HOW TO LAY BALLAST NEATLY
I’m about to try ballasting my layout’s track for the first time and, after a few trial runs, I’m feeling confident about how to secure it with glue. But how do I ensure the edges of the ballast are neat and straight?
Trevor Winter, by email
George says: Steam ‐era track often took on a manicured appearance, as local permanent way gangs competed for regional awards. To recreate this, all we need is patience and a similar motivation to get everything neat and tidy before glueing the ballast in place.
There’s no denying ballasting track can be laborious, despite various modelling aids being invented to help spread the loose material evenly. I’ve yet to be convinced by most of these and invariably reach for my old spoons and flat brushes.