I tried to post this under Tips and Tricks but a system message said I wasn't allowed, so here it is...
I read and used the great ballast techniques you have all written and will see the results of my work tomorrow when everything dries. One thing I did discover (and you more experienced and wiser ones probably already know this trick) is that a 1 ml syringe worked GREAT at placing the water/detergent mixture and the water/glue mixture exactly where it was needed on the track. I found the smaller the syringe (no needle of course!) the better flow control. I tried an eyedropper but didn't get the same amount each time - and working on N gauge - that made it tough. With the syringe, it was no problem at all. Since I'm using Bachmann EZ track, which has a plastic roadbed, I found it difficult to get the ballast to stick to the sides of the track roadbed. The surface was too slippery to hold the ballast in place. I used a stronger glue mixture and a syringe and was able to place just a drop of glue/water between each rail tie exactly where it was needed. Hopefully tomorrow, the track will look the way I wanted it to be.
You can get a syringe (for free) at any pharmacy, Target, Walmart etc...and the smaller the better. They are normally given to parents for free with children's medication - espically for newborns - so ask around...somebody is bound to have one. You can also use them as a mini-vacuum...simply use a dry syringe to suck up ballast or debris by pulling out the plunger. Granted, the amount you'll remove is small, but in some cases that may be just the thing.
I read and used the great ballast techniques you have all written and will see the results of my work tomorrow when everything dries. One thing I did discover (and you more experienced and wiser ones probably already know this trick) is that a 1 ml syringe worked GREAT at placing the water/detergent mixture and the water/glue mixture exactly where it was needed on the track. I found the smaller the syringe (no needle of course!) the better flow control. I tried an eyedropper but didn't get the same amount each time - and working on N gauge - that made it tough. With the syringe, it was no problem at all. Since I'm using Bachmann EZ track, which has a plastic roadbed, I found it difficult to get the ballast to stick to the sides of the track roadbed. The surface was too slippery to hold the ballast in place. I used a stronger glue mixture and a syringe and was able to place just a drop of glue/water between each rail tie exactly where it was needed. Hopefully tomorrow, the track will look the way I wanted it to be.
You can get a syringe (for free) at any pharmacy, Target, Walmart etc...and the smaller the better. They are normally given to parents for free with children's medication - espically for newborns - so ask around...somebody is bound to have one. You can also use them as a mini-vacuum...simply use a dry syringe to suck up ballast or debris by pulling out the plunger. Granted, the amount you'll remove is small, but in some cases that may be just the thing.
