Ballasting experiment

[ghelman]

I am experimenting with a way to do ballasting. This most likely isn't new and I am almost certain that this has been tried by others. It may even have been discussed on this forum. But, I haven't been real active on the forum for the past year and would have missed any discussion. Anyway, I live in the southern part of the states where rain sometimes comes down in buckets. So I am constantly repalceing ballast. Now for the experiment. I am mixing 4 parts fines with one part concrete sand mix (Concrete sand mix is what it is called here in the Southern US. It may be called something else in other parts of the world. It is basically concrete with no rock). Add water so the mix is stiff. Use this mix on the outer sides of each rail. I then mix up the same for the middle, but, I do not add water. I just spray it down lightly after it is in place. It looks pretty good, just hope it last. Any one else tried this and any success or failure stories?      

[GearDrivenSteam]

Mortar mix might work equally well.

[DannyS]

Certainly not a new method.  For a long time now I have made a mix of Ballast with GP Cement to create a shoulder on each side of the track, with just ballast to support the track, this allows it to float with heat and cold. Put the mix down dry and water it in with a watering can.
However with a new section of track which will be beside a running stream (when it rains), I have done as above and made a mix of Ballast with GP cement to hold this track securely, and stop erosion.
I live in Subtropical Queensland, Australia, with big extremes of temperatures.

[ghelman]

Danny, what is GP cement?

[Anonymous]

I also live in an area where rain buckets down quite near Danny actually and i have "spots" where downpours are concentrated and i use 1 part cement ( not concrete) with 4 parts fines mixed to a medium dry mix. I then fill the hole that has occured a voila no more trouble.

I am not sure but i think Danny is reaffering to General Portland "GP".

Rgds Ian