On my 2r RR the scale distance from my ear to any train is between 200 feet and 3,000 feet. I expect the sound effect to make it's self known proportionate to that distance.
With that being said I am at a ballast dilemma.
Situation: I now have about 30' of Scenic Express 0 scale ballast installed between and around the ties (no fastening brads) over Homabed over Homasote over 3/4" 11 ply Birch with rigid cross members glued in every 16". No Delrin, all NWSL wheels.
When I pull a train over the glued in place ballast, comparatively, there is a hollow tin can like sound. Not major, just not welcome.
The rest of the layout has no ballast but is pleasantly subdued in operating sound at this point.
As far as the absence of ballast goes, model RR police are NOT allowed on the property so the only person that needs to be satisfied is me.
What am I missing? Are my expectations unrealistic? I am ready to leave the mainline unballasted, and only do the sidings and yards.
I would appreciate comments from 2 rail folks who have installed ballasted flex track.
