Ballasted tracks part2 - Printable Version

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Ballasted tracks part2 - foulrift - 06-07-2009

After reading , re-reading and looking at the pictures in my last post about yard tracks I went to my LHS for supplies and after thinking about what I wanted to do I go to work. I chose to do the two yard tracks,switchbacks and the industrial spurs. The only tracks I left alone was the track coming into the industrial park and which also makes up part of the run around track.
I first applied a layer of fine cinders,trying to cover as much of the ties as I could.I then hit it with 70% alcohol and the WS scenic glue.While this was still wet I applied some course ground cover (weeds). After everything had dried I hit it with another application of glue. I still have some more work to do on the track like adding oil streaks and perhaps weathering some of the visible ties.The pictures are not in any order.
Enjoy-Bob

[Image: track001.jpg]
[Image: track002.jpg]
[Image: track003.jpg]
[Image: track004.jpg]

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - nachoman - 06-07-2009

Those look well-used! Nice work Thumbsup maybe this will inspire me to get off my rump this afternnon and work on my yard! Goldth

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - foulrift - 06-07-2009

Thanks Kevin-it some doing to get off my rump and do this.

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - Puddlejumper - 06-07-2009

I like this one
[Image: track001.jpg]

I plan on having several tracks that look like this. I want to do at least one with the rails barely showing, so much that no one in their right mind would send equipment in there lest there be a derailment.

I was wondering if I could "plant" soft brush bristles so thick you can't even see the rails... and have equipment operate reliably on it.

Dave

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - nachoman - 06-07-2009

Puddlejumper Wrote:I was wondering if I could "plant" soft brush bristles so thick you can't even see the rails... and have equipment operate reliably on it.

Dave

I don't see why not. As long as you don't plant them too close to the inside of the rails, or higher than the rail tops, you should have no problem. Keep the flangeways clear, just like you would for a grade crossing. You could let the grass be a little taller between the rails, but it may interfere with coupler trip pins and cause derailments.

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - Puddlejumper - 06-07-2009

nachoman Wrote:
Puddlejumper Wrote:I was wondering if I could "plant" soft brush bristles so thick you can't even see the rails... and have equipment operate reliably on it.

Dave

I don't see why not. As long as you don't plant them too close to the inside of the rails, or higher than the rail tops, you should have no problem. Keep the flangeways clear, just like you would for a grade crossing. You could let the grass be a little taller between the rails, but it may interfere with coupler trip pins and cause derailments.

I'm going to experiment with it. No worries on the trip pins, I clip 'em.

dave

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - foulrift - 06-07-2009

Cheers with Kevin.If I were going to do what you are suggesting,I would take a length of track and experiment before doing it for real.That way you can make sure there aren't any problems.Then do it for real. Just my 2 cents worth.
Bob

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - eightyeightfan1 - 06-07-2009

You also should watch out for the wheel axels also. This could also cause a derailment. Just make sure your rolling stock passes over them.

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - e-paw - 06-07-2009

As long as the bristles are REALY soft It should not be a problem. Fake fur from a craft store may work well too.

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - Trucklover - 06-07-2009

Bob, nice work bud!! I like the grass on the dead end tracks, thats a great detail!! Thumbsup Thumbsup

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - railroader9731 - 06-07-2009

Hmmm looks like MoW has forgoten to spray some weed killer :mrgreen: Nice work you got there Bob Thumbsup

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - foulrift - 06-08-2009

Josh and Harry,Thanks for the replies.The MOW crew has been effected by the economy.Weed spraying not high on the priority list.
Bob

Re: Ballasted tracks part2 - railroader9731 - 06-08-2009

Hehehe so far so good on my railroad to where MoW still keeps track in line Misngth yet the economy has forced the O&W to buy 2nd and 3rd hand locos and some are still unpainted.