Balaasting against a card kit

Discussion in 'Hints & Tips' started by Dave C, Jun 8, 2017.

  1. Dave C

    Dave C Full Member

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    I can recall some weeks ago reading about ballasting against card platform edges somewhere either on this forum or in one of my dreams, and the problem of wet diluted pva affecting the card.
    I gave this some thought as I could foresee a similar problem looming on Setforth Junction in the industrial area where we have a brewery loading dock against the siding that was to be ballasted. The advantage that we had was that the brewery was not fixed down.
    The solution was to wrap the underside of the brewery and all around the edges with some decent quality cling film - the thin cheap stuff tends to tear easily on sharp corners. The brewery was then positioned ā€“ we did have an advantage in that to the rear of it was a sheet of foam board cut out to the shape of the brewery footprint so that stopped it moving but masking tape or pins could have been used.
    [​IMG]

    We then ballasted as per traditional techniques making sure it was tamped down right up to the loading dock edge, and left to dry for 24 hours.

    [​IMG]

    We then lifted the brewery clear and carefully removed the cling film at the same time, and pulled it away from the ballast. Result ā€“ a nice square ballast edge that butts up perfectly to the loading dock.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Also need to sort out the overlap on the dock paving by the doors

    We still have the main platforms to do as they are mdf faced with brick paper, but as they are only screwed down Iā€™m anticipating removing them, cling film wrap, ballst and reaffix using the same technique.
     
  2. Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    All I did was buy a small clear, matt spray from a model shop and spray the area's ajoining the ballast.
    [​IMG]

    Works very well.CheersRon
     
  3. Dave C

    Dave C Full Member

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    Ron - did it end up sticking the platform / wall down though? I still want the ability to remove.

    drc
     
  4. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Even with the Cling film, I'd still seal the card kit with matt varnish, it protects the model from moisture and fading - although some varnishes can change the colour of the printed inks :eek:

    Paul
     
  5. Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    No Dave, I sprayed the platform and the retaining wall away from the layout and let them dry before attaching them to the base board.

    Cheers
    Ron
     
  6. Dave C

    Dave C Full Member

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    Ron. Did you ballast first? If you ballasted afterwards then surely the pva would stick the platform and wall down?

    Paul. I can understand the matt varnish if in a shed or a loft, but we havn't found any problems in the room (well not so far but time may tell) and we don't get direct sunlight as the room is north facing. Would you still recommend the matt varnish?

    Drc
     
  7. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Hi Dave

    It's a good way to seal the printed surface, especially if you are going to weather it.

    Paul
     
  8. Ron

    Ron Full Member

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    No Dave, I ballasted after spraying but I use Ballast Bond not a PVA mix and the platform is staying put anyway!:)
     

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