Calculating amount of N scale ballast needed?

[ChessieFan]

I am starting scenery work on My N scale model railroad layout.  So I am trying come up with a approximate quantity of N scale fine ballast I would would need.  Is there simple calculation for this or rule of thumb?  I have approximately 185 feet of mainline track to ballast .  I would like to WS fine grade track ballast.  Can anyone help me.  Thank You

[Mark W]

I have approximately 185 feet of mainline track to ballast .  I would like to WS fine grade track ballast.  Can anyone help me.  Thank You

With 185 feet, surely you have one or two feet of spare track.  Just lay that track on a scrap 2x4 or something, incrementally measure ballast as you put it on.  However much ballast it took for that foot, multiply by 185. 

The added benefit is that you can make up two one foot test sections and compare Woodland Scenic ballast to a crushed real-rock ballast like Arizona Rock and Mineral.  Real-rock ballast to be so much easier to work with, and the end result will look so much better. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I would like to WS fine grade track ballast.  Can anyone help me.

I can't help with the measurement, but... don't use the WS stuff my man!!

There are much better options out there. I like grout, but other people prefer real rock.

Either way, those Woodland Scenics walnut shells are for the birds!

[Dave V]

I can't help with the measurement, but... don't use the WS stuff my man!!

There are much better options out there. I like grout, but other people prefer real rock.

Either way, those Woodland Scenics walnut shells are for the birds!

I don't hate the WS walnut shells.  If soaked thoroughly with alcohol before bonding it doesn't float.  It's also not translucent, it doesn't leave residue in the rail web, and size is uniform.  Ed and I agree on much, but on this point we disagree.  For a well-ballasted mainline, WS ballast works well.

I do think the fine WS is still a little large for N scale though; it's about perfect for HO.  However, when I built the Juniata Division, the oversized ballast looked fine with my oversized rails and oversized ties.   

[nkalanaga]

WS N scale "Iron Ore" also makes good pine cones.

[ChessieFan]

Thank You for the information.