So you are saying that after I have the main line set that I ballast it and go on? The industry tracks I am going to leave flat on the table at least that is my thought or should I raise them too?
Really no reason to lay cork or otherwise raise the industry tracks. Assuming you're using the same track for industry and mainline, the lack of riser will give a good contrast between mainline and spur. Just be careful not to create a vertical corner in the process; maybe a short run of cork off the main, sanded to taper down to the base.
I'm saying for your main line... Once all your track is down and you don't have anything else to do to the main. Then ballast it... As far as the industry goes. That's your call. I have a little yard off of my main and I'm just gonna fill it in with sand. If you paint the rails? Paint before you ballast. It's way easier. Plus u won't have to worry about getting paint on your ballast. You can paint after ballasting just have to take your time and be careful. Good luck my friend on whatever you choose to do. And please post pics
I'm with eagle on the industry. Which is why I'm filling that part of my layout with finely graded sand.
That's also a good idea. The difference in the ballast color/texture will also help differentiate different categories of track.
I picked up a 50 pound bag of sand from Home Depot and yesterday I came to find out. There's little rocks and different sized sand. Which now I have to get a screen and filter everything. I'm kinda happy cuz now I'll have sand plus little rocks to put down once it's all separated
OK I came back early and I was thinking what about crushed Oyster Shells for ballast, I can buy it in 20# sacks at the mill, I use it for my egg layers? Jim Cushing, Wi
I've always gotten "playground sand" from K-Mart or the local hardware store. It tends to be fine without li'l rocks, pebbles, etc.
I found that the playground sand is more of a whitish color. I want a golden brown. But yeah the playground sand is all sand. No rocks. No sifters needed lol
