A Look At The Layout | Common Model Railroad Questions & Answers

[@ethannixtrainschannel8806]

I like the video of the main track M-K-T MODEL RAILROAD CHANNEL!

[@MainTrack]

I sure appreciate that!! Thank you for joining us here on the channel. -Mike

[@byronbrownfield1041]

Hi Mike. Woodland Scenics fine ballast in the gray blend for the mainline. Spurs get a mix of Woodland Scenics fine cinder, brown and real dirt. I stick with Woodland Scenics because, as you mentioned, it looks okay and is readily available.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Byron! Perfect…great MKT modeler minds think alike! I haven’t experimented very much with using real dirt. any tricks to getting it right? WS “dirt” is one area I’ve not been 100% satisfied with, but it does the job for now. -Mike

[@cp368productions2]

Woodland scenics, I actually will be using the cinder ballast since my current project is a 1920-1960 era which is when they used cinders not rock. The cinder ballast will also be used with fine ballast when I do the big layout, depending on location. The steel mill will mostly be cinders representing spilled coke and the grime from the steel mill but some fine ballast mixed in. While other places will have a little bit of cinders to represent the few pieces of coal that fall out when there are regular coal trains. A couple power plants will be almost exclusively cinders for the same reason as the steel mill.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! That sounds like a great project! While cinders weren’t widely used by the time of my modeling era, I do recall see seeing examples in the 1980s of cinders on certain old spur tracks. I do have a bag of WS cinders I acquired a while back and plan to put it to use somehow, somewhere! -Mike

[@pkilznah5353]

Awesome layout ✊🚂🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MainTrack]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping in and watching! -Mike

[@Allford9-yf6zr]

Thank Mike. Always enjoy your video's on your amazing layout. Anxious to see you get those crossing signals operating with lights & sound.

[@MainTrack]

Hi there! I always appreciate you watching! The crossing signal video is in the works as we speak and should be available tomorrow here on the channel. They turned out well and work great. I'm looking forward to showing them in the new episode! -Mike

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Thanks for the Q&A video!

[@MainTrack]

Absolutely, thank you! I enjoyed your recent DCC video! -Mike

[@randydobson1863]

hello main track trains it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks friends randy

[@MainTrack]

Hi there, Randy! I appreciate you joining us. Thanks so much for watching! -Mike

[@d.a.dawson3090]

Looking and sounding great there, Mike! Thanks for the update.

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Dan!! -Mike

[@bigvanillasmooth6772]

Absolutely love your layout!!! AWESOME!

[@MainTrack]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching! -Mike

[@FlyingCrow]

I use Woodland Scenics fine ballast but I make my own blend using various colors to match what KCS used in the 70's in my area. I also add a little #50 gray ballast, which is even finer, from Scenic Express to add a little variety to the size.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I haven’t used any of the Scenic Express ballast yet. I need to try that out! I may have to ask you for your color recipe down the line when I eventually get the point of modeling the KCS-Katy interchange at Eve, MO. The two roads exchanged quite a bit of traffic there. -Mike

[@FlyingCrow]

@@MainTrack sure thing.

[@Perfusionist01]

Nice video. Ballast: personally I tend to use Woodland Scenics "gray blend" on my CB&Q trackage and a mix of Arizona Rock and Mineral on my UP lines. I also used Arizona "pink lady" on my CNW "dummy track" that crosses the CB&Q at grade. Woodland Scenics is GOOD stuff and, as you said, readily available and is often discounted. Their ballast is made from crushed walnut shell material and which can be a bother during neatening and gluing. The AR&M is crushed rock and stays where it is put (at least for me).

[@MainTrack]

Hello! That’s great to hear you’ve had good luck with the Arizona ballast. I plan on experimenting with it some more. I know a lot of guys swear by it! Thankfully, I don’t usually have too many floaters with the WS as I wet it down pretty good with alcohol before glue. But inevitably there are strays sometimes and they are indeed a pain to pick out. I appreciate you watching! -Mike

[@georgiasunbelt]

Use the #40 blended grey ballast from scenic express...pretty close the NS ballast i've seen on their tracks...all of my industries are "scratch-bashed", enjoy doing it...that power plant looks really cool...nice work

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I appreciate the compliments. Some structures are more of a challenge than others- but you've got to do what you've got to do to have the building you need! I will have to look into the Scenic Express ballast. I have seen their products around but haven't used any of them just yet. It will be good to try them and compare to Woodland Scenics! -Mike

[@ThomasKlimoski]

I use ARM ballast on my current layout. I like it as it does not float like other ballast made from walnut shells when you wet it to glue it down. I think real stone looks and works the best no matter what brand you prefer. The disadvantage of ARM products are the long shipping times directly from ARM if they are out of stock and availability to buy it at local hobby stores. Enjoyed the video and the Q&A format, great job.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Thomas! Thank you for watching! I definitely see the benefits of the ARM products. Personally, I’ve not had too many problems with floaters with my WS ballast. I normally spend (way too much) time sculpting the “rock” with a fine brush and then misting it with alcohol before putting the glue mixture on. I do plan to experiment some more with the ARM products. I have two more bags (which finally did arrive) that I don’t want to waste! -Mike

[@bobainsworth5057]

I agree, fine works great for HO. . I unfortunately figured it out late in my track construction.😊

[@MainTrack]

Hi! I also leaned this after I had constructed a previous layout. Thankfully, I was able to make the change for this newest layout. It’s a lifelong learning process! -Mike

[@andyberry4346]

i just saw this, in october, and you're done with your power plant model, but i wanted to leave a tip anyway. i once did a resin aircraft model. i had to heat my hobby knife, which in turn heated the resin. that was the only way i could make clean cuts. heat softens the resin a bit, but you still have to be careful and exacting about how much pressure you exert upon it.

