CN Blackwater division

[doctorwayne]

...I also ballasted around some of the turnouts, but not around the points. Still figuring that out. These still have to be cleaned up around the rails, frogs, and tops of the ties.

I've found that a nice 1" brush with soft bristles is a good way to spread and level ballast, without flicking granules all over the landscape, as would be the results using a brush with stiffer bristles.  I usually keep the brush handle close to the ground, dragging the ballast rather than pushing it.

When ballasting turnouts, I apply a little plastic-compatible oil atop all of the ties over which the points will be travelling, then park the points mid-throw within the turnout.   If necessary, use some scrap wood or strip styrene to keep the points away from the rails.
I then mist the groomed ballast using tap water with a few drops of dish detergent add, then use a small squeeze bottle to apply the diluted white glue.  On slopes where the ballast is deep, the setting time can take over a week.  

Wayne