Traction Sand in N-Scale

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m wondering if anybody has good ideas on how to represent traction
sand in N-scale. I’m talking about the sand spilled from locomotives for
traction on the rails. I have a yard I’m detailing and I can definitely see
the need for this coloration alongside the rails.

I’ve looked at the various Woodland Scenics fine-grade scenery materials,
and the closest color they have to a true sand color is a bit too yellow. If
anyone has done this with good results, I’d like to get your suggestions.

Thanks in advance…

2

Since real engine sand is really, really fine, it’d show up as a whiteish smudge in N scale. Try painting the sanded areas on. If that doesn’t work, I’d either use Woodland Scenics snow or real sand, like from Florida beaches (it’s really fine too).

3

YOU COULD TRY A LOCAL TILE STORE TO SEE IF THEY HAVE NON SAND GROUT. I KNOW IT COMES IN ALL KINDS OF COLORS.

4

you might try either a foot or talcum powder like a make-up base, or check out some ground spices to find the right color and texture. Another source might be an art supply for ground pigment.

5

Thanks for the great ideas - I work near an art store and I’ll check for
paint pigments, and I never would’ve thought of the grout idea!

6

Even sanded grout is usually such a fine grain sand that it should be suitable for use even in N scale. Another possibility would be sand blasting sand, which comes in different sized grains.

Since you’re going to need such a small amount, I would go to a tile store or home improvement store with a plastic baggie and just ask if you can have some spilled grout, or go to a construction site and ask for some.

This gives me an idea for a new business. Maybe I could buy a quart of grout, put small amounts in baggies, and sell them to modelers at $2 each, plus shipping, naturally, as model sand. One quart of grout should make a couple of hundred dollars worth of model sand. I think that’s what some of these model supply companies do to us.

7

WIAR,

The finest sand I have ever seen is that found in the small 3-minute egg timer “hourglass”. It is miniscule and very uniform. You could probably find several of these at the dollar store and break them open for your prize.

Mark C.

8

cacole: The only problem with your grout plan is that you might attract some police attention if you are seen selling little baggies of white powder to people outside the hobby shop!!