N Scale Kato Unitrack Ballasting Tools

N Scale Kato Unitrack Ballasting Tools

[@NevadaSmith2]

Your layout is looking fantastic, Mike. Thanks for posting these tips. Luckily, I've completed my ballasting, but your first video was immensely helpful. One tip I'd like to add: just after you add Scenic Cement (or 50/50, etc), you sometimes end up with unnatural imperfections like portions where ballast washed done. To correct, I use a T-pin turned upside down to act as a mini ballast rake. Works better when the end of the T-pin is wet. Many thanks!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Noah, that is a great idea and thanks for sharing. Mike

[@samuelbrucker7189]

Love it great job and great helpers

[@dacuzzz]

hey Mike... great info ... i use a spoon from a fast food joint .. but the brush .. excellent idea.... thanks for sharing vinny

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Vinny , Mike

[@grandparails8858]

Great tips Mike! I look things differently since I got back into the hobby. Seems like everything has a million in one uses or more!

[@N-Scale]

I know , don't they ? Mike

[@DGModelworks]

Very helpful information Mike! Thanks for sharing. Deryk

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much for takin a look Deryk. Mike

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Mike • A sidebar question - May 30 - 31, 2014 - There is going to be a Model Train meet at the Tucson Expo Center, Sponsored by Gadsden Pacific Toy Operating Museum. I know you are a N Scale Modeler - This may make for a good video for your channel if they allow cameras. • Cheers from Michigan

[@N-Scale]

Gary we will not be there but will be at the one in November. Thanks , Mike

[@ModelerManMike]

Really great tips Mike! I never realized there was this vacuum tool your using. Do you know where I might be able to purchase one of these? Also, looks like Robin is enjoying her doll making. She is a real team player letting you get her in the video!

[@N-Scale]

She doesn't care for it too much but she will occasionally. Check down under RailBox200 below on where to get the minivac or www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Vac-Micro-Tool-Attachment-Kit-Vacuum-Accessory-Set-Beam-Nutone-Hoover-ALL-/121144619903 . Thanks Mike , Mike

[@ModelerManMike]

***** Thanks Mike! I will surely pick one up!

[@N-Scale]

ModelerManMike Pretty handy gadget. Mike

[@BriansModelTrains]

HI Mike - Good Video. Do you use the Kato ballast with the Kato unitrack? I have tried other ballast but I now use Kato ballast exclusively with Kato track. It is much more expensive but worth it. I will give the toothbrush thing a try. Hope my wife has an extra toothbrush!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , and while I am using Kato ballast , I have used Arizona Rock ballast and love using it as well. Mike

[@gerdeguelle1967]

Looking Great and à Nice idee Mike

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Ger and glad to have you keep an eye on me. Mike

[@aplinewalker]

very interesting and nicely presented,,,, can I ask what is your opinion on ballasting sidings ,,,,, do you use the same ballast ,,,, Cheers and thanks ...... Alan

[@N-Scale]

***** I do , but most folks use a different color or coarseness.Mike

[@pauldauzart4633]

Another use for old toothbrushes! They also work good when you are stripping paint off locomotive shells or rolling stock before you repaint them. Thanks for the tips Mike!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Paul , and a use I was turned onto many years ago was when you waxed a car you always had a residue around all the trim on a car. I was given the tip by a detailer to use the toothbrush to remove wax from around the emblems on the car as well as ant door seams and such. Mike

[@CornDogRandall]

Great idea with the tooth brush! I also see that you have a Jeff Gordon quote t-shirt. Im a Gordon fan if you couldn't tell. Anyways, keep the great videos coming!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Randy, always think half of 48....... LOL Mike

[@johnnyrailer]

Awesome mike! I like watching vids like this. Keep up the good work. Later, John

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much John , I used it again today and it works well. Mike

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

I bought one of those vac attachments for electronics. Now another great use for it. Thanks for the info.

[@N-Scale]

For sure Scott. They work great for cleaning out computers as well. Mike

[@themaddogyoung]

I'm thinking about tearing up and starting over on layout. if you had it to do over again would you use Kato or some other brand. I like the Kato track but there's a lot of people who say's it looks to toyish what do you think?

[@N-Scale]

It is all about what YOU like , not what others like. I like the ease of the unitrack but I also enjoyed Peco cd55. For me it would be a tossup. At my age I would likely do unitrack over again. Mike

[@charlesmitchell487]

I've seen some of your most recent videos but none really show your old layout. This is damn impressive! Thanks for all your help and stay safe

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Check here. www.fiferhobby.com/the-albuquerque-carnuel-tijeras-rr-actrr/

[@JohnAPrescott]

Great tips, Mike! Thanks for sharing. Best, John

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much John , I hope it helps. Mike

[@randypiasecki4161]

Thanks for sharing those tips with us. This is why i watch your videos. I pass along your ideas to my friends. This is what the hobby is all about to me.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Randy and don't forget to have them come and take a look as well. MIke

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Very neat tips Mike. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Fixit , seems you can never have enough toothbrushes. Mike

[@williammosher9278]

Thanks for sharing Mike. That tooth brush was a real neat idea

[@N-Scale]

I wish I had thought about it about 25 years ago or so. Thanks , Mike

[@TexasJeff64]

Mike I have that same vac accessories, they do work great.

[@N-Scale]

Pretty handy eah Jeff? Mike

[@ronb5781]

Thanks for the tips & techniques .... Great stuff you two!!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Ron , Mike