Guys,
Here is a gauge story that does not involve any strong drink.
You are not alone in using standard gauge ties. The Maine Narrow Gauge Museum in Portland, Maine uses them and what must be the largest rails (112#?) that ever had narrow gauge equipment running on it.
Their track belongs to the Port of Portland, ME and they might some day have to give it back.
So what they did was move one of the rails in to create 24" gauge. Really looks strange! Take a look at their web site-- Photo Gallery.
They do however have some great equipment from all the Maine ng railroads except Kennebec Central, one one items exists from it and is at the WW&F Ry Museum in Alna.
Ted Miles