Attached to this message is a ballast chart from the Woodland Scenics web page. I understand the top line (particle size). What I don't get is what the dimensions mean in each line that correspond to the different scales. I am trying to determine if O scale should be the "medium" or "coarse". Trying to match Brummy's #2 which is on my layout now, although I understand the WS is not rubber ballast.
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The dimensions are what the actual real size would be for the scale you are modeling.
Woodland Scenics considers the "coarse" to be O-scale. But that is all in the eye of the beholder. You will undoubtedly want to try and match up your Brummy's ballast based on the actual particle size range, as per the picture description.
I have heard numerous times that Woodland Scenics ballast is basically just crushed walnut shells. Although I have used quite a bit of their fine ballast (for N-scale), I have never actually verified this. I wouldn't be surprised, however, as their ballast is very light weight, compared to actual crushed rock ballast.
My layout's ballast is Woodland Scenics Gray Blend Coarse, and it is rock. Probably limestone. Most of the ballast I see around here on the CSX is modeled after the Woodland Scenics product (bad joke alert). The CN (ex-GM&O) track work shows a warmer, tan-ish shade of stone. Of course, ballast sources vary. I do not know how much size variation RR's typically allow in their ballast specs. Must be a bit.
Recent track work on my layout using WS Coarse Gray Blend; GG switch:
@D500 posted:My layout's ballast is Woodland Scenics Gray Blend Coarse, and it is rock. Probably limestone. Most of the ballast I see around here on the CSX is modeled after the Woodland Scenics product (bad joke alert). The CN (ex-GM&O) track work shows a warmer, tan-ish shade of stone. Of course, ballast sources vary. I do not know how much size variation RR's typically allow in their ballast specs. Must be a bit.
To quote myself - after I typed the above yesterday, I got to thinking about my ballast (I have been doing ballasting with WS Gray Blend just this week) - and I realized that the container does not seem heavy enough to be full of rock. So, I took a few grains and a small hammer and an anvil and started attempting to crush a few of the grains. Well, not rock. looked "woody". I'd say walnut shells is as good a guess as any.
I don't care - the stuff looks good and works well. Brennan's, though, it's not.
@D500 posted:To quote myself - after I typed the above yesterday, I got to thinking about my ballast (I have been doing ballasting with WS Gray Blend just this week) - and I realized that the container does not seem heavy enough to be full of rock. So, I took a few grains and a small hammer and an anvil and started attempting to crush a few of the grains. Well, not rock. looked "woody". I'd say walnut shells is as good a guess as any.
I don't care - the stuff looks good and works well. Brennan's, though, it's not.
Glad you figured that out on your own D500. I didn't want to rock the boat after reading your post yesterday. And yes, I really think it looks good, too. 
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