Funny how some people seem to have troubles with attaching track to a stable roadbed…
Here in Eastern Ontario, we get temperatures that range from 100F+, down to -30F. Most of our track (Aluminum/brass) has been nailed down to PT 2x lumber for 20 years, and we don’t get kinks.
We do nort put posts into the ground (We get frost down to 4 feet), we let the pt roadbed float, backfilling under it, or using deck blocks and 4x4 legs where raised.
The track is joined with regular joiners. When laying track, we considder what the temperature is, when laying it. Usually we only lay track in the Summer. If it is VERY hot, we leave a small gap, and when cold, a large gap, at each joint. We do not use track power, so clamps are not needed, thus saving a lot of dollars.
For some reason, our experiences do not sink in with some people. They try to go cheap on roadbed, and then have all sorts of trouble. You have to start with stable roadbed, or you will always end up with all sorts of maintenance problems, and end up frustrated…then the fun goes out of the hobby.
One thing with PT roadbed.....when using PT....use 2x lumber, and at all joints in the roadbed, use the same thickness of wood for the joining plates. The joining plates should be at least 18" long, and 8 deck screws should be used at each joint . Use 3" deck screws. Treat cut ends with wood preservative.
The roadbed should be joined together, and then set to whatever grades you choose. Prop it up with anything (old bricks, ols shoes, dead bodies, whatever,,,,,) then backfill with earth, and a good layer of crushed stone, for drainage.
If you want raised roadbed…avoid the expense and labour of digging holes for posts. Use deck blocks…on long spans of PT 2x lumber; screw a 2x4 on it’s edge, under the roadbed to act as a girder, to prevent sag.
I have tried just about anything you can think of for roadbed, over a span of years from the early 80’s to the present… Yes…I have used concrete…my problem with concrete, is that it is too hard to change if you decide change is needed. Our railroad grows, and changes as we grow with our hobby. I don’t enjoy trying to cut concrete, or the metal reinforcing rod…I also find that it is more labour intensive. Wood roadbed is easily cut, or taken apart when needed.
OK…so you have better results doing it your way…go ahead…as long as you are happy, and having fun…my heart is with you.