LO#11 - Touch-up on the Layout

 Before we got started today Marvin took his PRR K4 Pacific out for a run (just to test the track).

 

While much of the layout is still without any scenery work, the scenic end with rock cuts, tunnel, bridges and more is taking shape and is semi finished.  Before the tunnel portals can be enclosed the ballast must be applied to that area.  I use a small brush, normally used to apply flux to copper fittings before soldering, to apply full strength white glue to the side slopes of the cork roadbed and sprinkle a generous amount of ballast to the area.  I do this for about 6" into the tunnel and an inch or so outside.  After it sets for about 30 minutes I vacuum and collect the excess ballast using an old handkerchief over the hose end where it enters the machine.  By doing the sloped edges first it provides an edge to hold the rest of the ballast in place.  Now I pour ballast over the ties, both between the rails and over the ends of the ties, and use a small foam brush to level the ballast between the rails and level with the tops of the ties all the way to the edge where the ballast was previously glued.  When leveled I mist the ballast with a spray bottle of wet water (a drop or two of dish soap) until wet and then drop white glue diluted half and half with water onto the wet ballast and allow it to soak in.  When set I vacuum the excess as before.

This ballast will be just inside the tunnel portal.

Ballast as seen from outside the tunnel portal.  The edges need to be cleaned up before we close the tunnel.

Marvin has been painting the small creek bed and today started to apply gloss medium to give the surface a wet look. Several more coats ans some assorted debris will be added before it is complete.

Our little creek serves no purpose but to add interest to an empty corner.

Glen Larsen, introduced last week, was put to work lightening the dark gray I applied last week to the rock cuts by adding a coat of light weight shackle thinned with water and some 'sandstone' acrylic paint.

Rock cut and mine area with spur track.

That about does it for this Tuesday's work day.  Stop in again next weekend for more "Exciting" news and views.


Armchair