An aesthetic insert adapted to be received between a wheel-bearing rail and the center rail of extant model railroad track, and in its installed position at least partially covers or hides the side of the center rail, camouflaging it and rendering it less noticeable. The installed insert superposes portions of and simulates the presence and/or appearance of a crosstie surface. The insert may be a separately installable, individual element, or a plurality of interconnected individual elements installable as a group and interconnected by one or more connecting members.