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Problems Ballasting Track

Gordon is having problems ballasting track and asks readers:

“I am putting the ballast down on my tracks. Every time I spray it with the wet water the ballast is thrown all over the place. I tried moving farther away from it but still the same thing happens. I use a sprayer I got online for this job. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? I am new to modeling and would like my first layout to look the best it can. Thank you if you can help me.”

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2 Responses to Problems Ballasting Track

  • FIre Ken says:

    It’s the sprayer that’s blowing your ballast out of place! I’ve found that the droppers available in most hobby stores or better yet, a turkey baster, works the best. You can use water with a drop of detergent or use isopropyl alcohol to pre-treat your ballast before you apply the glue solution. I use the turkey baster to apply the glue. Just in case you weren’t aware, a 50-50 mix of white glue and water works well to secure ballast.

  • Geof says:

    Gordon,

    It sounds like the sprayer you bought is too powerful. Is there a setting you can turn the nozzle to that delivers less water so you don’t blast the ballast all over the place? Maybe your holding it too close to your work.

    I just use a Windex window cleaner sprayer to moisten my ballast and hold it about six inches or so away as I spray.

    Hope this helps,

    Geof

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