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ballast

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Sparta, N.J.
  • 344 posts
Posted by traindood on Sunday, January 9, 2011 9:07 PM

 hello Dennis: i use gargraves track with ross switches. my layout is @13x15 with 2 levels. 2 mainlines on outer lower lever and 2 mainlines on outer  upper level with connecting switchbacks on each level. also 4 yards apprx.  8  feet in total for yards. thanx!

Think good thoughts, do good deeds! 

 

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 188 posts
Posted by Taranwanderer on Sunday, January 9, 2011 9:05 PM

I like kitty litter--even cheaper and it's a good size.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Sparta, N.J.
  • 344 posts
Posted by traindood on Sunday, January 9, 2011 8:57 PM

 hello; since  i am in northern n.j. where everything outside is frozen. good idea though, thanx!  

Think good thoughts, do good deeds! 

 

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • 8 posts
Posted by fireflan on Sunday, January 9, 2011 7:52 AM

I bought grey drainage stone from Lowes. It was a 25lb bag for like $4.00   You do have to sift it yourself to get the right size. I then bought spray paint to darken it just a bit . 

Also as stated above. Brennans Model RR ballast and supplies are awesome. He will help you out.

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Saturday, January 8, 2011 9:13 PM

Brennan's is good. I collected the little rocks that amassed at the end of the driveway, then cleaned them thoroughly and ended up with a coffee can full - it was enough.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 286 posts
Posted by DennisB-1 on Saturday, January 8, 2011 4:22 PM

What kind of track are you using? How many linear feet of track do you have? I offer ballast on my website Brennan's model RR.  It's not as expensive as you think. You'll probably spend more on track. If you contact me, I'll be glad to give you an estimate.

 

Dennis Brennan

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Flyertown, USA
  • 640 posts
Posted by Timboy on Saturday, January 8, 2011 1:42 PM

Hey Einstein,

Go out and harvest your own gravel and screen it down to the size you want.  Advantages:  free and it's real.  Disadvantage: maybe get arrested for "stealing"?

Regards,

Timboy

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Sparta, N.J.
  • 344 posts
ballast
Posted by traindood on Saturday, January 8, 2011 1:18 PM

hello: finally getting around to ballasting the track. most ballast you buy is quite expensive. i heard some people use crushed walnut shells, but they seem to be kinda small in size; although it's perfect to model iron ore; has the right color too. any ideas?  

Think good thoughts, do good deeds! 

 

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