Model Railway Forum

brian1951 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 08, 2022 1:13 pm A ballasted set up is classed as a layout, a un-ballasted one is a train set.

Here Here----- I did think that but did not have the cheek to write it.

Brian posts lots of things like that to wind people up. Usually works a treat.

All ready with the pop corn

brian1951 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 08, 2022 1:13 pm A ballasted set up is classed as a layout, a un-ballasted one is a train set.

I'm happy with my train set!

sandy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 08, 2022 6:01 pm All ready with the pop corn

Enjoy. Rest of us are too busy with our train sets.

What would a length of track although ballasted be called, baring in mind running aswell.

Ooh..! What a lovely discussion, can I add my 2 pennorth, please?
I think it is all a personal choice and what an individual is happy with. I have been modelling for many years, but still not very good, and have constructed several layouts. The choice of material for the baseboard will dictate to some extent what fixings can be realistically used. I have used compressed paper board and had experience with sagging despite being framed and supported to manufacturers instructions. With the track pinned, using very thin Peco track pins, the pins project through the underside of the board which leads to skinned knuckles and money in the swear box when installing wiring. Ballasting is an absolute swine to shift if repairs are needed, and this is where realism comes into play, loose ballast is dangerous to get into point blades, or rolling stock, but unlike the real thing, it is very difficult to dig out for track replacement. Every time I have attempted to take up ballasted track has ended up with buckled sleeper moulding and damaged rails. On the other hand, I built an extension and laid reversed hardboard over OSB as it is a loco shed that I am trying to build; thinking the textured surface would save me a lot of glueing and spreading stuff) and this material is definitely one where holes need to be drilled whatever fixings are plannned. Unfortunately, some track alterations were a 'bright idea' after laying and painting areas, so I now have holes, although small, in various areas. Any comments, yes there is a rabbit warren underneath the loco shed!
At the end of the day all I can say is - your hobby is yours alone ( unless you are in a group) so accept whatever you opt for and keep modelling.

The secret when ballasting is to use a weak water/PVA mix. I use something like 80/20. Takes a little bit longer to dry but when it does the ballast has a consistency of toffee so can be removed extremely easily causing no damage whatsoever.