Ballast

Ballast is material such as gravel, crushed rock, slag, or cinders, placed on the roadbed to drain water away from the ties, to spread the load over softer subgrade and provide an even bearing for the ties; to hold ties more firmly in place and check the growth of grass and weeds. Ballasting improves the drainage, lessens dust, reduces weeding and maintenance problems, adds to the stability of the road, and makes smoother riding track.

References

• "Ballast", The Miniature Locomotive, May-June 1953