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Where to buy ballast?

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  • Member since
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  • From: Camarillo, CA
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Posted by Filisur Meister on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 9:15 AM

I got my ballest from a roofing supply dealer.  He had 50 pound bags of #5 for $6.00.  I am using this for the base course over the weed barrier cloth and then using #10 to fill in between the ties.  All decomposed granite.

gbh
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: St. Louis Park, MN
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Posted by gbh on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 9:52 PM

Farm stores or Farm coops sell Chicken Grit - it is crushed granite. It works great comes in different grits. I use #3 or 2.  It is the product fed to turkeys and chickens. 

ghanson - mn

gbh Mpls
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Posted by ttrigg on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 12:40 AM

Have a look here:

http://www.krcrock.com/ecom/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_19&products_id=4718

Is what I use, with stabalizer, premixed. The "phase 1" section of my GRR (in the dirt for 8 years) has about 80%+ of the original ballast still in place. It is a bit more red in color in real life than in the pic.

Tom Trigg

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  • From: State College, Pennsylvania
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Posted by PJM20 on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:05 PM

Thinking about it, the only lava type of rock that is somewhat red was slag from an old furnace that I visited when I was in 3rd grade. The pieces were way to large to use for ballast and they were really sharp! - Peter

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Posted by dwbeckett on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 12:35 PM

It is going to be hard to find the type of ballast you are looking for, red lava rock,. And I don't think painting crushed rock would last very long.

Dave  

The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.

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Posted by PJM20 on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:29 AM

With all that rain this year, I think they had a few 24 ton boulders go down the hill. I am starting my garden railway this spring and I have been looking at landscape places that supply crush rock for pathways and stuff like that. I hope you find your ballast. - Peter

Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad

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Posted by ttrigg on Monday, January 17, 2011 9:35 PM

We are supposed to be helping a new friend find ballast, not ragging on a big rock. Yes it would be fun watching that rock roll down hill.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Clayton,CA
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Posted by Quitchakiddin on Monday, January 17, 2011 8:02 PM

I think it would be fun to roll a 24 ton boulder down a hill!!

Don't believe everything you think!

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Posted by PJM20 on Monday, January 17, 2011 3:37 PM

Wait, it that a reason why California is in more debt than any state in the UnionWink? I sure hope my brother doesn't try that. - Peter 

Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad

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Posted by ttrigg on Monday, January 17, 2011 1:23 PM
Peter: This is sunny southern california, we have a few "strange" folks here. Some like to turn their front yard into a desert or mountain landscape. Disregarding the "unseasonal" rains this year, we do live in a desert, and some do not want the massive water bill to grow a lawn.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: State College, Pennsylvania
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Posted by PJM20 on Monday, January 17, 2011 5:02 AM

ttrigg

 to 24+ ton bolders.

 What would someone do with a 24 ton boulder? Tongue Tied - Peter

 

 

 

Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad

Fan of the PRR

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Check out my Youtube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PennsyModeler 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
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Posted by ttrigg on Sunday, January 16, 2011 11:07 PM

If we knew where in the world you are located (update your profile) someone would be able to tell you which store to go to. Since I don't know where you are I'm just going to say find a landscaping rock "store" in your area. My local "rock shop" handles everything between 1/4 inch minus to 24+ ton bolders.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Sunny West Coast of Florida
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Posted by IRB Souther Engineer on Sunday, January 16, 2011 7:18 PM

The local shipyard here used to have lots of types of rock; a friend used to bring me balast from there. When I need to buy more I go to a landscape place.

  • Member since
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  • From: Clayton,CA
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Posted by Quitchakiddin on Sunday, January 16, 2011 6:21 PM

Local Quarry?

Stone and Landscape Supply?

 

Depends on where you live.

Bill

Don't believe everything you think!

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    July 2008
  • From: New Jersey
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Where to buy ballast?
Posted by railroader21 on Sunday, January 16, 2011 5:49 PM

Hi, Im having trouble finding a location that sells a good sized ballast for Garden trains.  Ive looked at locations like Lowes and Home depot with no luck.  I would like the color to bed red or a reddish tint like red lava rock.  Any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks

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