I have layed the track for a 4x8 layout of mine and i have ballasted the edges of the track to eliminate that harsh edge, and i was wondering is it ok to spray on scenic cement instead of dripping it on with a pipette like Cody does? Thanks, Travis
You can spray on the scenic cement but unless you do something to protect the rails you will have an extensive cleanup job to do. You really need to soak the ballast to get good results so many prefer the pipette method for better control. I'm sure that some will answer that they are happy with spraying.
Joe
Well I have a bright boy and an Aztec cleaning car so i think cleanup would be pretty easy. But maybe i can just use the spray method in the tunnel where it wont get anny abuse.
Travis Malek i was wondering is it ok to spray on scenic cement instead of dripping it on with a pipette like Cody does? Thanks, Travis
Travis...
I've had excellent results with a diluted matte medium(20/1) sprayed directly on the ballast and then using the eyedropper to apply a heavier application (4/1) on the area sprayed - you can add a drop or two of mild soap detergent but not too much as this can create more headache than satisfaction.
I mentioned using Matte Medium as opposed to diluted white glue because Matte Medium dries to a tough but flexible bond that will work well with plastic surfaces and allows for expansion/contraction - white glue does not.
I'd practice on a test section first, to make sure you get the results you want.
I hope this helps and wish you the best on your project.
Post some photos for us so we can see your progress.
Thanks,
HeritageFleet1
Travis Malek I have layed the track for a 4x8 layout of mine and i have ballasted the edges of the track to eliminate that harsh edge, and i was wondering is it ok to spray on scenic cement instead of dripping it on with a pipette like Cody does? Thanks, Travis
Yes you can spray it on but as noted it will take some more cleaning. But on a 4x8 it shouldn't take too long to clean. This is not the case with turnouts though. Be very careful with them and oil the linkages before you start and don't spray them with glue.
Springfield PA
Keep in mind that unlike Kato or Bachmann "click track", the Atlas track sections pop right out of the true-track ballast sections. I used some on my last layout, and it was nice to be able to separate them so you could say weather the ballast strip and seal it in without having to worry about getting the track messed up. So you could remove the track, ballast the ballast strip edges, seal it in with spray or whatever, and then pop the track sections back in. (I would use the opportunity to "paint" the rail sides with Neo-lube from Micro-mark, and paint some of the ties contrasting shades of brown and/or gray before putting it back together.)
The idea of ballasting is to cover the plastic. I'd leave it on the roadbed while doing the job.
As for doing the rails Floquil has paint markers available that make it easy to do the rails. The tip is pretty sharp. Just run it down the sides of the rails and wipe the railhead and you're good to go.