways 22 дні тому +1

    Are you running DC or DCC? I run lots of DCC Sound locomotives with either carriages or freight wagons.

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому

      DC for me Madonsteamrailways... I'm kind of old-fashioned like that. But I do enjoy watching DCC layouts very much!

  • @GrumpyFrogProduction
    @GrumpyFrogProduction 22 дні тому +2

    what is the that song please

    • @modelrailwayquest
      @modelrailwayquest  22 дні тому +1

      I've received a lot of questions about the song - I'm going to reveal all in next week's Wednesday Express!

    • @GrumpyFrogProduction
      @GrumpyFrogProduction 22 дні тому +1

      @@modelrailwayquest Sorry do not watch it as it is of no interest to me at all, only come here for the build video