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neubie
How do I remove ballast from sectional and flex track[8D]
While the track is still attached to the layout or after it has been taken up?
Normally ballast has been applied with white glue, matte medium, or some other water soluable substance. Soaking in water should take it off. If it is still attached to the layout you must be careful not to saturate the homosote/wood or whatever base it is on. Foam is great since it doesn’t care about water.
I use white glue to hold the ballast down, so I normally wet the ballast with some wet water, pull the track up and soak it in some warm water. This removes most of the ballast. I use a screwdriver to remove the more stubborn pieces.
Nick
Wet thoroughly, carefully lift and unjoin, immerse in warm sudsy ammonia solution, or tri-sodium phosphate, and use a stiff bristle bru***o remove any residue after about 20 minutes of soaking.
Wow, Crandell, that’s the same technique we used to use for cleaning automotive parts!
Amazing what translates from one hobby to another!
Darrell, amazed and quiet…for now
What can I say, Darrell? It really IS the world’s greatest hobby!! [:D]
I figured if that process worked for preparing exterior doors for painting (a memorable chore this summer), then it would do a good job freeing track from crud.
I hadn’t thought about exterior doors! I have two that need repainting. Thanks for the tip!
Darrell, quiet…for now