My layout has 027 tubular track and I have added additional ties to make the track a little more interesting. I am considering ballasting the track but am having trouble finding coarse ballast in the size I would like. Woodland Scenic coarse ballast is still too small, aquarium gravel is a little too large and chicken grit and kitty litter are too variable in size and not the right color. I would like light gray ballast that is evenly graded and somewhere in size between the Woodland Scenics coarse and aquarium gravel. Any suggestions?
I use and recommend Brennan’s Better Ballast:
I made a post here a while back on ballasting a while back, I’ll see if it’s been nuked.
You can find the product here - - - - > http://www.brennansmodelrr.com/
Call Dennis at the number on the website to order.
Here is the thread on ballasting tubular track:
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/149070/1651284.aspx#1651284
I agree with Frank, Brennan’s is the way to go.
Bill
The Brennan’s looks good but for my use is too scale like and I also am looking for an even light gray color, not a mix of shades. For my more toylike tubular track layout with added ties, I would like an even more coarse gravel size than the Brennan’s. Any other ideas?
Cat litter, chicken grit or aquarium gravel.
Okay another item you may look into is (don’t laugh I’m serious some modlers acually use it ) Lizzard litter some Walmarts have been know to carry it but check pet shops otherwise.
Ballast is a major scenic feature on any layout. David, I suggest you get samples before you make any decisions. Based upon your photos, I don’t see why any ballast would have to be oversized and one solid color to fit in with your modeling. To that end, I’ll be glad to send you a sample of Brennan’s Better Ballast.
Dennis Brennan
Can I get in on some of that free sample action? I figure I can make an informed decision on whether or not the product would be suitable to my needs with a small amount of sample material - say 40-45 pounds.
[:-^]
I used bird cage litter. What it is, is crushed English walnuts. Come in a 50 lb sack and cost about 20 bucks. It is tan in color but when you can paint it any color. I did mine in gray and also black, by adding color to the glue to keep it in place. Cheap and easy.
laz57
Frank, you might try crushed corn cob litter and bedding for birds. It’s economical and I understand corn cobs have had other recycled uses.
I’m getting the feeling there is a hidden message here.
Sure looks like it, LOL
I use Brennan’s Ballast as well, for the main line.
Crushed Limestone is available in #40 or #50 bags from Lowe’s or Home Depot, for paving underlayment. I wanted something less than the marble look for the yard areas.
Larger pieces of crushed limestone, are on the left, sifted limestone, (sifted thru a kitchen sifter) center, and Brennan’s on the right:
Kurt
