S2 E9 Ballast Vacuum System Update

[@BexhillWest]

Hi everyone, the main reason for uploading this video was to introduce the overseas distributors of the device. But during the edit I lost that part of the footage that I had prepared. I have included their links in the video description above and will give them an honourable mention next time. Thanks for watching, James

[@lassunsschaun6859]

You may need a "and I promtly forgotten to mention"-corner in your vids ;)

[@Captainpubwatch]

Hi James, like others I can’t believe this idea hasn’t been snapped up and I agree there’s nothing wrong with promoting your work. This would be such an excellent tool to so many modellers and it’s clear to see the amount of thought and effort that’s gone into it. People definitely deserve to hear about your work and I’d hope that business takes off in a bigger way than you describe. Many thanks for your video and sure I’ll have a great time viewing the others on the channel, all the best : )

[@vincenthuying98]

James, you’re amazing, you’ve made ballasting into a true science. Love the way you’re ‘expanding’ your business. Last but not least, your humble viewer most certainly doesn’t consider sharing your innovative designs and gadgets a ‘shameless advertisement.’ On the contrary, it is a joy to see where you are taking this!!

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Vincent. I'm having my working hours reduced in my day job, which on one had is great as I'll have more hobby time, but on the other my income will obviously shrink. I'd love for this to grow to a point whereby I can enjoy time being creative with a little financial bonus. But in truth I'm motivated by sharing ideas and I enjoy making these silly videos. I don't want anything to take away from that joy for me. Thanks for the support, James

[@pierre-de-standing]

@@BexhillWest Maybe it is time to get some sponsorship for your channel as others have done? I sponsor many creators, not huge amounts, but it doesn't seem fair to expect people such as yourself to give so much and get nothing in return.

[@TheLoachman]

"Do I *really* need to watch yet *another* how-to-ballast video...? Apparently, yes, I did - four, in fact, and all in order. And you, good and brilliant sir, have another - and VERY impressed - subscriber. I'll place an order for a Ballast Buster and vacuum kit in the near future. It'll be quite a while before I'll have need of them, but I want to make sure that I have them well in advance. I'll be watching the rest of your videos over the next few days as well. Many thanks ...

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you very much. I'm pleased you enjoyed the videos. :)

[@pierre-de-standing]

Absolutely brilliant stuff James. I can't believe that someone is not prepared to take this on so a special thanks for doing this! Don't be ashamed of having to act like a business, I respect your humility. Many thanks too, to your partner for enabling this. I'm also impressed not just with your attention to detail and modelling, but the presentation, including choice of music. If you are doing things in one take, as I suspect you do, then you are a natural. Take a bow.

[@pierre-de-standing]

Just received this with a lovely note from James. Not in a position to use this as of yet, but thought I should strike whilst the iron is hot. Ballasting must be one of those "chores" in model railways that folk seem to detest, I'm pretty sure this will make light of this and I'm looking forward to seeing how I get on the near future. Cheers Kames and Karen.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. As I mentioned in my note, I do hope you enjoy using the device. Let me know how you get on with it. :) My best wishes, James

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Enjoyed the video hope to see more in the New Year.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you so much, there’s plenty more to come. See you next year!! 😀

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

@@BexhillWest Thanks very much for replying to my comment. Hope you like my video's and see you in the new year.Take Care & Stay Safe.

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Hi James - Best wishes for 2022. My only regret with your ballaster is that it wasnt about when I ballasted my track as the results would have been much better. Those coach seats really look good and great for kit builds . Looking forward to more videos.........................Keep Safe.................Cheers Kev

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Kev, Not sure how I missed your comment, so sorry for the late reply. Thanks for the feedback, and of course, all the very best to you and your family for 2022. Take care, James.

[@jonswinfield9336]

I can’t wait for this to be released I hope it’ll come with clear instructions

[@BexhillWest]

HI Jon, Apologies for my delayed reply, you can check the device out at www.makeitminiature.co.uk You can contact me with questions etc, via the contact form there. Best wishes, James

[@darenedwards63]

That piece of kit is something I wish I had when I ballasted track Life would have been easier !

[@stocktonjunction]

I got the vac sets. Still waiting for the spreader. The one u showed previously is ideal I know u said still needs refining but I think it was fine when u showed it previously..also if it spread perfectly then no one would want the vacuum bit lol.... id be happy to buy one as is. As ideal 👌

[@BexhillWest]

I hope you are pleased with the vacuum bits. I should have the spreader up on the site this weekend. Thank you for your interest.

