AN IDEA FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO USE BALLAST.

It looks good, Jim.  I'm all for easy.

Or use Fastrack.

I happen to like the look of the track on cork as is.  But then I have been told I'm an odd duck...

Hey GRJohn,

Not only does this look more like ballast with cork and GarGraves, we are talking 50% less than the cost of Fastrack plus with the GarGraves flex, we have much more flexibility in layout design..  I guess it is to each his own.

Jim

What we need is a liquid ballast system that sets up firm yet can be removed fairly easily.

A form (shaped on the sides like ballast would be shaped) that the roadbed and track would sit in and the ballast poured in it until it gets to the height desired (on the sides and in between the ties).

After it sets, remove the sides of the form (the bottom of the form would be left underneath the roadbed, or make the bottom of the form the actual roadbed) using serrated sections so it could be pealed away (like a cardboard box top) or cut it away using a knife.

Hey, if they can pour concrete to bend around in your yard this should be just as simple.

Jim, I was joking.  Actually, it looks pretty good, that's something I never thought of. 

I think this is a great idea Jim. 

also don't forget fleck paint!

Amazing!!  Looks pretty good and I can see that by adding just a little ballast along the edges, it would work like a charm!...

Alan

I'm in Jim's camp. Lazy plus adding little rocks to my train is something I would certainly screw up somehow.

My approach -- pending -- is fleck paint as I have a bunch of the Floquil Gravel. Then cut into little strips and slide between the Atlas ties. Probably time consuming but I'm in no hurry and my layout is pretty small.

My plan is to use Midwest cork painted gray with some black over spray and a thin coat of ballast....but not as full as some apply.