I recently picked up a 4x8 layout from an old folks home that they lost interest in. It is made up of Bachman EZ track, but the thing is...they put large woodland scenics ballast on it.
I'm not planning on using this track for other than temporary layouts, I actually disassembled it and its all removed from the foam covered layout board. The track was adhered to the foam with caulk so it was east to pop off. But the ballast...it seems like its on there pretty good. What is the bast way to get the ballast off the track sections-especially the 4 turnouts?
Thanks for any help!
DJ
I would soak it in water and hope they used white glue.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I'd try to get off as much ballast as possible, first with an old tooth brush, then with a wire brush (perhaps best done outdoors) but not so vigorously that you are seriously scratching the ties/roadbed. Then I'd try Henry's advice -- and I'd say, use hot water. And remember you probably don't want ballast doing down the drain, so again this might all be stuff best done outdoors.
Assuming the water/hot water somewhat softens the ballast there may be some physical effort left for you to do to get more of the ballast off, perhaps with an old screwdriver or spatula, or even a dental pick or hobby knife with an old worn blade.
If it works you'll end up with nicely weathered EZ track!
Dave Nelson
How mutch is your time worth? Use as is? or consider it a good idea that didn't work
Douse with 91% rubbing alchohol. If that doesnt work, nothing will, as long as the adhesive is something other than a CA, which I tend to doubt. 91% rubbing alchohol is the universal solvent in this hobby as far as I am concerned.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
If they used diluted white glue, you can reactivate the glue with warm water. A gentle scrubbing is usually all it takes to remove it. I don't have any experience with Woodland Scenics ballast glue. A gallon of Elmer's Glue-All will go a LONG way when diluted with wet water.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Marlon, I am not sure but I believe that WS ballast glue is nothing more than dilute white glue.
Even matt medium will desolve if soaked in water for a week.