Currently using Gargraves Phantom Tinplate track and Ross switches. I am thinking of ballasting the track in the near future however I am worried about rust. To set the ballast I need to wet it and then soak with white glue. Seems like a lot of people ballast their track. Just don’t want rusty track a month later. Any input or tips on this would be appreciated for those that have already done this. Attached are photos of a test section I did but is not yet glued.
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I've never had track rust after ballasting track. A light mist of water mixed with 2 or 3 drops of dish detergent then a 50-50 mix of glue and water. It will set up fine with no residual wetness.
Also, if you want it to dry quicker (and thus have a lower chance of rust) after you have finished applying the glue set a couple of fans to blow over it. Box fans, oscillating fans, ceiling fans, etc. This increased airflow will dramatically speed up the drying process which will lessen the chance for rust.
I ballasted my Menards track when I built my current layout around 2017. No rust issues have been seen.
Same here, both in process (watered white glue, plus wetting agent -- IPA, in my case) and in result (no rust):
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