What color and type of ballast do you guys use on your layouts? Why did you choose that particular type?? I am planning on using mainly cinders in the yard and on the branch line, but gray quartzite (represented by sifted kitty litter...unused of course !!) on the mainlines as this looks very close to the type of ballast used by the Santa Fe in New Mexico. Happy Modeling!! John
John, check these guys out http://www.northlink.com/%7Eazrock/index.html They are "Arizona Rock & Mineral" and make ballast specific to what road is being modelled.
The only trouble with Arizona Rock and Mineral is they no longer do ballast. Tried to order some from N scale supply and was told Arizona R & M is no longer.
I use Woodland Scenics fine ballast. Light grey for the main lines, and light brown for sidings. I did use cinders in one yard, but it looks too black. Sifted dirt makes a good yard ballast!
I use Sodder's extra fine, medium gray ballast. about a pound of it for a US dollar. It si FINE stuff for the price!!
Just a reminder guys there is a topic on laying ballast in "The Inspection Pit" http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=13&t=000216
I had heard that ARM was going out of business because the owner was retiring?!? It doesn't really matter...I am such a cheap $!#@& that I wouldn't spend money on ballast I can make pretty easily . It really does seem to match the color of the ballast ATSF was using in New Mexico in the 50s. I was just wondering what COLOR ballast you guys use and why. Is it prototype for your RR or, just cuz?? Happy Modeling!! John
Just got off the phone with Arizona Rock & Mineral. He is still in business, but, has scaled back a bit and he still sells ballast. (I bought some, should be here by the end of the week.)
On my last model RR I used Woodland Scenics white ballast, the fine stuff. The area I model uses a lot of chat for ballast material, and the stuff I use seems to capture the color and texture well. When I start ballasting the track on my new RR, I'll more likely use the same material again. And, now that we have a new hobby shop open to replace the now-departed Depot Trains, I'll have a more ready supply.
Bob, There is a new hobby shop in town?? Where?? I of course use Hobby Hut, but I will try new places too!! Happy Modeling!! John
