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How to Ballast a Track

One of the surprises people have when they first get into model railroading is that a track needs to be "ballasted" with a fine particulate to simulate the rock bed that real rails and ties rest on. This can take a little practice and patience, but the process itself is not particularly hard to do. It is important not only for the look of the layout but also as a means of cementing the track in place.

Things You'll Need

Cork roadbed
Hobby knife with No. 11 blade
Pencil or marker
White glue
Rail nails
Small tipped hammer
Sectional model railroad track
Fine grain ballast
Small jar or container with lid
Small disposable cup
Long-handled teaspoon
Funnel with 1/4-inch tip
Flat-tipped paintbrush
Thin cardboard
Clean water
Liquid dish soap
Misting bottle
Eyedropper or old glue bottle with dispenser
Clean rag

Instructions

Prepare the Roadbed
- 1
  Lay out the cork roadbed where the train will travel according to your plans and trim as necessary with the hobby knife. The edges of the roadbed should be cut at a 45 degree angle if they are not already.
- 2
  Mark the edges of the railbed on the layout surface with a pencil so you can keep track of how each piece fits in.
- 3
  Run a bead of white glue down the length of the underside of the cork and apply it to your layout surface one piece at a time.
- 4
  Tack in a few rail nails to hold it in place, especially around curves. Allow the glue to set.
- 5
  Lay down your sectional track according to your plan and secure with rail nails in the holes provided and an occasional drop of white glue.
Ballasting the Track
- 6
  Pour your ballast into your jar or similar container; use a lid to avoid spills.
- 7
  Pour an inch or so of ballast into your disposable cup, which will serve as your mobile reservoir for ballast as you work.
- 8
  Mix a solution of up to 50 percent white glue and 50 percent water plus one drop of dish liquid per every 4 to 6 oz. of water to break the surface tension. Set aside. The solution can be as thin as 25 percent glue, but the thinner the solution, the more it will flow out.
- 9
  Hold your funnel at a 45 degree angle at your starting point on the track and gently spoon in a few scoops of ballast with a teaspoon.
- 10
  Pull the funnel gently across the center of the rail segment, tapping the sides to release the ballast in an even flow. Repeat the process along the edges.
Finishing the Ballast
- 11
  Brush excess ballast gently along the rails using a flat headed brush until the ballast lies parallel to the top of the rail ties.
- 12
  Shape the edges with a thin piece of cardboard at approximately a 45 degree angle.
- 13
  Mist the ballast with water gently to prepare it to receive the glue solution.
- 14
  Apply small amounts of your glue/water solution between the rails in drops using an eyedropper or old glue bottle and allow it to seep in. Do the same along the side of the track as needed. The lighter your glue to water ratio, the lighter your application should be.
- 15
  Allow to cure to a hardened surface. A thin layer of ballast or glue solution may be necessary here or there to finalize the track. Using a damp, clean rag, wipe down the rails when the ballast is cured.

Model Railroads