Fastening Gravel & Crushed Stone

October 14, 2010

Phil also has a G scale layout and asks:

“I have put down my LGB copper track on hard plastic form (cannot remember manufacturers name). I will now fasten every other section to this base. Unfortunately this layout is under some trees and accumulates leaves and debris. I am looking to glue the crushed stone and gravel. However, no-one seems to be able to help me with this process. What adhesive should I use and how do I accomplish this? Im looking to maintain the layout with the least amount of work. I would move it but it works around and over my Pond.”

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2 Responses to Fastening Gravel & Crushed Stone

Anonymous says:

October 15, 2010 at 9:40 pm

I use white glue and “paint” the area. Sprinkle the gravel and stone over the glued area and then use an eye dropper to put a mixture of white glue(diluted) about 16/1 and an addition of 70%
isopropal alcohol enough to make it soak through the gravel and stone. It will take a while for it to dry, probably overnight and if it doesn’t stick go over the gravel with the eye dropper mixture.

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Geof says:

October 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Phil,

I have to disagree with ‘Anonymous’ suggestion below. If you were to use white glue, it will soften and even redissolve should it get wet again from dew, rain or snow. His technique is fine for an indoor layout but outdoors you’d probably have to use a solvent based adhesive. You also may want to think about using a clear, FLAT, water based polyurethane sealer as a ballast adhesive. Being water based, it won’t dissolve any plastic it comes in contact with (like track ties). I would suggest making up a short section of track using either method and letting it sit outside for a few weeks or so to see how it holds up to the elements.

Hope this helps,

Geof from the US

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