My question pertains mainly to HO scale and mainline track in particular but I guess its all relative.
In reviewing some real life railroad specifications for track ballast it appears that there are a “range” of ballast gradations with a number of sieve sizes that result in a variation of stone size from as little as 3/4" to 2 1/2".
Has anyone ever experimented with using track ballast of varying sizes to achieve a more realistic look?
I use real crushed rock from Arizona Rock & Mineral. It has some variation in size right out of the package but I mix their N and HO scale ballast 50/50 to get what to me looks quite realistic.
Most of the pieces in “HO” ballast are actually too large - however, if you look at real track, you can see individual stones. If you used fine enough (generally N scale for HO) model ballast, it would look more like a rough coat painted on. Being perfectly in scale is not always the best appearance-wise. Remember also viewing distance - even if your layout is shoulder high, you’re still many many feet from the track, compared to where you’d be able to (safely) stand near the real thing.
Set up two pieces of track on a scrap board and try both sizes, see what looks best to you.
–Randy
Randy,
Agreed. N scale ballast is too powdery looking. My ballast which I make from decorative sands purchased from Michaels has a better look even though the grains may be slightly oversized. I posted my recipe a year or so ago if anyone is interested. It consists of black sand, white sand and a bit of powdered tile grout.
LION uses cat litter.
LIONS are not fussy (cept with Wildebeests)
ROAR
Isn’t “Lion” litter the size of golf balls though?
Hmm, kitty litter as ballast - does this then get the cats involved in layout construction, adding an authentic NYC subway scent? [:D]
–Randy
New or used?
Dave Nelson
You guys kill me, can’t wait for “Lion’s” reply…
LION uses extra virgin cat litter.
Him sived the clay stuff through a window screen, kept the small pieces for the ballast bucket, and the larger pieces were returned to the cat, who it must be added could not tell the difference.
LION is now looking at the clumping type of cat litter. It is already the right size but they did add a fragrence and some colored (white or blue) chunks, but not enough to bother the LION. Him will use it anyway, and pick out any offending chuncks. They are not all that many anyway.
Kitty Litter is something that a kitty uses in the house to substitute for being out doors. Outdoors, litter is not required. LIONS and other big kitties certainly do not use it. Go check out your local zoo if you do not believe me.
ROAR
HEY… Who put the Tootsie Rolls in my cat litter!??
Sounds like something the dog would say
–Randy
Where does LION find the ‘extra virgin’ cats? 'Cause looking at the contented smiles of the felines around here, I think that would be a rare find…