What is the best way to mach the roadbed color for Kato unitrack?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys#8217; I am new to the board and I enjoy reading your posts & replies it#8217;s really informative and reassuring. But I#8217;ve got a minor problem so here it goes.

What is the best way to mach the roadbed color for Kato unitrack?

I purchased a bunch of Kato unitrack back in #8217;99, anticipating a layout that I was in the process of building but then I got busy with work and shelved the project. Jump to 2004, since I am not so busy with work anymore I pulled the track back out and started building again. However due to space requirements the track plan has changed so I was forced to purchase additional track in order to make the layout work, except now my roadbed is striped like a zebra (okay it#8217;s not that bad#8230; but it#8217;s noticeable!)

Any suggestions on:

What is the best way to mach the color of the roadbed? (Pastels, Acrylics, Enamels, Oils, etc.)

Has anybody tried doing something similar to this and were you successful?



Thanks guys!


(pre 2000 = lighter gray roadbed / 2000+ = darker gray roadbed)

[nfmisso]

Put ballast on top of it. Paint the roadbed with diluted glue or latex paint (keeping it away from the rails), sprinkle on your favorite ballast (see Walthers.com). Let dry overnight.

[Anonymous]

Here is some feedback I received from Kato

Thanks nfmisso!

Thank you for your mail.

The inconsistency of the roadbed coloring is one of the primary reasons
why
our manufacturing process of UNITRACK was changed about three years
ago.
There is far superior control of coloring consistency between sections
with
the "current" track.

Unfortunately, because the roadbed is integrated to the track, it is
not
possible for you to change or replace the roadbed under the track you
have
with "new" roadbed.

Short of replacing the track you have (which is NOT our first
recommendation), you might want to consider brushing the roadbed of the
entire layout with a mix of black ink and water (or alcohol) once the
track
is in place. Of course, the concentration or mix of ink to water will
determine the "darkness" of the solution. You might want to start with
a
light mix and brush it on two or three or four times to get the tone
you
want on the roadbed. You could also try wiping the track sections with
a
cloth after applying the solution, removing the excess solution while
forcing it down into the crevices of the roadbed's texture. Naturally,
we
recommend that you test your solution and application process on two or
three pieces of "spare track" before going to work on the actual
layout.

Also, please note that KATO UNITRACK Ballast (item #24-039, $9.00 sugg.
retail) is available now from dealers. When carefully applied, this
ballast
can go a long way to "blending" the roadbed (old or new) into the
scenery
around the track. And just like on an actual right of way, don't be
afraid
to run a very thin line of this ballast down the center of the track,
between the rails. Be very careful doing this, though, so that the
ballast
does not interfere with the models as they roll along the rail. Also be
sure
to "lock" the ballast into place with a hard-shell coating of glue &
water
solution. I believe Woodland Scenics may also have a ballast mixed to
closely match the coloring of the UNITRACK roadbed.

In the end, though, recognize that the roadbed of a real railroad is
far
from being consistent as it travels over a distance. Go out to a
railroad
near you and walk 100 yards down the way. Oil and grease spills,
vegetation,
burnt-back brush, "repaired" sections of track and areas replenished
with
new ballast all contribute to a "patchy" appearance to the roadbed
along the
right of way. For your model railroad to be truly prototypical, you'll
want
to have a little of this inconsistency of appearance on your layout.

Thank you for your support of KATO products. We wish you much enjoyment
and
success with your model railroading.

Best regards,
KATO USA, Inc.

[Wdlgln005]

You could simply keep the sections of one color in a group before using the other color. Real railroads will use different ballast/rock.
I'd make a wash of earth color paint & have fun painting the roadbed. The ties could get a wood color. The whole thing could be weathered with oily or dusty colors.
Any paint will have to be compatible with the plastic. Water-based are the easiest to use & clean up! Testors makes great paint!