Has anyone used this ballast? I have a lot of ballasting to do and I see that SE sells this in bulk. I am tempted to try it.
I am quite satisfied w/ the Scenic Express ballast, have used it for a large portion on the club layout. We origionally had blended w/ Woodland Scenics for a more "salt/ pepper" look for our prototype. You should also check out Az Rock as they also have an excellent product and a larger selection.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
It's good stuff. I've been using it for my mainline ballast and some secondary tracks. It's very easy to work with, and since it's real rock it doesn't float when water or glue is applied, nor is it affected by static (which can displace ballast onto the ties and rails before gluing).
This area uses Scenic Express "Dark Gray" and "Blended Gray."
Rob Spangler
I tried some Scenic Express gray HO ballast. Had a near translucency about it, kinda reminded me of coarse beach sand. Also too uniform for my taste. I like the Arizona Rock and Mineral ballast, it too is real rock, but the grey color I chose did darken some when glued down with a mixture of white glue and distilled water. I think both outfits have sample packs for sale. I also tried some Highball ballast, I liked it too, but not as much as the Arizona. Did a lot of experimenting off the layout to find what I liked best.
regards, Peter
I like good old fashioned Woodland Scenics. The real rock (though eisier to use), ussually has some shine to it, even after installed.
I just finished ballast in the Staten lol and West with mixture of different ballast. Once I got th hang of it they were all fine. I use different shades on different parts to make the layout less uniform m
Joe Staten Island West
The Scenic Express Ballast is real stone and it stays put when adding the Glue much better than Woodland Scenics Ballast which is crushed Walnut Shells!
Woodland Ballast really wants to float around if you do not pre-wet it thoroughly!
I had to go to straight Iso Alcohol 75% to get the Glue/Water mix to sink in rapidly and not ball up causing the ballast granules to float around!
The Dish Washing soap never seemed to do the job!
BOB H - Clarion, PA