Display advice please.

[steamup]

Hi everyone
I am not a model engineer but my Dad was and I have just inherited a model of a 3.5" guage (I think) Britannia Class Steam Train. It has never been "steamed" but has been in a display case since it was built in the 1970's.
It is in immaculate condition but the display case has seen better days.
I have made a new base and had an acrylic top made. I have also bought some scale track/sleepers/stone which brings me to my question.
Is there any special knack to creating a realistic look for the track?
In particular getting the stone to look good and more importantly stay in position.
Thanks for any advice.
Phil

[Laurie_B]

There is a guy called J.C.Tipton from Birmingham who supplies 'Showtrack' kits,which includes limestone ballast and instructions.I expect the limestone ballast is graded by size to suit the scale required.
The best way of fixing the ballast (according to the model railway lads!) is to push or brush the ballast into place and then apply a diluted mixture of PVC glue,witha few drops of washing up liquid added to break the surface tension.
The glue mix is best 'dropped' into the ballast,the washing up liquid makes sure the mixture flows down into the ballast.Once the PVC glue has dried,the ballast should stay put.It can then be painted and weathered to taste!

[steamup]

Many thanks Laurie. i have now got a set of instructions from JCT and will set about it this weekend! Not sure my skills will stretch to weathering though!!