Bachmann 39002 N Scale Ballast Spreader

[DeltaBravo]

Has anyone used this ballast spreader, if so what are your thoughts and can you share some images of your completed project?

http://www.factorydirecttrains.com/bachmann39002nballastspreader.aspx

[Chris333]

My ballast spreader is a thumb and index finger 

[DeltaBravo]

My ballast spreader is a thumb and index finger 

I used a spoon and a 1 inch foam brush, but this looks faster.

[mu26aeh]

I use one that is very similar.  It goes on a little heavy so you still need a brush or your finger to clean off tops of ties and then touch up the shoulders.  Works great until you reach a switch, so you need to make sure you don't have a ton of ballast in hopper when you get to a switch as there is no way to stop ballast coming out of bottom.  I just would add a little at a time until I reached switch.  Best to work on some test track tacked to a piece of foam etc until you get the flow and how much material gets you how far.  I will check my photos but in meantime you can check out the CSX Hanover Sub engineering thread to see some.

[DeltaBravo]

Thanks, look forward to your photos.

[mu26aeh]

Here are some shots that you can see the ballast after being cleaned up.  The first photo with the CSX MOW train shows the ballast before cleaning it up, moving it with brush/finger etc.

20160915_213156[1] by Adam Henry, on Flickr

20160117_202906 by Adam Henry, on Flickr

20160320_195732 by Adam Henry, on Flickr

20161031_193633 by Adam Henry, on Flickr

20161113_150917_001 by Adam Henry, on Flickr

[DeltaBravo]

Thanks for sharing, is that Westvaco building from Lee?

[mu26aeh]

Yes, I ended up with that and the power plant when the layout came down.

20150228_082841 by Adam Henry, on Flickr

[DeltaBravo]

Nice, Love to come check out your layout in person if you have visitors. I'm in Ownings Mills.

[dckuk]

I have used a very similar product acquired locally here in the UK (runs left hand lol) and am pretty much happy with it:

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Easier to fill and keep moving using a small 35mm film canister, but some shaping is required after ballast goes in. The shape comes out pretty good, even for a few deep areas where the track was off the cork in a couple of small locations, but a touch up here and there is practically required.

I still use the spoon and brush for small areas, repairs, and detailing (second color ballast, etc) as no one tool seems to do every job.

[Steve Smith]

I use a hamster water bottle to apply ballast.   It allows the ballast to be accurately placed and is easily held and controlled in one hand.

Steve

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I use a spoon and some brushes.

Oh, and grout, which lays down like actual rock, and stays put.

[DeltaBravo]

I use a hamster water bottle to apply ballast.   It allows the ballast to be accurately placed and is easily held and controlled in one hand.

Steve

Ok Steve, that is a new one. Did you have a hamster water bottle laying about?

[dckuk]

I bet the hamster was mad...

Does seem an interesting choice, and the directional control would be great.

[Steve Smith]

Ok Steve, that is a new one. Did you have a hamster water bottle laying about?

Hi David

I used one my daughter had in her hamster cage.   Unfortunately the hamster died a short while later from dehydration.

Cheers,
Steve

PS : just kidding, no animals were harmed while building the layout !