Ballaster's lament

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Just spent a good chunk of the day ballasting.

I’m using WS black cinders (fine).

It always looks so good when I first put it on. But then, once I mist it, apply scenic cement/matte medium and it then drys, something changes.

Basically, the misting and scenic cement has washed away the very fine layer of dust that coats each tiny out-of-the-shaker cinder. The ballast still looks great, but now almost looks “newer” than the uncemented stuff.

I thinking of brushing on a little black/gray weathering powder (just on the ballast, avoiding the rails) to bring back that initial look.

Any thoughts on whether or not this might affect locos?

2

The powder should not affect the locomotives as long as it’s not metal…highly unlikely. It may dirty the wheels some, but as long as it doesn’t get into the motor windings it should be ok. May i suggest you apply a thin coat of dilute acrylic paint with an air brush. Since it’s paint it will dry to the ballast and then there’s no chance of dust dirtying the wheels…chuck