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Track ballast

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  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, July 29, 2006 12:53 AM

Dooley...

I began using "Paver Base" from Home Depot but found that a heavy rain would wash most of it away in no time so I found the medium "Chicken Grit" (It's what's in the gizzard that counts) seems to work best. If the medium is too small go with the large, or "Turkey Grit". It seems to stay in place better and has a better "grip" on the ties to hold the track in place.

Try looking for it at a feed mill.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Central Florida
  • 24 posts
Posted by crackerpete on Thursday, July 13, 2006 9:56 AM

Hi diggerdooley,  #89, I would suspect your in Florida... cause that is the best I've been able to find...There aint no rock in Florida.  Now, that being said, if you can find "chicken grit" that would be the best.  However the #89 stuff will work..  I was able to get buckets of shingle grit... and while that is crushed granite, it is really too small, as it splashes pretty bad when it rains..

Good luck,

Pete Smith

P & S Central RR

Lake Alfred, FL

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Redding, California
  • 1,428 posts
Posted by Train 284 on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 9:03 PM
The best stuff to use is 1/4" crushed rock or crusher fines. Chicken grit can also be used.
Matt Cool Espee Forever! Modeling the Modoc Northern Railroad in HO scale Brakeman/Conductor/Fireman on the Yreka Western Railroad Member of Rouge Valley Model RR Club
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • 11 posts
Track ballast
Posted by diggerdooley on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 6:17 PM

What is the best material to use for ballast?  I have a load of #89 granite gravel that looks like it would be the right size.

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