jimbob Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 The same idea crossed my mind as well. Think it's a matter of getting the mix ratio right though. If you try it let us know the results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 Update... Astonish 'Flawless' is now simply known as 'Wood Floor Polish' It is my ballast fixative of choice and at one pound for 750ml it's a bargain! And it still smells nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Sticky ballast - has anyone tried it? http://www.rapidonline.com/hobby/noch-9394-ho-tt-sticky-ballast-grey-300g-55-7820 Looks like you pour it on wet and it dries rock hard. May be worth a look albeit a bit expensive. I'm assuming it may be a less messy way of laying fixed ballast than mixing sand and floor polish together Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 First time I've seen it. Two questions need an answer... is it waterproof and is it real stone? If you get some I'd be interested to know how you get on with it. You don't have to mix ballast and floor polish, you put the ballast on dry and then dribble the floor polish onto it using a syringe or pipette. Ian R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 According to the Noch website it IS real stone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 IanR said: You don't have to mix ballast and floor polish, you put the ballast on dry and then dribble the floor polish onto it using a syringe or pipette I'll be there for weeks! Does it work if you pre-mix it and dump it on (obviously protecting the tracks first) ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted June 18, 2015 Author Share Posted June 18, 2015 Quote Does it work if you pre-mix it and dump it on (obviously protecting the tracks first) ? I've never tried it that way so I don't know... It would probably take longer that way anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ba14eagle Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 I recently conducted a test laying of ballast on my new railway. The Johnsons floor polish I used didn't set the ballast at all and after the first rain fell, I was left with a mess. I then found Astonish in my local B&M store. I purchased 4 bottles and started laying more ballast. This is where I encountered another problem The Astonish has stuck the ballast, but doesn't actually stick it to my recycled plastic trackbed! As soon as the sun went in and the moisture set in, the edges of the ballast shoulder started to curl up. I then reverted back to using the SBA glue, that I used on the old railway, having found it my Dads garage, and this seems to stick the ballast down to the recycled plastic with no problems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted July 29, 2016 Author Share Posted July 29, 2016 I'm actually using pound shop superglue now to repair missing ballast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1013 Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Hi guys I have tried a small test track with medium granite ballast and Astonish wood polish. Having dribbled over the ballast and left it to dry it was quite firm. After a rainy day I noticed that the ballast was loose although it hadn't moved. I wonder if I should have used a second application of polish after the first was dry. Would a final coat of a Matt varnish help or is it not needed. I haven't laid ballast before so I want to get it as right as I can first hit. You are right though, smells lovely. Cheers Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riddles Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Trevor Jones has always used slightly diluted SBR on his Great Wakering Flackwell Heath & Whitefield Railway. See his post #16500. There can't be many garden railways that have stood the test of time like his although some maintenance is inevitable. Riddles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I've followed Trevor's lead and used SBR on a couple of sections of Amblethorpe. They have both been down for over 6 months now and I don't think a single chip of ballast has moved. I had given up ballasting areas open to the elements, but having used SBR successfully I will get back to it this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQ Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I've just been reviewing ballast glue threads on this site and elsewhere, I've also reviewed a few of the specifications of the various glues. I previously said I prefer latex glues indoors and now I'm thinking i agree with previous comments that SBR is the way to go. SBR which is a latex glue for outdoors. It is weatherproof except for not being light resistant. I'm thinking any under the ballast would be hidden from the sun and therefore that would not not be affected. SBR has the advantage also of not being hugely expensive it's about £18 for 5 ltr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traingeekboy Posted June 26, 2017 Share Posted June 26, 2017 Ok, what is SBR? womderong how I cam source similar over here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQ Posted September 30, 2017 Share Posted September 30, 2017 (edited) SBR is a additive for concrete, used the make concrete more waterproof and flexible. You should be able to find it in your hardware store in the concrete additives aisle. SBR is a latex additive. You can also find PVA additives for cement and a 5 ltr Bottle of that is a good cheap source of PVA glue. Edited September 30, 2017 by TheQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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