N Scale Ballast

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey Fellow Modelers,

Wanted to get your input on various materials you have used to ballast n scale track

Thanks for your input

2

Brent,

I use polymeric sand from home improvement stores. It is very fine, but depending on age you might need to filter it. Also, even though it has its own adhesive in it, I apply it just like you would Woodland Scenic (diluted white glue & alcohol process) ballast products. When it is dry it is rock hard. None of those missing chunks of ballast after vacuuming. Color choices are limited though.

Tim

3

I model HO scale, and swear by Arizona Rock & Mineral which offers N scale ballast as well. Maybe a bit pricier, but well worth it in my opinion.

4

I use Woodland Scenics fine. I tried medium, but it looked like my track were laid on small boulders.

5

I’ve had great results with Arizona Rock and Mineral, but to ship so many pounds of real rock to Canada was a bit out of my budget! I definitely recommend them, their ballast is very fine and consistent, and sits very nicely while you’re gluing it down.

I’ve also been using various shades of Woodland Scenics fine ballast. You may be aware that it’s actually made from walnut shells - this means it’s light to ship, but very easy to disturb during glue application. I found it a bit coarse, and ran it through an ancient manual coffee grinder a few times. Not a big difference, but an appreciable one.