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I live in Minnesota with a frost depth of 42" and all of my track is elevated. None of my riseres are IN the ground but float ON the surface much the same as ground level track on a bed of crushed rock. This prevents the frost from pushing my riseres up and causing a lot of problums. A 2" X 6" X 6" pad made of "TREX" is screwed to the bottom of each riser to prevent the riser from sinking into the ground and to prevent rot. "TREX" is a man made wood/plastic product, see... www.trex.com to learn more about this versatile material. I make my riseres from 2" X 4" treated lumber because it's cheaper than "TREX". However, I use the "TREX" for my sub roadbed by ripping it into 1/2" X 1 1/2" splines or strips on my table saw. Then I rip a few splines at 3/4" X 1 1/2" and cut off pieces 4" long and 6" long to be used as spacers between the splines. Laying four splines on the ground the 6" spacers are placed vertically between the ends of the 1/2" splines leaving 3" of the spacers sticking out that will be used to connect to the next section. The splines are also in a vertical position. At this point I have a "TREX" sandwich of splines and spacers that I clamp togather. Then from each side I drive in plated deck screws that are long enough to reach OVER half way through the "sandwich". Now, every 16"-18" insert a group of 4" spacers between the splines and clamp these together and drive in the screws. This will yield a straight section of roadbed, if I need a curve I simply bend the splines as I insert the spacers. Spline roadbed made of "TREX" will form free flowing transition curves with very good vertical strength so risers can be as far apart as 3' on straight sections. Sub roadbed built this way will have openings between the splines so that water will run off quickly. If I want to ballest my track I staple landscaping fabric or fiber glass window screen to the top of my roadbed and then SCREW the track in place over that. To keep my ballest from falling off I bond it in place with "CONCRETE BONDING ADHESIVE". This adhesive is flexable when cured and can be pried out without damaging the track if need be. I buy this product at "HOME DEPOT". <br />I realise this has been a long winded explanation and is most likely clear as mud, but if you can figure out my babbling give spline roadbed a try. Mine has been in place for meany years and never gives me or my track any trouble of any kind. <br />OLD DAD
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