After some inactivity, I have begun adding scenery to additional areas of my layout. I use Arizona Rock & Mineral products, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and diluted white glue. The new area, when dry, is somewhat darker than the older area, even after it has set for several weeks. I have used the same products and methods in both areas. Does anyone have any idea why this may be occurring?
Thank you,
Gary
Were they from different batches?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
A quick look at their website shows mostly rock products in various colours and sizes, most of it for use as ballast. Are you using the same product as used for your original applications, or perhaps bought a colour that's somewhat darker?
It isn't uncommon on the prototype to see different-coloured ballast on different portions of the same line. This could be due to the proximity of on-line quarries: buy from the nearest supplier, or, due to prices, buy what's most affordable.The majority of my original layout was ballasted with Woodland Scenic's ballast, and I deliberately used two different colours, as some track belonged to one railroad, and some to another.
On the partial upper level, later added to the layout, I used sifted real limestone ballast, given to me by a good friend in Ohio (he bought several tons of it for his driveway, and realised that it was suitable for HO scale ballast if properly screened).When that ballast ran out, I got limestone screenings from a nearby quarry, and sifted it to get proper sizes. However, once applied, it was not the same colour as the stuff from Ohio, despite both being limestone. The difference is not jarring, but is noticeable, much like I've seen in many areas while railfannning.
As for actually scenery (the area alongside the tracks) I use mostly Woodland Scenics ground foam, in various colours and sizes, and likewise for static grass from both Woodland and others. Even on a single tree, more than one colour is needed to represent the foliage on a real tree.
Wayne
Do you have fluorescent lighting? I had the same problem with the ARM asphalt. Fluorescent fades all the scenery over time. I had to redo my scenery every ten years or so because of the fading. Two years ago I replaced the lighting with LED lighting as LED isn’t supposed to fade anything.I don’t mind the fading or slightly off color with the ARM asphalt because it looks more realistic to me with slightly different shades.
I seal the asphalt with a 1:8 white glue mix, that slightly darkens the roads but the overall look looks good to me. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Arizona Rock & Mineral products are made from real stone. There will be variety from one batch to another.
I can plainly see some difference in bags of my CSX gray colour.
My solution, like with house paint, is to buy enough for the entire project, then mix it all togther so the ballast will be uniform from one application to the next.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I recently ran into the same problem. Dust tends to settle into the scenery materials causing them to fade. You can either wait for enough dust to accumulate on the newer scenery or try brushing on a little light gray weathering powder or pastel chalk.
Hornblower
I know it does not solve the challenge, but it could help in the future. When I am coming to the end of any scenic item I do not use it all (even if the job isn't finished). On buying a fresh batch I mix the old with a little of the old, then carry on.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
hornblower I recently ran into the same problem. Dust tends to settle into the scenery materials causing them to fade. You can either wait for enough dust to accumulate on the newer scenery or try brushing on a little light gray weathering powder or pastel chalk.
My first thought. Sugestions by others also can be factor.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
BigDaddy Were they from different batches? No, same bag of soil.
Thanks to everyone for their input. May just be a combination of things. Decided to remove the problem texture area and redo it.
RR_Mel Do you have fluorescent lighting? I had the same problem with the ARM asphalt. Fluorescent fades all the scenery over time. I had to redo my scenery every ten years or so because of the fading. Two years ago I replaced the lighting with LED lighting as LED isn’t supposed to fade anything.
Do you have fluorescent lighting? I had the same problem with the ARM asphalt. Fluorescent fades all the scenery over time. I had to redo my scenery every ten years or so because of the fading. Two years ago I replaced the lighting with LED lighting as LED isn’t supposed to fade anything.
Before I built my new layout, I removed the fluorescent fixtures and installed LED can fixtures in the ceiling.
I ballasted my new track work with Scenic Express ballast which I accomplished with several orders over a 3-month period. I did not notice any difference in the color or tone of this real rock ballast among any of the separate orders.
Rich
Alton Junction