[@ianshawyer9789]

Once again James for your update and also exciting projects to look forward too. I admire your engineer skills, why beyond my limited skills. Thank you for your regular updates, Happy New Year to you both.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Ian and a very Happy New Year to you too. My best wishes, James

[@peterpocock9062]

James, if you don't tell us, how will we know? Mind reading is one of my major weak points! However, loved your carriage seats, clever. Actually it was all clever.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Peter, that is kind of you to say. Best wishes, James

[@davidorf3921]

Nothing wrong with a shameless plug, they are neat little products at a very reasonable (compared to many model railway items) price, I'm looking forward to lots more videos for the coming year :-)

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you David, and a Happy New Year to you. I hope your project is progressing well.

[@davidorf3921]

@@BexhillWest I have hardly had any time to spend on my project in the last 6 months, I would mind less if I had anything to show for all the work I've been doing instead :-(

[@williambryant5946]

With the ballast vaccum, how does it only pick up the ballast that's not supposed to be there? Do you put down glue before you sprinkle on the ballast and it only vacuums up what's not glued down or is the suction low enough that it won't suck the ballast from around the ties? I my have missed a previous video on this and if I did let me know and I'll watch it. It's a neat product and looks to work well. Stay well. -Wil 👍

[@BexhillWest]

Hi William, There is no glue down, the device simply picks up the excess ballast leaving the remainder between the ties. Glue would be applied only after the ballast had been levelled with the vacuum device. In practice it seems like magic and it certainly speeds up an otherwise monotonous task and gives very consistent results. Thank you for your interest. All the best, James

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

I am getting ready to put your devise to use , over two years since I ordered it, I might want the adapter piece

[@SimonLivertonCentral]

Very nice components, will your Ballast Buster be on your website Jan 1st? If yes I will wait and order one, plus these components in January...Simon

[@SichardRamuels]

Hi James, This is amazing! Any plans for a TT one?

[@petertownsend8276]

Another fascinating video. Many thanks. Happy New Year to you. Pete.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Pete. Happy New Year to you too.

[@moodymaddog]

I love the vacuum cleaner tool and the clever way of collecting waste material. With the bucket adapter, instead of flange with two fixing holes, why not a plain flange with a rubber washer and extend a threaded pipe through the bucket where a nut or knurled collar can screwed on. Similar to how taps can be fitted to plastic buckets. Hope you don't mind the suggestion,

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you for the suggestion ‘Maddog’. I did experiment with that as a set-up but found that the threads were liable to shear if overtightened. Additionally, it would become a 2 piece print which would slow down production and push the price up. If I had injection moulding facilities then your suggestion would be perfect. That said, the separator in its current form couldn’t be injection moulded anyway. A useful work around would be to cut the top from a bottle and use that as a ‘flange’ through a hole cut into the lid of a tub. Thanks for the suggestion though, I never mind constructive input - I welcome it. Thank you. All the best, James

[@davidmurphy9078]

Hello James and a very Happy New Year! I have just tried to order your Ballast Vacuum system but still not available for delivery to France? Maybe you were distracted by the celebrations! ;-) However, great to see your updates and ongoing projects - you certainly keep finding them, so I'll be staying tuned for your future updates. Best wishes, David.

[@BexhillWest]

Happy New Year to you too David. Yes, I have been distracted over the New Year period, but not too much celebrating 🍾 I promise. :) The site has now been updated with the European shipping so should work for you now. Thank you for your ongoing support, it’s really appreciated. All the best, James

[@rudolfst]

@@BexhillWest Dear James, I just now tried to place an order for shipping to the Netherlands, but I still get the message that shipping to the Netherlands is not possible. Regards, Rudolf Stammis

[@BexhillWest]

@@rudolfst Hi Rudolf, the Netherlands has now been added to the list of countries. So it should all work now. Thank you for your interest, James

[@rudolfst]

@@BexhillWest Thanks James, it was now possible to place the order, regards Rudolf

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

Hi James. I love your engineering and design skills. You shouldn't feel the need to apologise for promoting your product. Once you've explained what the product is it will sell. I've just ordered from Amazon the extra bit of kit. May I wish Karen and yourself along with your family and friends a happy and prosperous new year. I look forward to watching your channel as always. Cheers Jame 🍺

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Steve, Happy New Year to you and your family too. Let's hope it's a good one. :)

[@gordonmcillroy455]

