Selector
Well-Known Member
Maxitrains, this is a prime example of a time when the person modeling has to make up their own mind. For my eyes, the right pile is considerably better than the other two, but you have already concluded that it is too dark!
I suspect you have a preference, call it a bias, for grays when it comes to ballast. Well, the right pile is closer than the other two, isn't it? So, if that is a ready source, I would use it. It is the right size, colour is just fine for my tastes. If it really and truly leaves you frowning, then you should seek something commercially available and use it...you have to want to run to the train room and see your masterpiece, so it should be a true reflection of "the artist", know what I mean?
I'll bet there is a Ready-Mix industry somewhere near you that is used by contractors for pours for foundations and footings, open sewers, and so on. They have tons of sand stored for their use. Call and ask them for 20 pounds of the stuff....or at least ask them if what they use is greyish.
-Crandell
Edit- I invite you to this forum where you are directed to NYW&B's image. Notice that he has used the very colour that you have rejected in your leftmost pile. His works, particularly when you compare it to the rocks in the tunnel portal beyond...they are clearly the same material, or mention to be so representated. This is the effect you would want overall. No matter which colour you chose, make it reasonably consistent for the region.
http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?p=427717&posted=1#post427717
I suspect you have a preference, call it a bias, for grays when it comes to ballast. Well, the right pile is closer than the other two, isn't it? So, if that is a ready source, I would use it. It is the right size, colour is just fine for my tastes. If it really and truly leaves you frowning, then you should seek something commercially available and use it...you have to want to run to the train room and see your masterpiece, so it should be a true reflection of "the artist", know what I mean?
I'll bet there is a Ready-Mix industry somewhere near you that is used by contractors for pours for foundations and footings, open sewers, and so on. They have tons of sand stored for their use. Call and ask them for 20 pounds of the stuff....or at least ask them if what they use is greyish.
-Crandell
Edit- I invite you to this forum where you are directed to NYW&B's image. Notice that he has used the very colour that you have rejected in your leftmost pile. His works, particularly when you compare it to the rocks in the tunnel portal beyond...they are clearly the same material, or mention to be so representated. This is the effect you would want overall. No matter which colour you chose, make it reasonably consistent for the region.
http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?p=427717&posted=1#post427717
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