Cowes
Trackwork
Track
Plain track is SMP "scaleway", while the pointwork is handbuilt using soldered construction with PCB sleepers. Rail is code 75 nickel silver, and the track gauge is 16.5mm ("OO" standards). Turnouts are electrically powered using SEEP latching turnout motors, and switched using vintage Hornby Dublo levers. I have experiened some problems with the SEEP motors, notably the latching springs shorting out on the polarity switches.
Ballasting
I ballasted the track carefully using Woodland Scenics fine buff ballast, bound together with PVA adhesive. This was an exercise in learning by experience, and the most recently ballasted track looks better than the earlier track. I have found that the best results were achieved by using the least ballast possible to cover the ground. The method used was as follows:-
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The track is primed and then sprayed with Railmatch's "sleeper grime"
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The ballast is sprinkled on and coaxed into position with a finger tip and a small paintbrush. It is worth taking care at this stage, particularly to ensure that stray ballast does not get on the tops of the sleepers.
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The ballast is carefully wetted from an eye dropper with a solution of washing up liquid diluted with a little water. I got the right mixture by trial and error - it is right when the liquid "shoots" straight into the ballast without disturbing the ballast
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A solution of PVA diluted with water and a little washing up liquid is then flowed into the ballast in the same way. Depending on conditions, it can take days to set, although I reduced mine to a matter of an hour or so by using a fan heater. The finished result should be rock hard.
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The sleepers are picked out in Raimatch's "Sleeper Grime".
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