Home brew ballast.

[tom mann]

I've found that all the rock-based ballast products look great to the eye, but terrible in close up photos due to a lot of translucent and/or shiny pieces. 

[Sokramiketes]

I've found that all the rock-based ballast products look great to the eye, but terrible in close up photos due to a lot of translucent and/or shiny pieces. 

All?  The AZ Rock & Mineral stuff doesn't look translucent/shiny that I've noticed.

[tom mann]

All?  The AZ Rock & Mineral stuff doesn't look translucent/shiny that I've noticed.

Yes, it does too.  But I'm talking close up  - if it exists in the photo at the same size as real life, then it looks fine.  The color variation is also an advantage over walnut shells.

[lashedup]

I'll try and take a few photos, but the AZ stuff we're using on the modutrak modules doesn't have any translucent or shine to it that I've seen. If it did it would drive me crazy.

Giving it some thought here, could the shine be coming from the glue you're using? Some of the white glues do get a bit shiny when they dry. <shrug>

[tom mann]

I'll try and take a few photos, but the AZ stuff we're using on the modutrak modules doesn't have any translucent or shine to it that I've seen. If it did it would drive me crazy.

Giving it some thought here, could the shine be coming from the glue you're using? Some of the white glues do get a bit shiny when they dry. <shrug>

Could be the mix.  I use matte medium.

[MichaelWinicki]

Here's what Highball ballast looks like...

[Ian MacMillan]

I noticed a few shiny pieces in ARM's Conrail East when I used it.  I use Smith & Son #50 PennOhio and I have net to find a shiny peice, and I use matte medium to bond it.

Here is the closest shot I have of the S&S, as I do not have my macros to take a closer shot right now.



http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nAmtu1n1UKs/SdFEwdyZYJI/AAAAAAAAmzQ/lHCkiaMRQd8/s800/IMG_4077.JPG

[Sokramiketes]

Maybe it's the blend then, we use the PRR Light Gray mostly. 

I took the liberty of taking a Tom Mann quality close-up and it looks pretty opaque to me...



 

[wcfn100]

Well I need to make this:



So if anyone has ideas...

Jason

[up1950s]

Fish tank sand bashed with a sledge hammer , or crushed with an arbor press , then sifted .

[wcfn100]

Fish tank sand bashed with a sledge hammer , or crushed with an arbor press , then sifted .

Cool idea.  Looks like I could get some colors that are close. Thanks Richie.

edit: I wonder if one of those agitators for deburring parts could round off some of the edges of the rock. Hmmm.

second edit:  I did a search for 'Aquarium gravel' and found this:



Not all that close, but looks like a lot of tasty bits in there.

Thanks again. 

Jason

[lashedup]

Actually Jason if that wasn't wet and was dried out completely it would be pretty damn close. Good call.

[MichaelWinicki]

Jason, I'd consider just getting a variety from someone like Arizona Rock & Mineral. 

They have reds, pinks, blacks, brown and your grays & whites. 

Mix'em up and I think you'll have it.