Roadbed in Tucson, AZ

[Anonymous]

We're planning a layout here in Tucson and I was wondering if anyone out there has suggestions on what to use for roadbed and where to get it? I've heard to look for crusher fines, but that it is called different things around the country.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

[cacole]

My suggestion would be to check at Tucson Gravel and Concrete out near Rillito. As I have driven by on I-10, I've noticed that they have large piles of materials that should be suitable. Here in Sierra Vista no one had even heard of crusher files or chicken grit, so I wound up using sand, topped by one-half inch gravel, and split red paving brick to support the track. I then used white roofing granules as ballast. One reason you can't find crusher fines around here is that most rock is dredged or simply dug out of the ground instead of going through a crusher. If I lived closer to Tucson, I would have stopped at Tucson Gravel and Concrete and bought a truck load of material from them, since I'm sure they have something that would be suitable. What you need to look for is material measuring approximately one-quarter to one-eighth inch or smaller, that is not rounded like sand pebbles. Even a powdery material would be OK, since it needs to be compacted.

[Anonymous]

cacole:

Nice layout. I just visited your site. If I'm coming down your way, I'll let you know ahead of time so I can come by the clubhouse. I'm not THAT far away up here in NE NM.

[Anonymous]

This may be late for you , but here in Phoenix, we are using decomposed granite, called quarter minus, for our railroad. It holds very strong especially after it getts wet. Sets up almost like conctrete, but is able to move it and reset it with more water. I know of a lot of modelers in the toucon area. Try to get in touck with them for more help. Check us out in 2008 for the national convention