Hi,
I finally got the cork roadbed down and the painted code 100 track spiked to it. I then replaced all of the Atlas switch motors with Caboose Industries ground throws. After I “rust up” the rails and hand weather the ties I will be ready for ballasting. Are there any issues with applying ballast around the soldered rail joiners?
Then it will be onto adding buildings and landscapes.
Thanks,
Kevin
I have started ballasting a little bit on my layout and am enjoying the process. One tip, be patient and less is more ;). I have found it is a lot easier to put down a little ballast at time and add more if nescacary(sp?). As for ballasting around the soldered joints I would treat them like any other part of the track. One thing you can do is file down the little notches that held the track in place on the ties that you cut off and slide them under the rails to make it look more realistic.
I will try and post some pictures of my progress later, but as I told crazyguy I have finals next week and my mom says those are more important [:D]
Brian
Rarely, the adhesives used will discolor any flux remaining on the joint. A little rubbing alcohol will take it off. Other then that, no issues with ballasting around soldered joints.
Nick
No issues that I know of. The only issue with ballasting is keeping it out of your switch points. I read in another forum of a guy using a straw to lightly blow the ballast out of where you don’t want it. I found that those little red coffee straws work great for that.
Thank you for the advice.
Kevin