[@MainTrack]

Hello, Andy! I do appreciate this tip. Who know what additional resin structure kits I’ll run into? It was definitely a pill of a project, but I will know next time. I’ll also pass this on to others and I’ve had some viewers inquiring about the structure. -Mike

[@coxsj]

First time viewer... love the underpass scene near the power plant, but it all looks great. Lots to be proud of in your Sedalia Sub layout!! Thx for sharing - Coxy

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I sure appreciate the kind words. Thanks for stopping by and watching. I have lots more in the works! -Mike

[@adriengadson3544]

All my questions answered here about the ballast used. I have that color and others and will check a few other colors before my decision....thanks for your opinion here.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! You bet...hopefully that helps some. Picking a ballast color can be tricky, especially since sometimes the color can change slightly after you have put the alcohol and glue down. It can be an issue of trial and error. -Mike

[@kimrok1]

Great looking layout! Scratch building and kitbashing can be a challenge, but it sure does look good.

[@MainTrack]

Hi there! I sure appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching! -Mike

[@KraigSickels]

I use exact same product as you do Mike . I use the Woodland Scenic Gray fine blend and I fine it an excellent choice to use 💯 !

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Kraig! Yes, it works pretty well. I know some guys have mentioned they don’t like the “floaters” from Woodland Scenics ballast. However, I have never personally had that problem as long as I give it a good spray of alcohol after setting it in place and before I put the glue down. I may need to mention that process in a upcoming scenery video! -Mike

[@KWE.ECLECTIC]

I use a mix. In my area the ballast all looks different. I do not go by what certain rail names claim to use because that just does not hold water in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. I see a mix of red, gray, white, and dark gray. The Waukegan yard in Illinois actually features mixtures from the south end to the north end, and the size of the ballast runs fron thick to fine.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I agree about the ballast colors. It used to frustrate me trying to find the exact color match. But, the more photos I looked at, the more I started to notice slightly different colors of rock in various locations and timeframes. But, I've come to realize most rail company didn't use a single, uniform color for every mile of its mainlines. -Mike

[@chrisbell52310]

I love the look of the M-К-Т layout having been through Sedalia, though unfortunately after abandonment. - I am planning on using: AzMineral cinders in the sidings, have several bags stocked up. Have NCE power cab.

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Chris! It’s always nice to hear from someone who has been there in real life and recognizes the scenes on the layout! -Mike

[@randallellison6421]

Layout looks awesome Mike!

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Randall!

[@bradleyogden5688]

I'm planning on my future Industrial layout will be using real alkaline soil that is around the old Western Pacific's right of way. Since I'm planning on using tractors and trailers for shipping items from railcar to the customer / distributor, the roadways will be made from "used asphalt". If we're not using used asphalt you'll see limestone fines. So both house tracks you'll be lucky to see any ties. At the Home Shops, car repair facility will be ballasted up to the last fifty feet. Then it will be a concrete aprons in the front and back. Tracks around the warehouse will be lightly ballasted if any at all. Unknown brand, size and color. Once one the 3.5% grade up to the two other Industries will be lightly ballasted also. Once on the top, and into a siding, the reverse move will go onto a long single track that sees an occasional hopper cars with ingredients for adult beverages, since it's off and away from the non railfans, and away from the brewery it will be some what covered in weeds maybe a a stalk or two of corn to break up the usual branch line look. We'll also unload animal feed here instead of on or near the house tracks. Now at the the end of the siding I'm planning on building a plastic manufacturing facility. I'm thinking of nearly white ballast and or limestone fines from the switch to the bank side of the facility so they can show off their items and easy enough for a fork truck to move around with ease. I'm planning on using new asphalt for the main road that runs behind the Home Shops, warehouse, and in front of the fire department and BettyO's fine outdoor diner.. Near the Heavy Equiipment Shop will be sit up the same way as the car shops except for a 20' ft apron. Right now I'll be using "coal ballast" that I found on etsy to imitate used ballast. On the other side of the shop where the locomomotive will enter the building with be concrete pads. Can't to see more updates on your layout. Bradley, CEO and Modeler of the Bonneville Industrial Terminal and Transfer Co and the Bad Ass Brewery Enterprises.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Bradley! It sounds like you’ve got a great plan for a very detailed layout! I bet you’ll have plenty of industries to keep you busy. I really like your idea of using real soil for the scenery. That is one thing I’ve not tried, but have heard of several other guys using that. Admittedly, I’ve not been super impressed with certain “soil” products from some scenery manufacturers. I suppose nothing best using the real thing! Please keep us updated on your progress, Bradley! I appreciate you watching. -Mike

[@johnchambers5029]

Very nice Mike. I wish someone made ballast that looks like the mine chat from around Picher that so many roads around here used.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, John! I agree…that would be cool. That’s definitely a unique color in itself. I bet it would take some trial and error trying to mix various colors to get what you’re shooting for. -Mike

[@buckyc.9069]

Since the Katy had easy access to all that chat from the lead mines in s/e ks. that's most of what you saw on the Katy and the MoP, until the upgrades came. A lot of it can still be found.

