Ballast Color ?

[mike33469]

I'm building a NYC transition era layout, I need help in selecting the proper color ballast for the mainline. I'm not modeling an actual area of NY but I envision somewhere downstate near the Hudson river. Any suggestions?

[AntonioFP45]

Willist,

I checked in my book "America's Railroads the 2nd generation", by Don Ball. Excellent photographs. The photos of the New York Central along the Hudson river show's medium gray ballast along the mainline stretch. The ballast looks much more rust colored near servicing terminals and industrial customers. There is some litter on the tracks at passenger stations. Would be a simple matter to blend in Acrylic Brown or Rust washes to the ballast near stations or sidings.

One more source for photos: Go to: http://www.railpictures.net Go to the blank "Key Word" box, type in "New York Central, and click on "Find the Photos". You'll see some decent shots of the tracks along the Hudson River.

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

a shade of grey. your choice. Its your layout don't let us make it for you. But i think i should have. I picked a railroad with Pink ballast. lol

[cspmo]

[#ditto]

[Fergmiester]

This is something you may want to experiment with as the colour of the ballast could change depending on where the RR was sourcing it's gravel. Look at pictures and you will find different colours of gravel are blended. The mix I use for my area is a mix and to simulate it I use several different Woodland scenics ballasts.

4 parts coarse Grey mix blend
2 parts coarse deep brown
2 parts tan brown
1 part medium light grey
1 part medium black

When I set it I add a touch of colour (grimy rust) to the glue/water mix and concentrate it down the track centre.

Fergie