traingeekboy Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 On 5/22/2016 at 4:36 AM, mick said: "I'm sure one day we'll discover the perfect solution to the ballast problem. I think it's as much to do with the adhesive as it is with the base you are applying it to. I'm not so sure that roofing felt is a suitable base - the slightest movement is enough to crack the ballast layer. In fact I'm sure that if I were to start again I'd look for other alternatives to a layer of roofing felt." I am leaning toward waterproof PVA or wood glue. I think Mick is onto something by mentioning that things crack and then it's ruined. Something flexible is needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQ Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 PVA sets really hard, as do most wood glues. It's one of the strange things people lay cork on the ply to reduce noise on indoor layouts and then they use PVA glue which sets rock hard, defeating the object. For in the shed I'm planning to use latex glues, for outdoors I'm thinking possibly, silicon sealant a thin layer with the ballast and track pushed in. There is a possibility of polyurethane glues, but it's known to foam if conditions aren't right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stese Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 I wonder if using a mix of waterproof PVA and washing up liquid would work. The washing up liquid reportedly keeps the PVA flexible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 SBR appears to be an ideal adhesive for ballast. Probably best to switch this discussion to the ballast thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussietmrail Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I may just do a light ballast, painting the decking gray, have seen some modellers use sand paper, I may go that way, with my layout being a module out door layout moving the modules and curved section ballast wont last,, rather put the money into track and points, just bought a second hand Aussie diesel loco I missed out in buying when it was out , will double head with my Indian Pacific train Tony from down under. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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