[@MainTrack]

Yes, I do recall similar colors of ballast being used by both MP and MKT. It seems UP came in with a darker color. -Mike

[@ryanhull3171]

I like the NCE Power Cab. It is easy to program with.

[@MainTrack]

Great to hear you’ve had a good experience with NCE as well! It has done well for me so far. -Mike

[@robertcooney8831]

Great looking layout 😊

[@MainTrack]

Thank you for the kind words, Robert! I appreciate you joining us and watching! -Mike

[@donaldkormos5529]

Really like your underpass bridge ... great modeling!! Maybe you have a video on how you made it. All the best ...

[@donaldkormos5529]

Found it on your video list!!!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Donald! I sure appreciate that. It was a lot of fun researching and constructing. I did touch on the overpass on episode linked below. It’s not a how-to, per se, as I built it before I started producing these videos. But, I did give a little background. Thank you for watching! -Mike kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6jLiWCjlsaZi80

[@MainTrack]

Looks like you found it! Haha. Thanks again, Donald!

[@brfriedm]

Take a look at the TCS DCC command station. The future of DCC. and their wireless Wi-Fi throttles are amazing. Forward and sensible thinking in their design. No more proprietary wireless. Wi-Fi baby.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I’m going to check that out. I am weighing some options and that one sounds worth looking into! I appreciate it. -Mike

[@buckyc.9069]

At least when you model the Sedalia Sub, since it was "dark", you didn't hafta bother with any fancy schmancy signals.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Bucky! That is true. I love signals, so that’s one small drawback to modeling this route. There were of course signals at the interlockings, so I’ll be able to include some of those later on. -Mike

[@chrisbell52310]

Do you have many modelers in Springfield area? I know of the OMRA, been to the S-field show a couple times. Have seen тне West Plains group, and been to тне Lake Ozarks store. Would like to know more about your operating scheme. I enjoy watching, I keep re-running your episodes as I was building benchwork last fall.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Chris! Thank you…I appreciate you watching! We do have quite a few modelers here in the area. The OMRA is a great group. I’m not part of the organization as my work schedule wouldn’t allow me to attend their evening meetings and operating sessions. But, I enjoy visiting when they have open houses and set up for events. I plan on highlighting some of my operations in upcoming episodes. I’ve had some other guys inquire about the same. I’ll work on cranking out a video about that! -Mike

[@randygates364]

Well, I’ll disagree with others. I use ARM exclusively on my nscale layout. I particularly like the way it doesn’t “float” like the ground up walnut shells used by WS. Besides ballast, ARM makes a bunch of concrete and paving products. The biggest downside is that they have a lengthy, and mean very lengthy, shipping time.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Randy! I am planning to experiment some more with the ARM ballast. It will definitely have a spot in my upcoming concrete plant project. I have been lucky and haven’t had too many stray floaters with the WS ballast. Misting it with alcohol before the glue has helped me quite a bit, but it’s not always a perfect solution- and sometimes I still have to pick pieces out of the rail profile! -Mike

[@Bobdole4373]

They do make a great product

[@sernajrlouis]

Cool video

[@MainTrack]

Thank you…I appreciate that! -Mike

[@ethanarmitage5611]

❤

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

Can you do a how to video for like the trees, grass, ballast and such?

[@MainTrack]

Hi there! Yes, I am planning to do some scenery how-to videos pretty soon. Stay tuned! -Mike

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

I will stay tuned for the videos, looking forward to it to because In few weeks after my grandfather's birthday we will be starting a new layout, grass and scenery has been hard on our layouts so it'll help out a lot, Thanks!

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

​@@MainTrackalso, there is this Gondola on athearn, here's the name, RTR 65'6" MKT Mill Gondola, just incase you need a MKT gondola

[@darenhamill9881]

Hi

[@MainTrack]

Hello, Daren!

[@AbelG8781]

I am NOT.....repeat.....NOT a fan of ARM ballast. Way over hyped. Woodland Scenics fine ballast is always a winner. ARM N scale ballast was nothing more than powder in a bag. Never again.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Abel. I was also hard pressed to see why ARM was better than WS- as some guys claim. I could see why some people might have needs better suited by the ARM, but I didn’t find it to be superior in any way. I am, however, planning on using all this ARM ballast I bought for gravel piles at my upcoming concrete plant scene. It’ll be good for that! -Mike

[@AbelG8781]

@MainTrack oh I can definitely see the use of ARM for gravel loads as that's what I did for my rock train! For ballast, I'll stick to WS and I guess ARM for unused sidings or industries.