Crushed Oyster Shell for Ballast or Not?

[pugwash]

Unfortunately, I read last night that there are some concerns with the alkalinity of the oyster shell and it that can damage track. :-/

I find that hard to believe given that brass is a fairly inert metal (in an ideal world we would have gold track) although I don't know about the plastic sleepers.

 

[minimans]

As your in the USA like me my suggestion is find a local landscape place, not Home Despot or such but a proper landscape yard. They will have crusher fines in various colours and sizes usually in bulk but they will sell it by the sack usually. I used to buy a ton at a time and have them load it into the back of the series 1 land rover. always good for a giggle ("Put it where?) I used granite fines mixed with a small amount of pure cement then sprayed with a 50/50 mix of Alphatic resin (water proof wood glue, usually yellow but dries clear)

 

[Rob B]

As requested. Isn't as orange as it was this morning but still a little tint that the picture doesn't capture too well.

 

[TLR]

As requested. Isn't as orange as it was this morning but still a little tint that the picture doesn't capture too well.View attachment 214111

That looks good, perhaps a little deeper so it's level with the top of the sleepers.

Shaun

 

[PhilP]

Agree a little more would be good.. But I'm not paying for it!

You could tone it down with a dilute wash of something like a spirit-based wood dye (stain)?? give the '4 foot' a rail-dirt effect, perhaps?

 

[Rob B]

Thanks for the feedback. I had actually pulled the track up from the bed and just put it back on the shell for the picture. But, I agree, burying the ties a bit more is a desirable look.

I'll be vacuuming this stuff up though and replacing with some crushed granite I've been able to locate at a feed store from which I can purchase 22.5kg bags.