New to Arizona Rock & Mineral Co. real rock ballast? This page is the best place to begin.
Our ballast and scenery materials are made from real crushed rock, giving model railroad layouts natural color, weight, texture, and realism. Instead of trying to guess which product to buy first, use the guide below to choose the right scale, scene, amount, and package size for your layout.
Whether you are building your first layout, refreshing old track, finishing a yard, or ordering for a club, these pages will help you get started.
1. Choose Your Scale
Start by choosing the scale of your model railroad. The same color can look very different depending on the size of the rock and the scale of the track.
Use this page if you are not sure whether you need N Scale, HO Scale, O Scale, G Scale, sand and gravel, or powder.
2. Choose Your Scene
Next, think about the area you are building. Main lines, yards, sidings, industrial tracks, desert scenes, mountain scenes, and branch lines do not always use the same look.
A clean main line may need a different ballast than an older yard or industrial area. Some scenes look better with a mix of ballast, dirt, cinders, and scenery rock.
3. How Much Ballast Do You Need?
Before ordering, it helps to know about how much material your project will take.
As a basic starting point, HO scale uses about 12 oz, or about one cup of material, to cover around 6 feet of track. N scale usually takes less, while O scale and G scale take more.
Use the guide below to estimate your project before you order.
4. Bag vs LBS
Not sure whether to buy a bag or LBS size?
Bags are good for small projects, testing colors, short sections of track, sidings, touch-ups, and trying a new material.
LBS sizes are better for larger layout sections, full yards, main lines, clubs, and modelers who want extra material on hand for blending, repairs, and future projects.
5. Need Help Choosing?
Still not sure what to order? That is normal.
Choosing ballast depends on your scale, railroad, location, scene, track age, and the look you want. If you need help picking a color or size, we can help point you in the right direction.
6. Club / Wholesale Orders
Building a club layout, museum display, modular railroad, or large scenery project?
Club and wholesale orders are available for larger quantities. This is a good option when you need enough ballast, dirt, cinders, sand, gravel, or scenery rock for a full layout instead of one small area.
Ready to Start?
The easiest way to begin is:
- Choose your scale
- Choose your scene
- Estimate how much ballast you need
- Decide between Bag or LBS
- Ask for help if you are unsure
Real rock ballast can make a big difference in how finished and realistic your model railroad looks. Start small, test a section, and build from there.
Choose a Material for Your Scene
Use these products as starting points, then compare the color with your layout and reference photos. The ballast links below are for HO Scale bags; confirm your scale and package size before ordering.
| Your scene | Products to explore |
|---|---|
| HO main line | 105 Pennsylvania Gray or 138 CSX Gray |
| Yard or siding | 122 Yard Mix |
| Dark industrial or steam-era area | 103 Black Cinder |
| CSX or Norfolk Southern-inspired scene | 133 Bright Gray or 138 CSX Gray |
| Concrete or paved area | 1290 Concrete Paving Powder |
Shop HO Ballast — Bags and Pounds | Shop N Ballast | Order Samples
