One thing is to have a track plan that allows for expansion to be distributed across multiple directions. For example, when the rails on a curve expand, the expansion is distributed outward. When the rails on a straightaway expand, there's only one direction for the expansion to go.
Bill Logan says that he doesn't have TOO much trouble with the difference between brass rail and HDPE expansion here in Ohio, but he has a lot of curves on his designs. Folks in very warm or very cold climates (or very variable climates, like North Dakota) would report more issues, regardless of track design.
I just wire the tie strip loosely to the lumber, so the track can slide in and out a little without blowing off in a high wind. But that might not work for everybody either.
|