Ballast Colour

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
I am currently building an N scale layout based loosley on the NP during the late steam deisel era and was wondering what colour ballast was used or what ballast would you recommend. I have done a test track of Woodland Scenics fine grey black and brown. They are OK but I think I prefer the brown. However if anyone has some further information it would be appreciated.

As I live in the UK it is a bit difficult to have a look around the area.

[Anonymous]

Tinhare,
It all depends on where they mined the rock. I've seen all three colors. Here around Puget Sound It's mostly grey, Eastern Washington I remember brown. Here in volcano country are lots of mines of volcanic basalt which is usually in brown or black. Like any other gravel operations there's no revenue in transporting it any farther then you have to. Ok, there's the exception of the congressmen that passed federal regulation requiring the US Army to purchase and ship Pennsylvania coal to the US European bases. I'd pick what I like and run with it.
Mike

[Anonymous]

Mstein,
Thanks for your reply. It's appreciated.

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tinhare

Hi all,
I am currently building an N scale layout based loosley on the NP during the late steam deisel era and was wondering what colour ballast was used or what ballast would you recommend. I have done a test track of Woodland Scenics fine grey black and brown. They are OK but I think I prefer the brown. However if anyone has some further information it would be appreciated.

As I live in the UK it is a bit difficult to have a look around the area.

Go to:

http://rrscenery.com/azrock3HO.html

...and scroll down to Northern Pacific ballast.

Hope this helps![:D]

[Anonymous]

CBQ_Guy,
That's the color I see locally. The BN/GN is what I remember east of the mountains.
Mike

[Anonymous]

Mate,

Around here, Bozeman MT, the NP used mainly a redish gray ballast. This came from a mountainside quarry in the Clark Fork Canyon about 20 miles East of Missoula MT with a siding named "McQuarry".

Cheers

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
Thanks for all of the replies. Seems that the usual colour is a shade of grey with variations. I think I'll do another test track of grey and use some washes of black and/or red ink mixed with rubbing alcohol and see what happens.