Another ballasting question

[trainfan1221]

Lets just say ballasting takes a lot of patience. I had to try many times to get it right. Still not sure I did.

[Eriediamond]

Fergmiester, as usual there are many different methods of doing things. I've found that by painting the road bed with diluted Elmers glue on the outside of the track then sprinkle the ballast on before it dries, not worrying to get the ballast position just right as the painted on glue will do that for you, speeds things up. The loose ballast then can be swept up and used later leaving a nice even ballast line. you then go back and do the between the rails part and add to the side where it needs it, the traditional way and mist your diluted glue to hold things in place. By painting the glue on first will determine where the ballast will be. Saves all that time getting the ballast to look just right if you can understand my ramblings here[:)][:)]

[MAbruce]

I found (as with almost everything) it will go faster as you get the hang of it and find an optimal pace.

Fortunately, this stage is only done once (at least per layout)!

[Anonymous]

Throwin' rocks isn't a fast thing if you're doin' it right.

[Fergmiester]

I spent close to 5 hours ballasting yesterday and what I accomplished was this:

1 double track bridge c/w deck
2 turnouts
3 parallel tracks
1 bridge embutment
1 underpass over

This was over 4' in length and up a 3% grade with 2" banks on the high end.

I'm not bragging or boasting about this, more to the point Is this a normal time frame to get so little accomplished? I hope not, as this is just the tip of the iceberg [:(]