Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Ballast trick

4760 views
31 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,280 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Friday, February 4, 2022 9:02 AM

mbinsewi

I just used a brush, and "swept off" the ballast.

What I don't get, with the vacuum, and the ballast not glued down, one would think that it would suck it all up.  Confused

Mike.

 

+1   Yes

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, February 4, 2022 9:01 AM

I just used a brush, and "swept off" the ballast.

What I don't get, with the vacuum, and the ballast not glued down, one would think that it would suck it all up.  Confused

Mike.

  • Member since
    February 2017
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
  • 655 posts
Ballast trick
Posted by hbgatsf on Friday, February 4, 2022 8:47 AM

I came across a video where a vacuum was used to remove excess ballast from the ties before gluing it.  You can see it here at about the 18:52 mark.

https://youtu.be/v6G7D5k0kpc?t=1129

Has anyone tried this?  I have been working on ballast for the past week and this is the part that I am having problems with as I can't seem to master tapping on the rails with a brush handle or spoon to get the ties clear.

Rick

Rick

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!