Yet, another in a long line of ballasting questions.

[bearman]

Has anyone tried applying a thin layer of latex adhesive caulk along the bevelled edge of the road bed, then sprinking on some ballast, letting it set and then applying the rest of the ballast using the white glue/water mixture?

[Don Z]

Bearman, 

I haven't heard of anyone using caulk to do that, but I did learn of using full strength white glue do stick the ballast to the shoulder before ballasting the roadbed. I think it would be easier to spread the white glue than applying such a tiny bead of caulk.

Don Z.

[bearman]

Don,

I have heard of that also, but I figure running a bead of caulk along the shoulder and then running a finger over it to smooth it out might work better than the white glue because the caulk sets faster. 

[Don Z]

Bear,

I'd say give it a shot on a small section of roadbed for a test to see how well it works. I'm not that good with the caulk gun; I'd end up with caulk all over the place!

Don Z.

[bearman]

Don,

I probably will give it a shot unless somene can convince me otherwise through experience.  I'd rather not learn the hard way if I can avoid it.  As for using a caulking gun, I've found that cutting the opening less than what it is supposed to be works like a charm.

[mobilman44]

Hi,

I use the usual dilute white glue with a drop of detergent and it works just fine.  I've not tried using caulk on the layout but am very familiar with it for home use and woodworking.

As an adhesive it should work just fine, but the problem is color.  White glue dries fairly transparent, so it has a leg up here.  Of course you can get silicone or latex caulk in "clear", but it will either give a shiny appearance and/or yellow somewhat in time. 

But the proof is in the pudding as they say, so give it a shot and let us know how it works out!

ENJOY,

Mobilman44

[Don Z]

Bear,

You can avoid the shiny clear caulk problem by using colored caulk. I have seen grey latex caulk at one of the Big Box stores...(HD or Lowes)

Don Z.

[loathar]

Caulk gets a skin on it pretty quick.  I'd stick with white glue and a cheap brush.

[dehusman]

Why would you want a thick gob of caulk to glue the ballast on  Only the bottom layer of ballast will stick to the caulk, unless you submerge the ballast into the caulk and then you can't see it.

If you use glue or matte medium it sticks ALL the ballast regardless of how deep it is.

Dave H.