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What is the best way to mach the roadbed color for Kato unitrack?
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<font face="Times New Roman">Here is some feedback I received from Kato <br /> <br />Thanks nfmisso! <br /> <br />Thank you for your mail. <br /> <br />The inconsistency of the roadbed coloring is one of the primary reasons <br />why <br />our manufacturing process of UNITRACK was changed about three years <br />ago. <br />There is far superior control of coloring consistency between sections <br />with <br />the "current" track. <br /> <br />Unfortunately, because the roadbed is integrated to the track, it is <br />not <br />possible for you to change or replace the roadbed under the track you <br />have <br />with "new" roadbed. <br /> <br />Short of replacing the track you have (which is NOT our first <br />recommendation), you might want to consider brushing the roadbed of the <br />entire layout with a mix of black ink and water (or alcohol) once the <br />track <br />is in place. Of course, the concentration or mix of ink to water will <br />determine the "darkness" of the solution. You might want to start with <br />a <br />light mix and brush it on two or three or four times to get the tone <br />you <br />want on the roadbed. You could also try wiping the track sections with <br />a <br />cloth after applying the solution, removing the excess solution while <br />forcing it down into the crevices of the roadbed's texture. Naturally, <br />we <br />recommend that you test your solution and application process on two or <br />three pieces of "spare track" before going to work on the actual <br />layout. <br /> <br />Also, please note that KATO UNITRACK Ballast (item #24-039, $9.00 sugg. <br />retail) is available now from dealers. When carefully applied, this <br />ballast <br />can go a long way to "blending" the roadbed (old or new) into the <br />scenery <br />around the track. And just like on an actual right of way, don't be <br />afraid <br />to run a very thin line of this ballast down the center of the track, <br />between the rails. Be very careful doing this, though, so that the <br />ballast <br />does not interfere with the models as they roll along the rail. Also be <br />sure <br />to "lock" the ballast into place with a hard-shell coating of glue & <br />water <br />solution. I believe Woodland Scenics may also have a ballast mixed to <br />closely match the coloring of the UNITRACK roadbed. <br /> <br />In the end, though, recognize that the roadbed of a real railroad is <br />far <br />from being consistent as it travels over a distance. Go out to a <br />railroad <br />near you and walk 100 yards down the way. Oil and grease spills, <br />vegetation, <br />burnt-back brush, "repaired" sections of track and areas replenished <br />with <br />new ballast all contribute to a "patchy" appearance to the roadbed <br />along the <br />right of way. For your model railroad to be truly prototypical, you'll <br />want <br />to have a little of this inconsistency of appearance on your layout. <br /> <br />Thank you for your support of KATO products. We wish you much enjoyment <br />and <br />success with your model railroading. <br /> <br />Best regards, <br />KATO USA, Inc.</font id="Times New Roman">
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