To keep it simple; First, my running rails are code 332, probably too heavy for most people dedicated to “Scale”
My guard rails are code 215, or 250…
I spike the guard rails in after I have the running rails installed and properly spiked.
The spikes for the guard rails are easily applied, if you start off by inserting the spikes next to the stock rails, with out driving them home, with the heads facing away from the running rails. Then, apply the guard rails against those spikes, and using a “Thin Nail punch” hammer all the spikes home as you work along the track.
I’m using Western red Cedar ties, and do not attempt to spike the rails on every tie.
I use a good quality oil based stain on the whole trestle deck, and let it cure for a week, before laying track. The trestle I’m building now is to replace one built over 20 years ago, which was built and only stained once, just the way the new one is.
I’m located in Eastern Ontario, Canada…
Fred Mills