Plan Before You Start
The amount of ballast you need depends on your modeling scale, total track length, roadbed width, shoulder size, and how thickly the material is applied.
Approximate starting amounts for 6 feet of track are:
- N scale: about 6 ounces
- HO scale: about 12 ounces
- O scale: about 2 cups
- G scale: about 4 cups
These amounts are general estimates. Curves, turnouts, yards, double-track sections, and wider ballast shoulders may require additional material. It is usually best to order slightly more than your estimate so you have enough to finish the scene and make future repairs.