I am planning on terracing the bottom of a path that leads to the lakefront. There is about a 5 to 6 ft. drop over a length of about 20 to 25 feet (20-25% grade?). The soil is sugar sand. My plan is to use railroad ties, anchored with rebar pounded down about 2 ft. into the soil through three holes in each tie. We want to taper out starting with about a 5 ft. tie ending at 8 ft. at the bottom. Level off, leaving about 1 inch for flagstone paving. the area is well-drained and since ea. tie is about 8" high, I don't see the need for deadman bracing. The only real problem I foresee is tree and brush roots, since the area was previously heavily wooded. Too steep to get my old 8N down there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.