Is this a new Ballasting Method???

[Midnight Railroader]

superbe

I did my second session of ballasting today and it didn't go as well as yesterday. It's not the fun thing I though it was going to be.

 

It is funny how this hobby works. I see comments like this a lot, but I don't get 'em, because I love ballasting.

In fact, the sense of satisfaction I get from seeing the track after I'm done is one of the best feelings I have in model railroading.

[dknelson]

Almost anything that produces light constant vibration can, and has been, used for this purpose over the years.  I use an old palm sander, but have also tapped with a rubber mallet.  It really does help make the ballast settle in to the nooks and crannies before bonding or gluing. 

Dave Nelson

[superbe]

Hey RP,

I did my second session of ballasting today and it didn't go as well as yesterday. It's not the fun thing I though it was going to be. Ballasting and painting rail are on a par with each other. Your tooth brush idea sounds better today.

Bob

[faraway]

 My fingers are the best tool to get the ballast off the ties.

 I gently run the index or middle finger along the track between the rails. In the beginning there is vers little resistance because the finger rolls over the ballast on the ties. After some rubs the resistance increases as the finger runs on the ties only. You get a very good fealing in the finger when the track is ballasted well.

[superbe]

Hey RP,

I did my first ballasting today and it went well. I used a foam brush cut to fit between the rails to spread the ballast being carefull not to put too much on at one time. Then I tapped the rails with the foam brush handle and the ballast popped off the ties and the rails as well. In fact I'm anxious to do some more.

Bob.

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

I threw away my ballasting brush a while back, I was watching one of Allen Keller Great Model Railroad videos and for me the best part is the how to section usually some where in the middle and at the end. That being said I believe it was Rensselaer Poly Tech's layout where one of the club members used a piece of foam rubber for ballasting. Sprinkle the ballast with a spoon as always and just drag a piece of foam rubber cut to the size between the rails and just slide it down the resting on the ties. It cleans the ballast off the ties usually in one pass unlike the old brush method. Hey if the brush works for you great but I find the foam mush easier.

[tangerine-jack]

Congrats, you've discovered what the prototypes do to freshly tamped track, it's called stabilizing.  In a nutshell the track is vibrated at around 35 htz to settle the ballast and firm up the geometry prior to running a train across it.  You can literaly see the ballast settling and jumping off the ties when it is done correctly.

So even though you "discovered" the technique on your own (good job there by the way!) it's a common practice.  You can now say to visitors your track has been "stabilized"

[Midnight Railroader]

rp74

I sprinkled some Woodland Scenics fine ballast between the rails, and took my wife's "Sonic Toothbrush", turned it on, and applied the back of the head to the tops of the rails, and sides of the ties.

 

Nope,you didn't invent it. We've discussed using similar devices--usually electric razors--before on this forum.

[rp74]

In the past, I have really not enjoyed ballasting track, with the toughest part being just getting the ballast off the ties. It's a tedious endeavor, one I don't ever look forward to. That said, I think tonight, I have just discovered my new method! 

I am working on an N scale layout, ballasting Atlas track sections (no built-in road bed). I have always found ballasting track to be tiresome and frustrating. So, after fighting ballast with a brush on a foot or so of track, bringing back all those fond memories of what this was like the last time, I figured I'd try something...

I sprinkled some Woodland Scenics fine ballast between the rails, and took my wife's "Sonic Toothbrush", turned it on, and applied the back of the head to the tops of the rails, and sides of the ties. WOW, that was quick! Depending on where you put the head and the angle of orientation, the ballast jumps right off the ties. I can't even begin to tell you how elated I was! That toothbrush is MINE NOW! :)

I searched the web briefly, and did not find any method similar, just the age-old "brush the ballast off the ties by hand". I figured SOMEONE would've come across this already, but I haven't read it anywhere.

I plan to "dam up" the sides of the track with tape or some such, and do the same there...

It doesn't keep you from putting too much ballast on the track, but it sure does make quick work of straightening out the ballast! It's a real time saver, and well worth the cost of the toothbrush!

Not sure what the cost would be for something purpose-built, but I'm sure something could be conjured up. I have to say, it's actually FUN to ballast track this way!

I hope this helps someone else... I am really pumped about this approach! If you try it, you'll likely be hooked, and be well on your way to ruining a sonic toothbrush as well. Enjoy!

Take Care!
RP