Geno, Here are the pictures you requested. I use flex track, but pull the rail from the ties and paint the ties and rails separately. I also distress the ties with various saws and take out a few and replace with distressed wood. This is about a 10 ft. straight. I have not gone all rc yet so the N scale center rail powers the 3 railers.
The ice depot shot is regular code 172 which will eventually be covered with asphalt and coal ballast. I use HO ballast. Because the ballast should be small enough an individual rock should fit in the palm of a scale persons hand.
