Ties.
Oct, 2010. The start of the railroad, making ties. Some of these are used ones from Marty McCarthy and some are new, cut from 2x4's. I am using pressure treated 8' 2x4's cut at 13 5/8" long, giving me 7 pieces out of every 8' 2x4. Then ripped in half lengthwise to give me two ties out of every piece. So I get 14 ties out of a 8' 2x4. These will be painted with an oil based opaque stain I got from the local paint & paper store. I get their "opp's" stuff in a dark green or gray, at greatly reduced prices. I think I purchased about 5 gallons the last time at about 10$ per gallon. Not bad!
Nov, 2010. Cutting more ties. One can not have too many ties available.....
April, 2012. Purchased some 8' 2x2's from the cull rack at the local big box lumber store. Good prices.
Sept, 2012. Cut the cull's 2x2's to 13 5/8" long and stacked. I am not sure about these. They are smaller and do not fit the building jig as well as the cut down 2x4's. May not use them, just not sure.