I looked at this article with great interest, being that I'll be handlaying HO track on one or more modules (code 70). The method sounded really good until Mr. Napper said he had to stain the ends of the ties once they were cut. That was a real turn-off for me. It's too much work.

I thought I'd share my method, not that I think it's better or anything, but it's what I've found is cheap and works for me. Caveat: I have tried this only on balsa ties. I have not yet tried it on basswood. I have also not read extensively on staining methods for ties.