Simple Tricks for Cleaner, Quieter Ballasting

Let’s talk about noise -- not the sound of the train coming down the tracks, which we want to hear, but the unwanted noise that may be heard when the sound of the train moving on the metal tracks is transferred to the underlying plywood structures.

Modeler Martin Tärnrot has solutions, two simple ballasting tips that reduce annoying noise on the layout. You can cover the plywood with thin XPS board. Alternatively, you can add a line of glue to the side of the roadbed and then add the ballast. Martin explains how to do these and why they work.

For more on ballasting, check out Martin’s How To Ballast Fast and Easy video at the link.