The [December issue's] "Look Both Ways" is interesting in that ballasting is prominent. I disagree on the bonding agent. White glue dries hard and can show gloss on ties, etc. I have used thinned matte medium on my ballast and scenery for over 40 years. It dries flat and has some elasticity, which makes it better for holding the ballast, road gravel, or scenery. Just a thought on a different way to go. Another fine issue, as usual.It is wonderful to hear from you again. I, too, have used matte medium and have come to strongly dislike it for several reasons. First, it is really expensive. That alone is a deterrent to using it, especially if you have a large layout. Second, matte medium cannot be rewetted. Thinned white glue rewets very easily, which can be a lifesaver, particularly when you have inadvertently bonded switch points shut while ballasting. All you have to do with thinned white glue is spray it with soapy water and your points are free, your damaged signal is easily replaced, and you can realign that trackwork easily and quickly. I have never had any instances where the thinned white glue showed glossy on the ties. That would be a deterrent. Lastly, I like the bonding that the white glue provides. It actually holds your trackwork in place, minimizing heat- and cold-related kinking, and so forth. The softness of matte medium allows the trackwork to kink because the bond is flexible.
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