Hello. In video below I will show easy and non-risky method of ballasting turnouts. This method gives good results and is suitable for beginners and those modellers, who don't have large experience in ballasting. Ideal for ballasting complex turnouts (double slips and 3-way turnouts).

Rail laid and glued, terminal wires in place and channels cut to hide them. Scene temporarily attached to layout and powered and tested. All track and turnouts working great, no shorts or dead spots. Engine easily pulls/pushes cars in/out of the intermodal yard from the mainline. Next step, laying rails for overhead gantry crane and building concrete pads.

Recently I read, on a number of sites, new people to the hobby that are dismayed at the cost or freight cars and such. They where asking for advice on getting started in the hobby without spending a lot of money.

Back in November a friend took me to Caboose Stop Hobbies in Cedar Falls, IA. It is one of those hobby shops that you can spend hours pouring over the stock as they have both new ad used equipment. Something we all wish we had in our town.

Hornby has announced a new Steampunk inspired range of locos, rolling stock and buildings that will be marketed under its legacy brand name Bassett Lowke.

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/hornby-seeks-new-market-with-steampunk-models