GreenDiesel Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I'm gradually getting into N Scale but still have several 00 items around. I will need to ballast my new N scale layout soon but am trying to keep costs down. I don't have any N scale ballast yet but do have a fair bit of 00 ballast left. Is there a way I could still use this ...could I even grind some of this up into a finer ballast, using (say) a coffee grinder?! (Otherwise, I could use the 00 ballast as large rocks scattered along a river, etc.). I realize this may be a crazy question but you'd think that the coffee grinder could make my 00 ballast finer, as long as it doesn't dull the grinder too much! Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffalo Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Well, many of us use ballast sold as N or 2mm scale when working in 4mm scale as many of the '4mm' products are far too big. I suspect they might be more suited to rockeries in 2mm scale. As to grinding, if you tell us what make it is, someone might be able to say what material it is made from. For example, IIRC, Carr's ballast is ground nut shells so should be ok in a grinder. Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenDiesel Posted March 10, 2015 Author Share Posted March 10, 2015 Well, many of us use ballast sold as N or 2mm scale when working in 4mm scale as many of the '4mm' products are far too big. I suspect they might be more suited to rockeries in 2mm scale. As to grinding, if you tell us what make it is, someone might be able to say what material it is made from. For example, IIRC, Carr's ballast is ground nut shells so should be ok in a grinder. Nick Thanks, Nick. I believe It's Woodland Scenics. I'll check this later today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBS Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Green Diesel, I use a product called (in UK) "Play Pit sand". It is very fine and has a consistent grain size - and is very cheap. Just a few GBP for a 10kilo sack, which will last me for a lifetime. Of course, it will need tinting to an appropriate colour; I use dilute Humbrol or similar oil-based paint to avoid softening the PVA adhesive. Hope that this helps, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 The sand used for brushing into the gaps in block paving is very similar. Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartM Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 I use sand from the beach, which I believe is also used in aquariums, you could check out your local pet shop if you live in land. Don't use builders sand as its horrible stuff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenDiesel Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 I just used some of my coarser 00 ballast for rocks in a river -- so far looks good! Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted March 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 16, 2015 Rob: when I was working in N, I found some N scale ballast. When I applied it, I couldn't tell the difference between that and plaster, it was so fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenDiesel Posted March 16, 2015 Author Share Posted March 16, 2015 Rob: when I was working in N, I found some N scale ballast. When I applied it, I couldn't tell the difference between that and plaster, it was so fine. Thanks, David. It seems like there are all sorts of fine sources one could use. I better reserve my 00 ballast for rocks though. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phil Bullock Posted March 16, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 16, 2015 If using sand from a builders merchant go for sharp sand - bigger grain size, its used to make concrete, builders sand is much finer and is used for mortar. Cheers Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 If using sand from a builders merchant go for sharp sand - bigger grain size, its used to make concrete, builders sand is much finer and is used for mortar. Cheers Phil I think sharp sand is the last thing you want for N. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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