Seasons Greetings James and Carol. I really enjoy watching your videos and products evolve. Shameless plug ? Well how else will we get to know about it if you dont let us know . No shame in that. LOL. My wife and I sell on Etsy as well as Amazon. But generally we find Etsy easier to use , less demanding and cheaper especially if you are mostly selling in the UK. Going further afield can get complicated with customs regulations which just add to the time and expense. We have set Tania up as a sole trader. She has no other income. Like you we keep all our bills and sales records for HMRC and keep a good record of all we do on spreadsheets so submitting an annual return is not too onerous.We have intentionally not registered for vat as that requires 3 monthly returns and adds another layer of complexity. This year will be our first return so hopefully it will go ok. Tania does have knowledge of book keeping so again we are trying to avoid the expense of an accountant. Happy selling :) Gordon and Tania.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Gordon and Tanya, this is simply an extension to my hobby so I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible. Fortunately the online shop keeps great records which is good for me as I'm not the most organised person in that respect. I tend to be good at creative things - everything else has me baffled. :)

[@Dave_at_Its_My_Model_Railway]

Hi, yes I think I will head on over and order a complete set, OO Vac + screw on separator, N scale / 009 Vac + bolt on separator and a Ballast Buster OO & N if possible :)

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Dave, Thanks for your interest. I'll be posting the items on the online shop hopefully this evening, if not they should be visible tomorrow. Thanks for watching, James

[@bobtodd7687]

Are you considering an 0 gauge version of your track cleaning kit?

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Bob, Yes I am. Hopefully I should have something available in a couple of weeks time. Thank you for your interest and best wishes, James

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi James. Happy New Year to you and Karen. Ballast Buster (great name!): You recommend the mini-vacuum set from a certain on-line supplier; while you may not recommend using a mini-vacuum with your system, would it work and how well?

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Paul, I’m not sure what you mean by a mini vacuum. I’ve tested the device with several standard domestic vacuum cleaners, including a dyson, Henry, etc. all work well. But I’ve not tried it with a mini vacuum so wouldn’t like to comment upon how well it would work. Perhaps others who have tried it might be able to answer your question here in the comments. My best wishes, James

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

@@BexhillWest By mini-vacuum I mean those battery-powered, hand-held ones many modellers use for cleaning their layout. I realise that they are not all the same and have different suction abilities.

[@videomalc]

Hi James Thanks for the update. I've done some ballasting with your gadget and it works well, lots more ballasting to do in 2022. I could not help but notice the tweezers you were using. They look really good. I asked Santa for a new pair but he failed to delivery. Could you possible give me some details of them , make , model a link? Thanks and keep up the the great videos.

[@BexhillWest]

Hi, I'm sorry for my delayed reply, I've missed a couple of the comments from this video and am catching-up. Thank you for the feedback, I'm pleased you are getting good use of the tool. :) I've found these tweezers really useful as they are of the locking variety, they came in a set from Amazon. Here's the link, amzn.to/3A0emal All the best, James

[@bryanlane62]

Well James, you’ve certainly been pretty busy ! It’s great to see that you’ve produced the N Gauge vacuum head, I’ll be keeping an eye on your website as I’ll be placing an order for one of those - not because I have any N Gauge, but because I have some OO9 gauge tracks on my railway for narrow gauge trains, and of course, it’s 9mm like N Gauge. Just a thought, perhaps you should consider offering that as a N/OO9 applicator ? It’s a gauge with growing popularity with many Ready to Run models being made available so lots of people are adding it to their OO railways. I’ll also be ordering one of those connectors so that I can improve my “pot collector” - it’s actually a pot that fresh soup is sold in from supermarkets, so like the fizzy drinks bottle, readily available. That’s a great video James, it demonstrates your very capable engineering skills which I for one find very impressive. I wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that 2022 is kinder to is all. Take care.

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you Brian, I’d noticed your narrow gauge line from the video clip you sent. I’m assuming some sort of beach gravel extraction line given your location. I will produce a 9mm gauge applicator as well, that’s the next item on the list. Thank you for sending me your video clips and I’m sorry it’s taken so long to include into a video. I’ll send you a N gauge version for you to experiment with. All the best, and Happy New Year, James

[@lassunsschaun6859]

rather more N, TTm, H0e/ H0n2½/H0n30, OO9, Sf/Sn2 and 0p got the same model gauge of 9mm but different scales H0, OO, Sm/Sn3½, 0e/0-16,5 and Ii got the same model gauge of 16,5mm but different scales as there is a system behind the model scales /gauges proportions ;)

[@bryanlane62]

@@BexhillWest Many thanks James, I’ll look forward to seeing it. Good timing as it happens as I’m just about to embark on ballasting my station and carriage sidings for the OO9 part of the railway.

