Well for the NON-masochistic track layers, I recommend this method---
Try brown and gray Ritt dyes. Use a 2 or even 5 gallon round bucket. Dump the ties in, pour your dye solution in and weight down the ties so they are all immersed. I used a metal dish with a brick on top.
The longer the ties soak, the darker they will end up. So you scoop out the ties at various intervals to vary the shade. I use a dark brown dye The last ties to come out should resemble freshly creosoted ties.
Believe ME, this procedure is best done outdoors. Scoop out the ties and lay them out on a screen to dry a few days. Old window screens are excellent for this. Do not pile them up on the screen. DO NOT HANDLE THEM WITH BARE HANDS until they are completely dry. The lighter colored ties and funky looking ones will get a second bath in a smaller batch of gray dye solution. Same thing, pull out at intervals.
It takes a bit of experimentation as to soaking times---to get the results you desire. Just start out slowly and learn as you go. This method worked out quite well for ME---to turn out big amounts of realistic looking ties in a short time. VERY INEXPENSIVELY.
Yes, this method occurred to me years ago as I was dying a batch of sawdust with green dye.
-Rusty Rails-
