Ballast Cleaning

[Miamigo259]

Does anyone else have problems with moss and other forms of growth on some parts of their layouts?
Part of my line is permanantly in the shade due to a hedge & fence, and with the "delightful" weather we have had so far this year, this section has never dried out and therefore I've not run the line outside for about 6 months now, concentrating on the OO & N layouts indoors and basically "giving up" on the G scale operation (heresy..!).
However, today has been one of those rare days that it's been dry and I've actually been at home so I decided to tackle the problem by physically removing the ballast from the affected area and giving it a good clean before relaying it all (about 20' worth of double track & points). I've done about half of the affected area so far, so given another dry day when I'm at home, I should have it sorted so I can actually drum up some enthusiasm to get things running outside again.
Ideally an occasional spray with moss killer or some such substance will presumably do the job, but has anyone any experience of these sorts of substances being sprayed on Aristocraft track?

 

[Gizzy]

I used to find a strong bleach solution was a good way to clean the conservatory roof at my previous house Steve?

Should be save to use on any track, but I would test it on a short piece first....

 

[garrymartin]

I have tried a Moss killer , you still have to remove the dead moss and it started growing again within 3 months anyway. Nowadays I just resign myself to the fact that I have to pull it out manually

 

[yb281]

Mmmmmmm, moss.

 

[fm12]

Yes lovely moss,I wish some would grow on my line.

 

[jublybug]

Aparanlty spreding yogurt on stone left outside encurages moss to grow (if you want moss) if you dont i dont know but i would of thought a weedkiller would kill it off but your probs still going to have to remove it once its dead

Jim

 

[fm12]

Aparanlty spreding yogurt on stone left outside encurages moss to grow (if you want moss) if you dont i dont know but i would of thought a weedkiller would kill it off but your probs still going to have to remove it once its dead

Jim

Thanks Jim
I`ll give that ago

 

[beavercreek]

Patio Magic.......it is great at killing the moss and also great at keeping it away. I have just transplanted a lot of moss from one place to another to keep for my farm area when that is completed but all other moss is zapped !

 

[Railfan]

Aparanlty spreding yogurt on stone left outside encurages moss to grow (if you want moss) if you dont i dont know but i would of thought a weedkiller would kill it off but your probs still going to have to remove it once its dead

Jim

Buttermilk works as well.

 

[CoggesRailway]

moss is lovely and makes your railway look characterful... I suppose it doesn't suit main lines. to be honest all the yogurt, weeing, etc etc only works where its damp and shady anyway.

 

[Doug]

Patio Magic is also good for stopping green algae growing on wood, eg decking. Much less slippy in winter!

 

[ge_rik]

Yes, as has been so ably said earlier - a lot depends on what sort of railway you are trying to represent. A manicured and well kept Swiss mainline or a decrepit and decaying narrow gauge backwater in 1930s Britain. Of course, the reason I've gone for the latter has nothing to do with my own lack of dress-sense or my approach to gardening - the connection is nothing but coincidence.

I positively encourage moss and Mind Your Own Business (Hens & chicks/Baby's Tears) - well that's my story......

Rik

 

[CoggesRailway]

And lovely it looks too Rik

 

[ge_rik]

And lovely it looks too Rik

Thanks.
You wouldn't believe how much effort it takes to cultivate that uncared-for look!
Rik

 

[beavercreek]

Of course, the reason I've gone for the latter has nothing to do with my own lack of dress-sense
I positively encourage moss and Mind Your Own Business (Hens & chicks/Baby's Tears) - well that's my story......

What....you wear moss....now that is positively disgusting..................

 

[minimans]

I like moss!!

Note the tree trunk! a present from the late lamented Puffy!! I hope he enjoyed his greens............................

 

[ge_rik]

What....you wear moss....now that is positively disgusting..................

Well, my middle name is 'sloth' ..............

Or was it one of the other vices????

R