A nice alternative to flex track is using micro engineering rail with these ties. The ties have tie plates and spikes molded in, you push the spikes over the base of the rail to secure the rail in place, a touch of walthers goo under the rail helps too. One nice feature is that you can easily stagger your rail joints a car length apart or so. I have received these ties in both black and a lighter brown color, both seem to weather well. The tie connectors are low profile and allow a visible gap under both rails between the ties for a nice look on a lightly ballasted siding.