Beechcroft Model Railway- #32. What Ballast Blend to use?!

#hornbyrailways , #modelrailways , #bachmann , #modeltrains , #oogauge
Having spent a week getting frustrated with the tunnel entrance area, I’ve finally turned my attention to the diesel yard - this will be the last bit of ‘action’ for 2023.
I’ve made some progress but time has caught up so I’ll not get this area finished now until the New Year. I did spend quite a while deciding on the ballast blend to use…
Season’s Greetings to everyone and thank you very much for all your support.
andyjxf​@yahoo.co.uk
/ @grandadstrainroom-pn3tt

[@EssexThameside]

Hi Andy... I like it...a lot 👍 Keep em coming. Have a great Christmas Brian

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

👍. Cheers Brian. All the best to you

[@johnstephens649]

I mixed some black into the ballast for my depot which gave quite a pleasing result, dulled the colour down and helped the inevitable grubby look. Enjoyed watching your progress in 2023, hope you have a great Christmas/New Year in sunnier climes and look forward to more from Beechcroft in 2024!

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks very much. Apologies for the late reply. All the best for 2024. Take care, Andy 👍

[@briansewell7263]

Lovely update Andy, on my yard (before I ripped it all up for a rebuild) the ballasted areas where diluted wash if dark humbroll paints, sleeper grime from Railmatch and neat gloss varnish in patches. Non ballast area got painted with General Muck from the Green Scenes range. Like you random green foliage added. I did use an air brust for most of my running lines after i had weathered the rail sides. (Note to say my yard was a steam only yard) I feel your angst for the temperature and rather envy that you have a proper room above the garage, I have to put up with just the garage itself. Have a lovely festive break & hopefully Santa will bring you something to run on your layout

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks Brian. Apologies for the late reply - switched off while on holiday so as not to get into trouble from the wife! Some great ideas - I might look at the neat varnish idea. Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year. All the best for 2024. Take care, Andy

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Andy. It's coming along great. Wishing you a very Merry Xmas and all best wishes for the New Year.

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thank Paul. All the best to you too mate. 👍

[@fmheathen2800]

First time visitor and I really enjoyed watching that, great work. I have quite a few of the same elements on my layout such as those amazon lights and also the coal tower you have there. I can see you have put that lean to on it such a great idea!

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Oh wow. Thank you. Yes, I’m hoping the Amazon lights will look ok 👍

[@exehavenharbour]

Hi Andy, all up to your usual standards mate, I like the blend of ballast you used in the end, it looks the part especially with the roof dirt. I think lots of people weather their ballast with a brush, I have an airbrush but to be honest I think brushing paint on and using weathering powders is the way I’m going to go with it. Happy Christmas and enjoy your break, cheers for now, John

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks John. I find it easier. All the best to you too mate. Andy 👍

[@garylaker4335]

Loco depots always have filthy track work . Very little visible ballast, mostly blue metal fines (easier for crews to walk on) and grime. Due to slow moving, oil and soot dripping loco movements.

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thank you. Some great insight there 👍

[@brucewoods9377]

Looking great

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks 👍

[@_RandomPea]

Am I the only one that now wants a KFC with gravy and chips ?? 😂

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Haha 😁

[@Steve-MillersGreenTMD]

The layout is looking great 👍🏻 Like you, I just use a brush to weather my track. I'm building it up slowly because I have never done it before. But I might follow you in using roof dirt watered down 🤔 Enjoy your Christmas break.

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks. Give it a go! 👍. All the best to you too.

[@CharlesPruden]

The yard is looking amazing. You might want to look into additional insulation for the garage ceiling.

[@Grandadstrainroom-pn3tt]

Thanks. Yes, could do or I could stop being tight and put the heaters on! 😂