up; the ballast sort of “puffs up” as it dries and looks gener-
ally lumpy, and the ballast separates from the edge of the ties
by about 1/16 inch in places. I’m contemplating switching
to water/dish soap as the wetting agent. Does anyone have
some suggestions?
– Mike Lozensky
A.
Ballasting is one of those model railroading basics that
sounds simple but can be very difficult and frustrating to get
right. The issue comes up frequently on the MRH Forum.
Let’s approach the issues one by one.
Questions, Answers & Tips -
1
1: Charlie Comstock selected different colors and sizes of
ballast at Sheffield Creek at Oakhill on the Bear Creek &
South Jackson, with a tall, orderly profile on the mainline
at right, and older ballast on the siding. Grass and weeds
are creeping into the siding. Charlie Comstock photo.
MRH-Jan 2013
