Model Train Ballast
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Model Train Track Layouts Are Not Complete Without Model Train Ballast Around The Tracks
Train track is no doubt the most important feature of any model railroad layout, because without model train track, the trains would have nothing to run on. You could just attach the track to the baseboard, but to replicate a real railroad requires track ballasting.
Fortunately there are several good model train ballast products available in hobby shops, specialist model train stores and online from model railroad suppliers. However, if you have a large railroad layout, buying these can be expensive. There are some cheaper options like masonry sand, but you need to use them with caution.
Masonry sand is generally sold to builders and is available from hardware stores in big twenty-five pound bags. You will be surprised how much you use when spreading it along the train track of an average sized railroad layout.
Be careful though, because some masonry sands do contain iron which could upset the electrical track current. Test the masonry sand for iron using a strong magnet. If any of the sand sticks to the magnet - do not buy it.
Masonry sand is generally available in fine through to course grading and comes in a range of pigments. You may want to mix colors for added effect. Another option is to use the masonry sand (which is inexpensive) as a base coat and apply the regular model railroading ballast (more expensive) on top.
Fortunately there are several good model train ballast products available in hobby shops, specialist model train stores and online from model railroad suppliers. However, if you have a large railroad layout, buying these can be expensive. There are some cheaper options like masonry sand, but you need to use them with caution.
Masonry sand is generally sold to builders and is available from hardware stores in big twenty-five pound bags. You will be surprised how much you use when spreading it along the train track of an average sized railroad layout.
Be careful though, because some masonry sands do contain iron which could upset the electrical track current. Test the masonry sand for iron using a strong magnet. If any of the sand sticks to the magnet - do not buy it.
Masonry sand is generally available in fine through to course grading and comes in a range of pigments. You may want to mix colors for added effect. Another option is to use the masonry sand (which is inexpensive) as a base coat and apply the regular model railroading ballast (more expensive) on top.
Take Care With Electrics And Rail Joiners When Laying Model Train Ballast
Always ensure the electrics are in place and that the rail joiners are tight fitting before you begin to ballast any track. If you forget to do this, you could have problems on sections of track. And, take care not to do any damage when applying the ballast. It can be very frustrating when your trains do not work properly and you cannot locate the problem. Online Model Train Club Proves Popular
Best selling model railroading author Robert Anderson has started a members only online model train club.
The new online model train club will have tutorials for members on a range of topics from scenery building to DCC operation. The club is for paid members only and access is password protected. I have had a good look around the club and I'm impressed with the range and depth of the information club members get. The club would be suitable for the beginner right through to the experienced model railroader. There seems to be something for everyone. It is a great resource for the model railroading community. Online Model Train Club How To Add Realism To Your Model Train Ballast
Ballasting train tracks can be a lot of fun, but should not be rushed.
Robert Anderson has an excellent section in his downloadable Model Train Help e-book on ballasting train tracks. This publication is highly recommended for both beginners and the serious model railroader. Available from this Model Train website.It is well worth taking some time and getting the train track ballasting right first time. To ensure a good clean finish, you may want to inspect the track ballasting after the adhesive has dried. You may want to fill in some gaps with more ballast and do some touch-up work.
After everything is dry you could add more realism to the track ballasting - like oil marks, dirt and grime where trains and locomotives have passed over the rails. An airbrush is an ideal tool for doing this.
The important thing is to vary the airbrushing effect. Some locomotives will have stood for some time in one spot and dripped oil. Grease and grime would accumulate in different areas of the track over time and in different amounts, so do not be too consistent with the effect.
You can use different colors in an airbrush and build up layers as you go. Use a heavier application of color where the most grime would accumulate.
Mixing Model Train Ballast Together
To get the best result try mixing track ballast together.
Use a blend of several ballast colors rather than just plain gray. It will add a more authentic look to the layout. If you are buying the proper model railroading ballast from a hobby store, select the coarse stuff for O scale, the medium for HO/OO and the fine grade for N scale. Remember you can mix the ballast grades together if required.After the paint from the airbrushed grease and grime effect has dried; you can then start to weather the rail faces with a rust colored paint. Wait for everything to thoroughly dry before running any trains or attempting to clean any track surfaces.
Model Railroad Construction Ideas For Building Model Train Layouts
Two great resources for the model railroading community.
Two excellent ebooks by Robert Anderson (author of the best selling Model Train Help ebook) are now available.They are:
Model Train Scenery and Layout Construction Ideas
303 Model Railroading Answers
These ebooks come highly recommended and available from http://www.model-train-layouts.net/
Building A Layout In Modules Can Have Big Advantages
Building in modules can provide great flexibility for the hobbyist. However, there are a few downsides.A modular system could potentially limit the nature of layout that can be readily modeled. Point-to-point switch layouts are generally more appropriate to a modular system, but not everyone wants this type of train operation.
Remember, everything that gets moved about may be predisposed to damage, so scenery and building should be constructed to stand travel.
The other thing you must to ponder is, how you will move it? The bulkiness and size of every module will have to be effortlessly lifted and carried by 2 people. If you aim to carry it by yourself, you must take this into account when calculating the volume and mass of every module.
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