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Model Forum / General / Railroads / September 2006Ballast
I'm currently in the process of trying out a number of different makes, grades and colours of ballast in various combinations and with various techniques for glueing to the trackbed, in an attempt to find the most realistic look for 4mm scale. I've been comparing these side by side on a length of track. I like the colour of Woodland Scenics 'light grey' but the fine grade stuff is too fine and the medium is too coarse for my liking. Carrs 2mm ballast seems to be the perfect size but their version of light grey is far too dark for what I'm after - almost green in some lights, and they don't appear to do anything lighter. Does anyone know of anything that's the best of both worlds - the colour of the Woodland Scenics light grey ballast but the size/grade of Carrs 2mm ballast?  SignatureMatt Ots http://line2nowhere.blogspot.com Matt, When ballasting my layout I took a vernier gauge to the 'stones' of the Woodlands fine and medium products and found that they compare very favourably to prototype sizes (adjustign for scale). Don't forget that prototype ballast is a mixture of grades so that the different sizes lock together and hole sleepers in place. Modellers unfortunately, make a common mistake of using the same grade everywhere. I use Woodlands fine and medium mixed together with 'Chuck's Ballast Supplies' (a local product here in Australia which has the same grading) and the results speak for themselves: http://mrol.gppsoftware.com Hope this helps, Graham Plowman > I'm currently in the process of trying out a number of > different makes, grades and colours of ballast in various [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > - the colour of the Woodland Scenics light grey ballast but > the size/grade of Carrs 2mm ballast? > When ballasting my layout I took a vernier gauge to the 'stones' of the > Woodlands fine and medium products and found that they compare very > favourably to prototype sizes (adjustign for scale). On reflection, and after further experiments, I have to agree that a mixture of Woodland Scenics fine and medium does look about right. My next question is does anyone have any tips on how to speed up the process of laying and levelling the ballast prior to application of the glue? (I'm using the method of laying the ballast dry, then wetting it by spraying with a fine mist of water, then applying a watered-down PVA mix (with a drop of washing up liquid) by pipette.) The trouble is, I seem to be spending about 5 minutes per sleeper prodding and coaxing the ballast with a small paintbrush until it looks acceptable - surely there must be some way of speeding up the process without compromising on the quality of the end result? (I've already experimented with 'painting' the glue neat onto the trackbed between the sleepers and then sprinkling the ballast onto this and vacuuming off the excess - which is definitely quicker but it seems to end up too thin and patchy this way.) SignatureMatt Ots http://line2nowhere.blogspot.com > I'm currently in the process of trying out a number of different makes, > grades and colours of ballast in various combinations and with various [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > of the Woodland Scenics light grey ballast but the size/grade of Carrs 2mm > ballast? When SIRS built Evercreech real ballast from the line was crunched down in a tumbler at Leeds Uni for them. Just as an experiment you understand > I'm currently in the process of trying out a number of > different makes, grades and colours of ballast in various [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > - the colour of the Woodland Scenics light grey ballast but > the size/grade of Carrs 2mm ballast? Try Greenscene http://greenscene.cjb.net They do a range of balasts in various sizes and shades of grey. I think I used the 4mm scale stuff but I also have some of the 2mm size which looks good too. It is made from fruit shells and takes paint and PVA glue well.. Chris Railway pictures website http://chrispackman.fotopic.net |
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