Still trying to get things correct

[eastcoast]

I guess I might consider myself a perfectionist at times. For the last few weeks, I have been experimenting with doing scenery and/or ballasting.
I have been using plaster for the rocks and hills and it seems to dry way too fast for my liking,well by the time I get the bowl empty, my "globs" are hard. I only mix 1/2 cup at a time and then do go back with spray water to try to sculpt. Still trying.
I got a pretty good looking rock set up and went to paint it.
I am attempting to model the eastern coast ( hence EAST COAST) but cannot get that right touch of color from the paints.
I think every color of the rainbow has been on these rocks by now and I just do not like the results. I guess my photos may not have done the area justice.
Or I maybe am a perfectionist?
Any how, in the same area, I attempted to ballast the track. My first attempt at ballasting ,HORRIBLE. I think by the time I applied the 50/50 solution, more ballast was on the track then in between. Hell of a time!
Even though I feel like an experienced modeller, I have alot to learn.
But will keep trying!
Hey, thanks for for your time.[:)]

[MisterBeasley]

It took me a few tries at ballasting before I got it down to a technique I thought worked for me. I start with dry track on foam roadbed, vacuumed clean. Then I take an ordinary dinner spoon, and slowly sprinkle the ballast on. I put less between the rails than I think I'll need. Outside the rails, I try to hit right next to the rails to fill in the gaps between the ties, and then down the sides of the roadbed. Next I take a small paintbrush and re-arrange the ballast until it's just the way I want it. It takes some practice, but it speeds up after a while.

Then I spray on the wet water. I use a couple of drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Either spray very softly, or spray above the track and let it float down. What you don't want to do is air-blast your ballast out of place.

I apply the glue with a pipette, which is a fancy word for a very cheap eyedropper. Like wet water, you just have to play with the glue consistency and how much to use until you get it right. BE SURE TO STAY AWAY FROM THE TURNOUTS!

Right after I put on the glue, I wipe the track to get rid of the excess wet water and any glue that may have gotten on it. It will need another cleaning later, but this helps. A while later, I take a small screwdriver and knock off any ballast that's glued to the inside of the rails, or to the tops of the ties. Just leave it there until the glue dries. I give it 2 days, and then vacuum up the residue. One more track cleaning session and it's done.

Until you get the hang of it, ballast about 2 or 3 feet of track at a time.