It has been long long ago that I purchased some of this ballast as shown in picture. I ran out of the color I am currently using and have no idea which brand and where to purchase more. Does anyone recognize this package and where it came from? Thank you.
Loren, I don't recognize the package, but I think it is Arizona Rock and Mineral #1151. http://store.rrscenery.com/
maybe the ballast but Arizona Rock & Minerals were always in a clear bag (no white panel) and no Ziplok seal (plain, fold-over type). That's a larger looking bag too.
John's ballast used to come in a zip lock bag that had their label stapled over the open end of the bag. The bag looks to be the right size for that old product that is no longer available. You could probably find a good match from Arizona Rock & Minerals if you have a shop close enough to compare what you have with what is available. You can always use a close color and say it's from a different ledge of rock or newly placed from the other sections.
Loren, Unless it has been repacked it is definitely not a AR&M product. Thinking back, I'm not sure I didn't send you this ballast in which case it would have been a mix of Woodland Scenics Gray and Black/Coal. It looks like the mix I did for the silverware box layout for that fellow in Oregon?? Jim
Loren Smith and Son here in Ohio used to package something like that. Shipping would be kind of steep so I wouldn't think you ordered it -- unless you got a bag or two from me one time when you were here. ...don
Hi Don! Loren, I think I have this figured out Don sent me some of the ballast 10 years ago and gave me the Smith and Son address. I bought a bag and I'm pretty sure I sent it on or gave it to you at the National Trainshow in '08. What do you think? Jim hboy:
Well, as I said guys, I have no idea where it came from. I think I did use the same ballast for the silverware box layout, but hey, that was 9 years ago and you guys can't realistically expect this old coot to remember that far back with any accuracy can you? I think I had two or maybe three bags to start with because I have used that ballast for every one of my modules. Seems like I got a box of it from someone, but the mystery man will likely remain in obscurity for ever. Jerry in Portland is sending me two packages of ballast that he thinks is close. I'll know Monday and if different, well I guess the railroad had to purchase ballast from a different supplier. Thanks for the info guys.
Jerry to the rescue 'Our Man Flint', or as he is affectionately known in Portland from Cascade Z Modelers as 'Da Man' has saved the day. Jerry sent me the last two bags of Northern Pacific shade ballast from Arizona Rock & Mineral Co. and it was an exact match. Now the railroad can go thru. Thanks Jerry for saving the day, job well done.
Do not want to mislead anyone. Those were the last 2 bags that we had at the store. There was a rumor a while back that Arizona Rock was selling the business, but as far as I know they are still in business. I think I have some bags at home so let me know if you need more.
Lost in the sea of forgetfullness----(normal for this stage of life ) Jim, I honestly don't remember the transaction so I couldn't possibly recall what shade, brand, texture of ballast you gave, sold, traded me. I do have other ballast here from Arizona rock, rather pinkish in color, so that might be it. Rumor has it I place my name tag on my pillow so I'll know who I am when I wake up. Loren
