Matt, for gravel areas, I just paint a thickish coat of PVA glue straight from the tub (not thinned), then sprinkle on a thick layer of fine ballast, pressing it into glue with fingers. After leaving to set thoroughly I brush off excess than use a small vacuum to lift any loose ballast particles. A little greenery can be mixed in with the ballast to simulate weeds if desired, or added later.
I havent been able to keep up o0n some of this stuff Alan, but I always enjoy seeing your pictures, always learning something around here from you guys.
SD26, former Santa Fe who upgraded them from SD24. I love the livery and all the roof detail, so could not resist. Got it at a great price also!
All Santa Fe session today. B23-7 switches the CHS plant, B40-8 and GP38 leave the siding and GP30 switches the grain elevator. A recently acquired MRL hopper is pressed into grain service before being weathered!