For hobbyists, ballast is the crushed rock that beds the track. Buying the right kind is a balance between scale accuracy and ease of use.
In the world of machinery, ballast is a safety requirement to prevent tipping during heavy lifting. buy ballast
: It is generally recommended to use "Fine" grade for most scales (even HO) to avoid an over-scale, "chunky" look. For hobbyists, ballast is the crushed rock that
: You can buy silica sand blasting grit or granite chick grit from agricultural supply stores for a fraction of the price of hobby-branded bags. 2. Heavy Equipment & Tractors (The "Safety" Buy) : It is generally recommended to use "Fine"
: Professional modelers often recommend Arizona Rock & Mineral because it is real, scale-accurate crushed stone. Cheaper options like Woodland Scenics often use crushed walnut shells, which some users find can float when applying liquid adhesive or crack over time.