I had some good news this morning from a V&T historian who specializes in their structures. I’d asked him whether the bridge ties were painted the same barn red as well (vs. black creosoted or something else), he said yep, all painted the same red. I’m relieved! Just need to stain / weather them.
Nope…quit screwing around and put them outside so you can enjoy it! Then ALLOW mother nature do the work from there!
Well… there’s all those little steps I mentioned that happen before then, and two weeks in Nevada coming up, but you bet, that’s the idea.
I just received some good news from Joane Tillman (TrainLi) who just called. She has a few lengths of the rail I need, and will sell me those instead of the whole box of 60’ of track ($800 now!). This is the nickle-plated brass that I’ve used so far, and am a big fan of. Big relief!
So, spiking and final assembly will happen after my Nevada trip. But I’ll try to weather and detail the trestles before then.
Cheers,
Cliff
Trestle work had to take a back seat this weekend, because we’re moving ahead with a final clearing project for our front yard. This is the last in a series of clearing activities around the home, ever since we built the house some 25 years ago, but couldn’t afford to clear the jungle properly at the time.
Here’s where things were Friday morning…
And here’s things now.
Long ways to go. Not RR-related, but a big relief to have this corner finally being dealt with. There have been vines up to 4" diameter growing in Little Mirkwood!
Cheers,
Cliff
Sounds like I need to run some Brandywine & Gondor RR stock there! 
Best, David Meashey
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Cliff;
Yikes! Looks like a dragon formed from plant material.
Best, David Meashey
P.S. Could probably be placed in the hatchling dragon transport.
Good idea, but I think you’ll need the Balrog, haha!
Looks like you are having a good time building your bridges and trestles. That is what this hobby is about for me. Enjoy
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Well, three+ years later, I need to pick this project back up. There is a short pair of them, and a big curved complex one. I’ll start with the short pair, which are modeled after the Mill Street trestles of Virginia City, NV. Here’s where I left off:
Everything is in loose subassemblies, treated in semi-solid deck stain. Before I start permanently joining them, I’ve got a question for Hollywood and others.
What can I put on the parts to best protect them? Motor oil? Linseed oil? Cuprinol? Semi-diluted TBIII?
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I am a huge fan of used motor oil soak, both for color and proven results. You will be looking for a more exact color tone on your finished appearance, so you need a sealer that will allow you to color the treatment.
How about new motor oil, and let the “barn red” show through? Hopefully weather it some?
[edit] I’d have to paint it on, since the decks and bridges are too big to soak.
I just tried some new motor oil, and it doesn’t look like it’s penetrating the stain, or adding any tint. Here’s the stain:
It says “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” so what cold possibly go wrong? 
BTW the wood is cedar, so I’d originally hoped that, plus this stain, would last a long time.
Not really trusting it though…
Even though the oil looks like it’s sitting there on the surface, you’re convinced it’s penetrating?
Is your stain a “sealer” stain?
And your Cabot being an oil based penetrating stain should achieve results inline with motor. And I’ve never gone to Linseed oil since I can get used motor oil when needed. But you already have this knowledge. Just double checking for newer methods?
Makes sense, David.
But maybe Bob’s discovered that linseed oil is good “belt and suspenders”?
No, you dont want a sealing stain. And yea, the linseed oil penetrates.
I can’t tell if my Cabot stain is the sealing type. Doesn’t say so… but either way, that’s what’s on.
Hollywood has been reported to the moderator for saying: “oil” (more than once) !