How to Ballast

Paint the track must be the first step. Next, you must decide on a scale and color(s). Our most popular products are between 138 and 1302. Use your base color for general use. While the Yard Mix was for the steam engine servicing area and rail yards. You may want to purchase some brown to add some dirt areas.

If you’re modeling a prototype, pick the ballast that is representative of that railroad. If you are not a real railroad, you can get whatever color you wish. Also, don’t ignore the coarser grades for mainlines. You may be able to use them in other areas!

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The process of laying the ballast needs much care. You may get into a problematic area that you may not what the ballast or that color.

Gluing the ballast

Ever glue down the ballast till you are ready, and you don’t want any other changes.

Use an eye drop with 50% glue and 50% water. Start in the middle of the track and keep adding till the edge starts getting wet on the surface. This is so the ballast does not move from the water. We do not suggest that you use alcohol or other than glue. So add some dish soap to make it flow better. The glue will take several hours to dry completely. Best to dry overnight.

When dried or nearly add some powder of the same color or brown to add back some color, the was a loss from the water moving the dust that was in the product. When thoroughly dried, use the brush/ vacuum to find and lose ballast you don’t want. If the layout is not going to move, you can skip this.

If you’re going to blend multi colors, mix it, and store that first. Start pouring the ballast on the track from the bag or container. Pour down the length of the track. Use a paintbrush about 1” wide to brush the ballast into the ties and to the sides. If you need an area to be a bit dirty, add some brown ballast or some pigment now. If the track is old or abandoned, place some grass and dirt middle and alongside. Gluing the ballast Ever glue down the ballast till you are ready, and you don’t want any other changes. Use an eye drop with 50% glue and 50% water. Start in the middle of the track and keep adding till the edge starts getting wet on the surface. This is so the ballast does not move from the water. We do not suggest that you use alcohol or other than glue. So add some dish soap to make it flow better. The glue will take several hours to dry completely. Best to dry overnight. When dried or nearly add some powder of the same color or brown to add back some color, the was a loss from the water moving the dust that was in the product. When thoroughly dried, use the brush/ vacuum to find and lose ballast you don’t want. If the layout is not going to move, you can skip this

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