Thank you Heinrich! I actually stained the rat lines darker to give it a tarred look.It is all coming together beautifully, Dean. I like the idea that you are using a different color rope for the "steps" of the ratlines (or will those be painted/colored?) For me, I like the contrast.
I didn't want to go with black, because no contrast. And I didn't want the lighter tan because that is for running rigging. At least that's my logic.