Sand - ?

[SP-Wolf]

Howdy Folks,

Any thoughts on modeling sand-? I have a terracotta plant that will be receiving loads of sand. With real sand grains being so small. What would be the best way to simulate it in N - ?

Thanks, for your thoughts,
Wolf

[robert3985]

I model sand using a screen I made from 100 mesh stainless steel screen. 

I just built a little wooden box, minus top and bottom...then attached the screen to the bottom of it. I toss some dry dirt, or ballast, or grout into it and what comes out the bottom is a fine dust, and is fine enough in N-scale to pass for "sand".

To get technical, the SS wire of the mesh is .002" in diameter, the openings are .0075"...so the "dust" is smaller than .0075", meaning the largest sized particles are a scale 1.5" in diameter...larger than "sand" in the real world, but consistent, smooth looking and fine enough in 1:160th scale to represent "sand" pretty well. Some materials produce more dust than others, so a big percentage of what comes out the bottom is much finer than .0075"...so fine that I wear a respirator when shaking it.

I bought my screen from Small Parts Inc., but they've been bought by Amazon...so I'm not sure if you can still get the screen I bought several years ago.  The important part for screening is not the size of the wire in the screen, but the size of the opening, so maybe Small Parts Inc. still is a viable option for buying your screen.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[SP-Wolf]

I model sand using a screen I made from 100 mesh stainless steel screen. 

I just build a little wooden box, minus top and bottom...then attached the screen to the bottom of it. I toss some dry dirt, or ballast, or grout into it and what comes out the bottom is a fine dust, and is fine enough in N-scale to pass for "sand".

To get technical, the SS wire of the mesh is .002" in diameter, the openings are .0075"...so the "dust" is smaller than .0075", meaning the largest sized particles are a scale 1.5" in diameter...larger than "sand" in the real world, but consistent, smooth looking and fine enough in 1:160th scale to represent "sand" pretty well. Some materials produce more dust than others, so a big percentage of what comes out the bottom is much finer than .0075"...so fine that I wear a respirator when shaking it.

I bought my screen from Small Parts Inc., but they've been bought by Amazon...so I'm not sure if you can still get the screen I bought several years ago.  The important part for screening is not the size of the wire in the screen, but the size of the opening, so maybe Small Parts Inc. still is a viable option for buying your screen.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

Hi Bob,

This is a great tip. I do have some very fine screen (That I use for some locomotive applications). I will give this a go.

Thanks,
Wolf

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Unsanded grout in an appropriate color.

[basementcalling]

Unsanded grout in an appropriate color.

You always say that, Ed. You are just a groutchy guy these days! For good reason.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You always say that, Ed. You are just a groutchy guy these days! For good reason.

It's true though! It's a perfect thing for stuff like this.

[Blazeman]

Unsanded grout in an appropriate color.

Had this same thought while perusing grouts at Loew's yesterday.

Recommend any particular brand, Ed?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Whatever's local and convenient.

I've been using Spectralock, but only because Lowes had it.

[SP-Wolf]

Thanks, Guys -- and grouchy Ed!!

This is a great idea, however I only need perhaps a cup or two -- tops. So, I think, I will go with Bob's technique.

Thanks again,
Wolf

[Lemosteam]

Unsanded grout can be purchased in pint sized milk cartons, for less than $6....

[robert3985]

I'll have to go try the unsanded grout trick.  However, I'll still screen it. 

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[SP-Wolf]

Unsanded grout can be purchased in pint sized milk cartons, for less than $6....

Thanks, John. I'll give this a go as well. As well as Bob's screening method.

Thanks again, Guys!!
Wolf

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'll have to go try the unsanded grout trick.  However, I'll still screen it. 

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

We would expect nothing less! lol

[jpec]

Unsanded grout in an appropriate color.

Listen to him Flounder...he's pre-med...

[basementcalling]

Unsanded grout can be purchased in pint sized milk cartons, for less than $6....

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