? on ballasting

[Frank53]

well guys, I wouldn't be too concerned about it now, it looks like the end of the world is near. 

[Anonymous]

I have always used Woodland Scenics or Brennan's ballast.  I just like real stone ballast, whch has some heft to it.  It may cost a bit more than other forms of ballast, but the overall appearance, at least to my eyes, is far more convincing and realistic.

I've never had to ballast a really large layout all at one time (which would be quite a chore), but have always started with smaller pikes and then expanded a bit at a time.  That helps to keep both the cost and fatigue factor down.

In my view, trackwork is one of the most visible and distinctive features of any model railroad, so it deserves a good amount of care and attention. 

[Frank53]

I guess there are more economical ways to do things, but in my opinion, this is about a realistic ballasting job as you will find anywhere:

I've seen plenty of photos with kitty litter and what have you just scattered at the sides of the track. The difference is night and day. Granted it takes a lot of work to get track looking like this, but there is certainly something to show for the effort.

[jonadel]

Can you do better than 50# for $5.00? It's "cheep" and looks just fine. Jon

[thatboy37]

for any of you out there wanting to get some ballast for cheap woodland scenic brand. well hobbylobby has a coupon online for 40% off one single item. which for me is a great deal, but you can only use one coupon at a time . my suggestion/ what i'm going to do is print out about 15 of them buy one take to the car go back buy another. plus i'm traveling tomorrow so i will use any that i have on the road to make use of the 15 coupons. better hurry sale ends tomorrow. the coupon is for any one item in the store. thanks guys for the input and info. hope you can get some type of use out of this coupon as i will tomorrow.

[trainbrain]

I posted this a while ago but I think it's worth posting again.  I use Woodland Scenics med. gray coarse ballast and  HO size black cinders.  However, a cheap way to stretch this is to use gray stone dust for the bulk of the ballast between the ties and the edges.  When this is done, sprinkle just enough ballast and cinders to cover the dust.  You'll be surprised at how far the ballast will go.  Then do the old water/glue trick to keep it down and solid.  To  move the stone dust around,  I use a small dry paintbrush.  I get the stone dust at a masonary supply yard or try a sand dealer. Sometimes it's free for a 5 gal. pail or sometimes I've paid $2 for a pail.  It comes out lookin real good.  Reggie;  I'm the same guy who mentioned  to you about getting free wood from construction sites back when you started.

[proactive]

 

I admit I use Woodland scenics and the cost really annoys me.  I was thinking, how about cat litter?

M

 

 

[jonadel]

Try a farm feed store of any sort but I would call ahead, might save you some miles.

 

Jon

[thatboy37]

do you guys know what type of store could get the chicken grit from. thanks guys for advice

[Frank53]

I highly recommend Dennis Brennan's product - Brennan's Better Ballast.

You will see many of Dennis' photos in CTT, and I believe you can get a first hand look at his layout in the most recent issue in his article on building realistic crossings.

I've got about five bags of it ready to go when I get to that point, and I have also ordered a number of his various ground cover products.

Best thing about Dennis' product is that he gives a very detailed set of instructions to give the best professional result.

Here is his web address --------> http://www.brennansmodelrr.com/

[Buckeye Riveter]

I used the rubber ballast from Scenic Express.  It doesn't have the grittiness that could possibly damage gears and/or motor, at least that is the theory behind using the rubber ballast.  It has worked so far!

[jonadel]

Fine chicken grit works well and it is "cheep" :) Jon

[lionelsoni]

Much!  Thanks.

[thatboy37]

is that better

[lionelsoni]

Reggie, your "subject" lines have not been very informative lately.  Could you put in a hint of what the question is about, so we don't have to open the topic to find out what it is?

[thatboy37]

how do you make ballast for your track. are there any cheap ways that you can do and it still look decent. thanks all and any responses.