getting started

[Anonymous]

just getting started outdoors. have been HO for some time now. Layed out simple oval around pond and have trench in the works. want to find a ballest. local building supply only has marble chip in small size. can this be used or will it effect the track. i'm not that concerned about the white color it will help the track stand out. thanks

[Anonymous]

Hi nynape and welcome to the forum. I suspect you'll get a lot of replies on this one.
Any stone is ok (if it looks right it must be right) as long as it's sharp, ie it will lock together when laid. I suspect that marble chip might be too smooth and won't lock when it's between the ties.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[bman36]

nynape,
Welcome to the forum! Ballast must be in crushed form. Anything round, like pea gravel, will not hold the track. Ask for a 1/4"down crushing of the rock of your choice. This small size will give you a toothed effect that will hold the track in place. Hope this helps! Enjoy the forum. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

nynape
i have been useing 1/4 to 1/2 inch stones for about 4 years now, and i have to fill after once a year , after the winter. i get some low spots.
ben of penna .[#welcome] to the form nynape