I have a question that while on the surface it may seem off-topic but this is the only forum that I feel I can get a knowledgeable answer. I am a Digitrax user and as funds become available, I am setting up a detection system using the SE8c for the signaling and the BDL168 for detection.
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Now for the off-topic part of my question. As I accumulate funds for signaling and detection, I am working on other aspects of the railroad¡at the present time, I am working on ballasting the track. There is not a single type of ballast product that correctly models the ballast on the railroad I am modeling so I have been blending three different types. One is from the company Superior Scenics. After blending about half a quart of ballast yesterday evening with this product in it, I discovered that Superior Scenic ballast has some MAGNETIC rock in it, probably iron. I have yet to lay any of this ballast down but I am now concerned that with a magnetic ballast, detection and/or signaling might adversely be affected. I know fully well that magnetic particles, should they get into a motor will destroy it and I am also aware that any tank mounted speakers could pick it up and the sound would be detrimentally affected. Does anyone know, or have experience with, detection/signaling over trackage with a ballast that contains magnetic particles/granules?
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Thank you for any and all comments,
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Jim Shellhaas
Westfield, IN
