This Video has some good point and also a few not so good. If it took me 20 minutes to ballast about 4/5 inches of track I would never get it finished especially dropping glue between every sleeper.
Thanks Ken for your comment and feedback I agree and as this is an old video my method has changed, still basically the same, but I now use a micro dropper bottle, filled with the same scenic mix. I think the trick to speeding the process up is making sure the ballast is well sprayed prior to dropping on the scenic glue.. with the micro dropper bottle you can get a steady small stream which flows into the ballast well without flooding it, plus doesn't require re-filling as much. If you flood the ballast you run the risk of it flowing away from the track.. But I take your point on time (which is probably why a lot of people don't like ballasting!) You can get a ballast spreader which might make it quicker, its a plastic hopper which you load with ballast and it runs along the track, not expensive, probably worth a try. I hope this helps Cheers Al
First time through I believe you say don't use plunger in the syringe and there is none showing. On the recap you show applying the glue with the syringe and plunger, which is it?
I think you missed heard. He never said ‘don’t use a plunger or syringe’ he said when making the mix (so water/meth/glue mix) and when applying don’t put too much on in one go as it will just absorb through the make the ballast and seep out (so via the sides)….also he’s using his finger to act as the plunger to control how much he applies (as his finger acts as the seal)….where as if it’s a bigger area then using the plunger might be better. Again…none of this is 100% correct….it’s just another option/idea…if it works for you, grand …if not, I’m sure there are plenty of other ways of doing this. I’ve just found my old Hornby 125 set from the 1980s and though I’m into RC, have always thought about giving this a try. ….definitely a project over Christmas 😁👌
I hope you do, or at least get some enjoyment out of a christmas project, you are right there is no right or wrong way with all this stuff just giving it a try and seeing what works and what doesn't is the best thing about it Cheers and thanks for the support
Just found this video. I thought i was the only one who used metho to mix glue. So many videos have water, soap and glue mix which i find to be too watery and not as good.
Thanks, I thin k we each have our own preferred method of ballasting, this one is how I do it and find it works for me... others maybe not..... I find that the ballast only on the foam doesn't increase noise.
Ewww.... tapping the track after ballasting...not a good idea as it will encourage the ballast to actually lift up on the ties thus throwing out the level of the track
Actually I've never had that problem, and I think it doesn't,t for two reasons, First the ties are glued to the track bed so don't lift. Though that may be a problem if track was pinned. Secondly it settles the ballast only into gaps, it doesn't force it under the sleepers. Anyone else ever had this problem?
Excellent video thank you !!!
Thanks
[thank, you for youre great video]👍
Thank you , I keep meaning to redo this video as my technique has changed somewhat now, but it keeps getting pushed to the back of the line of jobs
This Video has some good point and also a few not so good. If it took me 20 minutes to ballast about 4/5 inches of track I would never get it finished especially dropping glue between every sleeper.
Thanks Ken for your comment and feedback
I agree and as this is an old video my method has changed, still basically the same, but I now use a micro dropper bottle, filled with the same scenic mix. I think the trick to speeding the process up is making sure the ballast is well sprayed prior to dropping on the scenic glue.. with the micro dropper bottle you can get a steady small stream which flows into the ballast well without flooding it, plus doesn't require re-filling as much.
If you flood the ballast you run the risk of it flowing away from the track.. But I take your point on time (which is probably why a lot of people don't like ballasting!)
You can get a ballast spreader which might make it quicker, its a plastic hopper which you load with ballast and it runs along the track, not expensive, probably worth a try.
I hope this helps
Cheers
Al
Great stuff thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
First time through I believe you say don't use plunger in the syringe and there is none showing. On the recap you show applying the glue with the syringe and plunger, which is it?
steve schiff ?
I think you missed heard. He never said ‘don’t use a plunger or syringe’ he said when making the mix (so water/meth/glue mix) and when applying don’t put too much on in one go as it will just absorb through the make the ballast and seep out (so via the sides)….also he’s using his finger to act as the plunger to control how much he applies (as his finger acts as the seal)….where as if it’s a bigger area then using the plunger might be better.
Again…none of this is 100% correct….it’s just another option/idea…if it works for you, grand …if not, I’m sure there are plenty of other ways of doing this. I’ve just found my old Hornby 125 set from the 1980s and though I’m into RC, have always thought about giving this a try. ….definitely a project over Christmas 😁👌
I hope you do, or at least get some enjoyment out of a christmas project, you are right there is no right or wrong way with all this stuff just giving it a try and seeing what works and what doesn't is the best thing about it
Cheers and thanks for the support
Just found this video. I thought i was the only one who used metho to mix glue. So many videos have water, soap and glue mix which i find to be too watery and not as good.
Thanks , I've converted a few others now..... I also found the soap mix turned my rails green!!!! which was the main prompt for going with the metho
at 17.00 hes creating a nice soundbridge to the wooden underlay. this is NOT the way to do it :)
Thanks, I thin k we each have our own preferred method of ballasting, this one is how I do it and find it works for me... others maybe not..... I find that the ballast only on the foam doesn't increase noise.
Why does every track ballasting video I watch....have to call them sleepers
probably a nationality thing.... Australians they always referred to as sleepers
Ewww.... tapping the track after ballasting...not a good idea as it will encourage the ballast to actually lift up on the ties thus throwing out the level of the track
Actually I've never had that problem, and I think it doesn't,t for two reasons,
First the ties are glued to the track bed so don't lift. Though that may be a problem if track was pinned.
Secondly it settles the ballast only into gaps, it doesn't force it under the sleepers.
Anyone else ever had this problem?