Ballast needs estimate

[LNEFAN]

I am about to begin ballasting and will be using either products from Arizona Rock & Mineral or Highball. I'm not sure how much I will need to order. Does anyone have a ballpark idea of how much is needed say, per foot or yard of track? My entire layout is HO, 9 x 11 around the walls, single main with two long passing sidings and various spurs-plus a small yard. I don't need an exact amount as I will buy enough to do the job, but then I don't want to over buy either. So any rough estimate would be appreciated. Thanks!

[secondhandmodeler]

My only experience ballasting was using woodland scenics on my first layout.  All I can say is a little goes a long way.  That is, unless, you want a really wide profile.  I'm curious what recommendations people make.  I have a 10x14 around the walls and will be using one of those two companies.  I model CNW so I need a source for 'Pink lady' ballast.  Good luck, I'll be watching this thread!

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

Arizona and Highball come in bags rather then the shaker bottles Woodlands and Scenic Express come in. They also have two size bags as well. Just give the guy at AZ a call he's a really nice guy and very knowledgeable he will give you an honest estimate. Don't worry if you have some left over it won't go to waste there are plenty of places you can use it on your railroad.

[shayfan84325]

I had no idea how far it would go.  I bought one bottle of WS fine light gray.  I did about 30 feet of track and still have half of it left (in about a year I'll be balasting another 30 feet).  I use n-scale cork with HO C 70 track, so I don't use as much as I would have with HO cork.  My gut is to figure about 50 feet per WS bottle - I don't know how that translates to other manufacturers.

BTW, I use the thinner/narrower cork because it makes the track seem more old fashioned:

I like the way the ends of the ties protude a little bit, like a little track maintenance might be in order.

[colvinbackshop]

Good choice Tom…Going with either AZ Rock & Mineral or Highball.

But more information may be needed to answer your question: What is your roadbed may the biggest question? Height and width will do a number on any calculations here. You may also need / want to think about two different colors…with one being sub ballast and the other being top.

No matter though….You won’t be disappointed with either of these companies. I have used both, with the majority of ALL my trackage being ballasted with Az Rock & Mineral. It is great stuff and as Allegheny said…Phil is a great guy to work with! He will not steer you wrong with any BS!

Cory: If memory serves…Phil has “pink lady”. Check out his site.