Can Anyone Recommend a Ballast That Matches Kato Unitrack?

[arbomambo]

If one must use Unitrack (I do for the t-Trak modules) nothing matches like actual Kato ballast, and, as mentioned here, affixing it is easier than using the WS color mix mentioned above...
Agreed, it's pricey, but I find deals on Ebay and if that's not a option, buy from one of the major Etailers...
It really does match well...

[peteski]

It is not surprising that Kato ballast is a perfect match for the Unitrack roadbed.  Bruce, is Kato ballast is made up from tiny plastic grains (same plastic they use for the molded roadbed) or is is some other material?

The 7-20-4 cigar ad on your building made me smile.  I sometimes drive by the old brick building where these cigars were produced (in Manchester, NH).  It also still has a 7-20-4 sign on it although I'm pretty sure the original company is long gone.

[arbomambo]

Peteski,
the Kato ballast definitely is some type of rock product...pretty heavy. They (Kato) have done an excellent job of mixing product to match.
interesting about your experience with the sign!...I was not familiar with that company (nor signage) at all.
Bruce

[Missaberoad]

Surprised you guys didn't know this, but the Kato ballast is made of ground up Algoma Central SD40s.... 

[MichaelWinicki]

Kis, why does the ballast need to match exactly?

John Sing made a very nice Unitrack-based layout and used ballast that looks nothing like the "ballast" that come with the track itself...

http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/albums/john-sings-n-scale-unitrack-santa-fe-peavine-line.322/

[Kisatchie]

Kis, why does the ballast need to match exactly?

It doesn't. I just thought if there is such a ballast, I'd use that rather than some other shade of gray. I'll probably wind up ordering some Scenic Express gray blended ballast. That looks close.


Hmm... a half ton should
be sufficient...

[MichaelWinicki]

It doesn't. I just thought if there is such a ballast, I'd use that rather than some other shade of gray. I'll probably wind up ordering some Scenic Express gray blended ballast. That looks close.


Hmm... a half ton should
be sufficient...

Yeah, I think you'd be happy with that.

[peteski]

Peteski,
the Kato ballast definitely is some type of rock product...pretty heavy. They (Kato) have done an excellent job of mixing product to match.
interesting about your experience with the sign!...I was not familiar with that company (nor signage) at all.
Bruce

This is the building which still stands in Manchester, NH (then and now).
 

And some history: http://www.cowhampshireblog.com/2008/08/11/manchester-new-hampshire-cigar-manufacturer-director-and-philanthropist-roger-g-sullivan-1854-1918/

[arbomambo]

This is the building which still stands in Manchester, NH (then and now).
 

And some history: http://www.cowhampshireblog.com/2008/08/11/manchester-new-hampshire-cigar-manufacturer-director-and-philanthropist-roger-g-sullivan-1854-1918/

that's a beautiful building; even in it's 'modernized' form!
Bruce