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Ballast in South Wales in late 19th/early 20th century

Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2026 8:52 am
by Rhobat Bryn
Hi All

I was wondering when the railways were developing during the above period, where did they source their ballast from? Was it limestone?

Re: Ballast in South Wales in late 19th/early 20th century

Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2026 1:45 pm
by s.w.johnson
A lot of it was loco ash. Retarded weed growth and cheap.

Re: Ballast in South Wales in late 19th/early 20th century

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2026 12:11 pm
by andrewnummelin
I believe colliery and steelworks waste was also used.

And if you are trying to model the period, I think the Barry was using inside keyed track: just adds to the "fun".