I am about to start my first layout which will be about 200 square feet. I have read about all types of ballast from kitty liter to shingle gravel. I have two questions.
First, if I use any kind of ballast, does that preclude the use of a vacuum cleaner to occassionally clean the layout?
Second, I need suggestions on what type of ballast to use.
Thanks, Jim Lawson
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Jim:
You'll get lots of opinions about what to use for ballast, but the choice of ballast really depends on what type of layout you're building. If you are trying to achieve a realistic or "hi-rail" look, the best ballast, in my opinion, is Brennan's Better Ballast, followed closely by offerings from Scenic Express and Woodland Scenics.
In my experience, kitty litter and shingle gravel offer no advantages other than low price. Both are quite dusty and messy to work with, but look fine with tubular track.
You can glue the ballast so a vacuum cleaner will not remove it.
I hope this helps a little.
I agree with Pat's reply.
I'm in the same boat. I got over 250 of track that's going to have to be ballasted and i do want to go as scale as possible (with 3 rails). I'm leaning towards Brennan and glad to hear that this is a good way to go.
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