I have learned not to say that a railroad never used. This proved true in Bill Rice-Johnson chief engineeer of the Connaquessing Valley Railroad about using red dog for ballast. Having lived in his area I said no and protypicaly the railroads didnot use red dog.[D)] However last night I went to a site about The Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad, an 18 mile railroad in W. Va. and they did use red dog for ballast. [D)]. Since you are free lancing I would say as chief enginner of the CVRR, it would be alright to use it. The color would even add to your layout.[:)]
The site www.buffalocreekandgauley.com is and excellant site. Lots of pictures, some maps and history.
Tom