I was messing around with my drop down gate today and decided to put some basic scenery on it. It has to be low as to not get knocked off when the gate it down. Before I ballast the track I wanted to try some "fake" tie plates. I used a roof brown paint pen and spikes. I have already decided to go back and weather the ties with some gray and re-do the tie plates for contrast. After all, I am modeling a cash-strapped shortline!
Malcolm