Hello All,
Many loading docks that were made by the railroads used old ties.
The dimensions of the average railroad tie is 9"(W) scale [7/64"] actual x 7" (D) scale [5/64"] actual and 8'-6" (L) scale [1-11/64"] actual.
An inexpensive option for this size of scale lumber is wooden Large Kitchen Matches.
Soak them in water to remove the flammable tips and then allow to air dry on paper towels.
Because of the random shape of the match sticks, it replicates the wear of used ties.
To replicate the creosote color I use Minwax wood stain.
I mix 3-parts Red Mahogany (#225) with 1-part Ebony (#2718).
Then I put the dried match sticks in a 1-quart zip-top freezer bag, add enough of the stain mix to coat, seal the bag and shake well.
With a nitrile gloved hand, I remove the stained ties, lay them in a single layer on several sheets of paper towel, and allow to air dry in a well-ventilated area (outdoors is best).
The remaining stain mix can be brushed on the structure as needed.
Hope this helps.
