Comments on: Ballast for O Gauge https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/10/ballast-for-o-gauge.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ballast-for-o-gauge Model railroads and model trains Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:13:20 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Gerry https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/10/ballast-for-o-gauge.html#comment-19983 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:13:20 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4560#comment-19983 I recently purchased some decomposed granite from Brennan’s Model Raolroading Products. He sells them in ‘Origianl’ and ‘Yard’ for $15,95/bag plus shipping (which for me, here in Alaska, was another $13.95). This stuff looks great but can be cost prohibitive depending on just how much track you have to ballast.

]]> By: Ken Mylcraine https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/10/ballast-for-o-gauge.html#comment-19885 Wed, 01 Nov 2017 03:28:33 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4560#comment-19885 I use bargain brand kitty litter on my 0-Scale lay-out, it is cheap, on hand because I had a cat, and it looks real. Here in Abilene TX we have a grocery store called HEB and it is their brand of kitty litter that I use. It is gray in color and looks very much like coarse stone. Hope this helps.
Ken

]]> By: Matt Jackson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/10/ballast-for-o-gauge.html#comment-19876 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 23:50:02 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4560#comment-19876 Depending on the size of your layout, you might be better served using alternate materials. For O scale, “silver” #16 construction sand available at building supply centers is about the right size. We paid about $10 for a 100-pound bag. The problem is the color — it’s very light, You can spray paint it with gray auto primer and it will work nicely.

Another alternative is “Dumor Chick Grit” available from Tractor Supply Company stores. It’s finely crushed granite and costs about $7 for a 5-pound bag. You want the grit only as the “starter” has grain in it. In either case, you’re going to get a better quantity for the price.

If there’s a sand/gravel pit nearby you can sometimes get crusher fines. You’ll have to sift/classify it yourself, though.

Lastly, I know of one guy who spotted a fresh ballast pile next to a rail line (of the road he was modeling). He grabbed sifters, a shovel, and a few 5-gallon buckets and set up by the pile. He shoveled some ballast into one bucket and sifted it into the others. The large chunks went back into the pile. Railroad security dropped by as he was finishing up and determined he was not a threat (and had a good laugh about it). I wouldn’t recommend this one as some railroads are pretty testy about getting that close to a main.

]]> By: Joe https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/10/ballast-for-o-gauge.html#comment-19869 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:36:17 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4560#comment-19869 I use the real stuff “stone” for my HO and O gauge. I get screenings any where I can find them, then use a screen sift it to what looks good to you.

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