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Good morning crew, Inch - Sorry about that latest news on Sue, but we'll continue praying for her anyways - you just never know... JR - Glad to hear the news on that BP, I been there too many times myself! Scott - enjoying your videos, keep 'em coming! John - [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by der5997 Ken L:[quote]QUOTE: I would recommend a half-inch diameter brush - one that is just barely wide enough to span between the rails.[/quote] …I’ve been looking for mine for some time now. I know I had one before a major clean…I couldn’t have thrown it out, could I?[B)] Looking forward to your pics...[/quote] ...well, here they are - unfortunately NOT the greatest quality because I had to use a flash; I was in a hurry and didn't have time to setup the tripod. Also, since this is only a 'demo' stretch (never intended to be photographed), the rails were not painted - painting should always be done before applying the ballast. Image #1: Size matters - I put the various fluids in different-sized Elmers containers so I'll know which one to grab at the right time. At the bottom is the 1-inch diameter paint brush I used. [IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/ballast/Materials_Tools.jpg[/IMG] Image #2: Finger-pinched piles of ballast carefully dropped between the rails and beside them. [The track in the background is an industrial siding, I couldn't keep it from showing in the pictures] [IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/ballast/first_pour.jpg[/IMG] Image #3: Gently sweeping the mixture in the direction of the un-ballasted area, trying to keep the tie-tops clear. [IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/ballast/brushed_smooth.jpg[/IMG] Image #4: I tried like crazy to get a picture of the alcohol just barely dripping out of the smallest Elmers jar, but I couldn't do it. The point is, I want to avoid "squirting" the alcohol onto the ballast so it won't lose its carefully manicured shape - just let the stuff drip on and soak into it. Then, pour on the 50%water/50% Elmers mixture between the ties and outside the rails - do NOT let it puddle-up, otherwise the crushed walnut shell ballast will float up against the rails [not good]. [IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/ballast/gluey_mix_applied.jpg[/IMG] Image #5: Here is a section of track I did on Saturday which has already dried. I still need to cover some bare spots beside the track. [IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/CSX_road_slug/ballast/semi_finished_dry.jpg[/IMG] ...and that's how I did my ballasting. Probably not everyone's idea of 'the best way', but it works OK for me, for now... . . . Prayers for Sue and everybody else who needs healing. C-ya!
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