Hello everyone ,
I've been working on my N scale layout which is based on Milwaukee Road opperations near Seattle during the 1960's and was wondering what color ballast I should use. My first thought is Woodland Scenic's Fine Buff mixed with some dirt from my backyard but I'm not totally sure if thats the right choice. Here are some reference photos I have been looking at:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=570468&nseq=1
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=294925&nseq=32
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=259049&nseq=37
If anyone could offer some advice it would be greatly apprciated.
Thank you and cheers
Nornally ballast is selected from pits near the railroad. The Milwaukee used river rock, limestone, and in later years Sioux Quartzite mined from a pit north of Sioux Falls, SD(late 70's).
Now what was used on the Coast Division is another story. It looks like a good research project!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Hi, Skeeter and Welcome!
If you search the threads here in regards to ballast you'll find a huge variety of opinions on what is "best" and what looks right and what technique works, etc.
Just by the three photos you link to I see that the first one shows more of a secondary/yard approach area and, to me the ballast looks like a blend of lighter and darker colors, like salt & pepper.
The second photo may have a slight tint to it from film age/processing. I've seen identical color negatives reproduced in books, on-line or printed on photographic paper and the colors can vary all over the spectrum!
Another thing I notice about photo 2 is that area seems to be recently constructed, note the brand new pole and the crossovers look like they have been recently re-ballasted. As the rails and tie plates rust and the rain washes the rust into the ballast the color changes.
In the third photo, I don't see any ballast!
I have both the CSX and NS main lines in my area, former NYC and Nickel Plate, and I can drive a few miles in either direction and see ballast of varying degrees of coloration and age. Currently, one track out of three has just been re-ballasted on the CSX and it looks almost snow-white where the other two tracks show age and weathering.
I suggest you buy several small quantities of ballast from some of the manufacturers, Scenic Express, Highball, Arizona Rock & Material... and perhaps, Woodland Scenics. Then make a few sample test lengths of track to see what appeals to you. You can always use the ones you don't use for track work for gravel roads, parking lots or car loads.
In my personal experience, there's no substitute for real rock ballast. I don't care much for the W-S stuff at all! You may find otherwise and I'm sure others will have their own opinions... just my 2¢
Have fun! Ed
Thanks Everyone!
Ed-I'll definetly look into finding real rock ballast and I most likely will try and pick up a sampler of some different colors at the hobby store before going whole hog (I like the idea of using the left overs as parking lots etc.) And in regards to the last photo the Milwaukee was known for terrible MoW on the Pacific Extension, perhaps not the greatest shot for showcasing track work haha.
Jim- I hadn't realized the ballast was mainly river rock but that should definently help to narrow down the choices.
Mel- I had never heard of that company before but they seem to have some interesting products I'll have to look into them more for sure!
Anyway thanks everyone and cheers
River rock is a poor choice as the smooth sides do not interlock or dig into the wood ties. But it is cheaper! Limestone tends to deterieriate faster. Hard granite based rock is usually the best for ballast.
Not sure what that 'buff' stuff is, or if it is a color shift of the old photo...
The second photo has a definite magenta cast. I corrected it as best I could, and feel that the ballast MIGHT still have a very slight pink. For the first photo, it looks like a very slight yellow cast.
Ed
Skeeter314159 Mel- I had never heard of that company before but they seem to have some interesting products I'll have to look into them more for sure!
7j43k The second photo has a definite magenta cast. I corrected it as best I could, and feel that the ballast MIGHT still have a very slight pink. For the first photo, it looks like a very slight yellow cast. Ed
The second picture is also a MILW train using trackage rights on the BN.
Jeff
From what I can see on my computer monitor, I would use something like Woodland Scenics Fine Gray Blend.
When I use this ballast, after it is glued down, I take water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a few drops of black India Ink in it and coat the ballast. This takes the sheen off the ballast and gives it a 'used' look.
gmpullman I suggest you buy several small quantities of ballast from some of the manufacturers, Scenic Express, Highball, Arizona Rock & Material... and perhaps, Woodland Scenics. Then make a few sample test lengths of track to see what appeals to you. You can always use the ones you don't use for track work for gravel roads, parking lots or car loads. In my personal experience, there's no substitute for real rock ballast. I don't care much for the W-S stuff at all! You may find otherwise and I'm sure others will have their own opinions... just my 2¢ Have fun! Ed