[@Vman7757]

How do I buy the N scale Ballast Vacuum System? I could use this for my layout. I do have a EPAX 10 3D resin printer I could print it from. I have been interested since I first showed it on an earlier video.

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Vincent, where are you based. If I’m the USA, then check out ‘mpeterll’ on KZbin. His latest video gives ordering details. N gauge devices on the way to him now. My best wishes, James

[@Vman7757]

@@BexhillWest I just preorder an N scale set from Him. I am in Sacramento California USA. But he did not have the new Ballast Buster spreader for N scale. Can I get that from you?

[@BexhillWest]

@@Vman7757 Peter will have some stock of spreaders when the N gauge vacuum parts arrive in the US. I’ll let Peter know that you are after one. :)

[@Vman7757]

@@BexhillWest Thank you. I look forward to putting them to use.

[@mack042]

where can i purchase this system thanks

[@Schottlandrockt]

Hello James, do your shop post to continental europe? I tried it some time ago and I couldn't place an order.

[@BexhillWest]

Hi there, Yes! I forgot to mention it in the video. The shop will be updated this evening and continental Europe will be added as a shipping destination. Thank you for you interest. James

[@rudolfst]

Yes! That is marvellous news!. I will place an order from The Netherlands tomorrow. 😀

[@mrcdales]

Hi does anyone know how I buy one please just found the channel and love it but desperate buy this great device

[@BexhillWest]

Thank you for your interest, Take a look at the link below. www.makeitminiature.co.uk Best wishes, James

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Hello James , do you ship to Canada

[@BexhillWest]

Hi James, I don’t but I’m sure Peter from ‘mpeterll’ on KZbin would be able to. Check out his latest video. He is now distributing the device in the USA and I’m sure shipping to Canada would be easier for him. Thank you for you interest. If you have no joy then do get back to me. Best wishes, James

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

James, because it is made in the Uk, shipping cost from US much higher , would get charged duty etc. much easier to order from the UK direct

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

James I found your web site , 10 pounds for the kit =18 cad or order from the US 20 USD = $25 CAD plus shipping plus 13 % plus a handing charge , cheaper to buy direct from the UK

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Hi James , just verified shipping cost from the USA to Canada is 25 USA, very expensive shipping to Canada from the USA

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Hi James , so do you think you can ship direct to Canada

[@wayne2584]

Hi James, Just tried to place an order and it says you do not ship to Australia.

[@BexhillWest]

Hi Wayne, You can order directly from Darren at www.modelrailroadtechniques.com He will be able to hook you up. Thanks for watching, James

[@joshop3093]

Hi James Great video again James I do admire your skills and what your achieving. I am one of your customers from West Wales. It was good to see your subscribers results with the ballast spreader as I haven't used mine yet as I not at the ballesting point of my layout. But was keen to support you in your endevers Have you a price for the new addition to the kit. Are you working on any other refinements for the future? You could offer a scratch building and 3d printing service to your business but I think you have to go full time as the quality of what you produce is a credit to you and you be inundated with orders. I for one would be a customer, saying that I wish you and your family a happy new year please stay safe and looking forward to future projects and videos

[@BexhillWest]

Dear Josh, Thank you so much for your very kind comments, as you are the first to come back to me with such undeserved praise I'd like to send you the new items as a New Year gift. Maybe you'd be kind enough to give me your feedback on them when you get around to your own ballasting project. As for developing the shop, well that really is just an extension to my hobby and I'm keen that it doesn't become too burdensome and loose its fun. We really enjoy sending little parcels out, and the feedback has been really positive and very motivating. Thank you so much for your support. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, James

[@joshop3093]

@@BexhillWest Hello again James Thank you very much for your kind gift I accept it with much gratitude and many thanks, please let me pay the postage. And of course I will send you feedback. May I say the quality of your modeling and videos is a bench mark to all others and payment enough for my support but thank you again for you gift. This is the invoice reference #PEDN-126930 dated June 20th from my purchase Nigel H. I just like to say again thank you and wish you and your family a happy new year

[@joshop3093]

Just a thought James Have you seen a chanel marklinofsweden he has a huge following and reviews products and could be a outlet he seems a very jolly fellow on his videos Anyway thanks again