Model Train Ballasting

Model Train Ballasting

How to Improve Your Model Train Track by Adding Ballast

So you’ve lain down your model train set and you realise there is something wrong with the track – yes that right there is no ballast there like you see on prototype railways. On the prototype the track ballast forms the bed upon which the railway sleepers are laid and it is the challenge of a model train enthusiast to replicate this effect. If we look in more detail at what is going on then we can see that the ballast is used to facilitate the drainage of water and to distribute the load on the sleepers and there is also the added benefit that the ballast acts as a barrier to weeds and other vegetation growing and interfering with the trains.

So how do we go about creating this effect on our model train layout?

First of all we need to consider that for the drainage to work then the track should be slightly elevated so the track should have an underlay of some description which will then allow us to have a small drop that simulates where the water can wash away. You can use cork, linoleum or any commercial underlay to achieve this. Once you have laid your model train track then we can consider adding the ballast. You will need to make sure that whatever you use is to scale so you could get some stones and chip them down to scale of your model train set or your could buy your ballast from the likes of Hornby, Woodlands Scenic’s or Faller. For ‘OO’ models it is recommended that you buy the ‘Extra Fine’ grade of ballast as the ‘Fine’ can be a bit out of scale for your model train set. Depending on your overall desired effect and scale you could add in some cat litter to add as white stone.

You can now proceed with the application to your model train track. Just sprinkle the ballast on top of the track and then use a brush to remove the excess which is above the top of the sleepers. Once you are happy that the stones are in the correct place then you can glue them in by applying a 50:50 mix of PVA glue and water plus a few drops of washing up liquid. To apply the mixture use a small hand held garden sprayer as this will give excellent coverage of the watered down glue to your model train layout.

Your model train ballast will then start to set in around an hour but for best results you should leave for 24 hours and then remove any ballast that didn’t set to the model train layout. If your ballast needs colouring then all you need to do is to add the paint to complete the application to your model train set. Don’t forget that the areas in station usually have oil leaked onto them and therefore have stained black patches or sections.

Once complete your model train layout will have that extra dose of realism that only adding the ballast can bring.