Indre K Williams 
Model railroads are a loved hobby for many persons out there, offering a creative space that combines craftsmanship, big attention to detail, and a love for trains in general.
One of the big aspects of creating a very realistic model railroad is the use of ballast – the rocks that support the railway ties and tracks from moving. Usually, this was done by buying products designed specifically for this purpose
However, over the years a growing number of model railroad builders are turning to a very surprising material: cat litter
Yes, you read that right – cat litter as ballast. We are going to delve into this cost-effective and realistic alternative for your model railroad project.
Why Cat Litter?
The idea of using cat litter as ballast may seem a bit odd at first, but it can give you several compelling advantages. The main benefit that we found is the cost-effectiveness.
Commercial model railroad ballast can be pretty expensive, especially if you are building a very big project. This is where cat litter comes in, by being significantly cheaper and available at all the supermarkets.
On top of that, multiple types of cat litter can provide a surprisingly realistic look, closely to resembling the texture and color of real railroad ballast.
Choosing the Right Cat Litter
As not every cat litter is created from the same material you will have a few choices to make.
We recommend something like non-clumping or unscented cat litter. The clumping litter can become very sticky if it comes in contact with water, and is not very realistic if you want to use it for your project.
Similarly, the scented cat litter can give off a very strong odor, which is not required for many displays.
Preparation and Application
Before you start throwing the cat litter in your model railroad, we recommend you to take a few minutes and prepare for this.
First we think that you should wash the cat litter to remove any dust by placing it in a sieve and running it under water. Once it’s washed, you need to allow the litter to dry completely before washing it.
After that you can use it as a normal ballast. Spread the litter along the tracks, ensuring it’s evenly distributed between the ties. Once you are happy with the placement you can secure the ballast using a mixture of water and glue as this can help the litter to bond together and stay in place.
Pros and Cons of Using Cat Litter as Ballast
Line any DIY solution, using cat litter as ballast has it’s pros and cons. It’s important to weigh these factors before deciding to use cat litter for your project.
Experiences and Tips from Model Railroad Enthusiasts
Many model railroad enthusiasts have found success using cat litter as ballast. Some people recommend experimenting with different brands of litter as we suggested to find the one that is best suited for you.
Others have suggested mixing cat litter with traditional ballast to create a more varied and realistic texture on the project.
Conclusion
Using cat litter as ballast for model railroads is a creative, cost-effective and realistic alternative to the traditional products.
While it may require a bit more preparation and care, the results are surprisingly effective.
So don’t wait and give it a try!
You might find that this unconventional material is the perfect for your model railroad project.
FAQs
Can I use any type of cat litter as ballast?
No, it’s best to use the non-clumping and unscented cat litter.
Do I need to prepare the cat litter before use?
Yes, it’s recommended to wash and dry the cat litter before using it to remove any dust.
Can I mix cat litter with traditional ballast?
Yes, some people have tried in and they are recommending to mix cat litter with traditional ballast to create a more varied and realistic texture
In conclusion, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your model railroad.
Happy railroading!
