On 10/28/2013 11:55 AM, -- DerbyBorn wrote:
I was idly looking at the track as a steam loco went over a joint and
wondered why the joints in the track are not supported in some way by a
sleeper (and chair) arrangement. The cantilevered unsupported ends place an
incredible load on the strips of metal and bolts.
I realise the problem has gone away now - but has anyone any observations?



I guess it simply wasn't found necessary and avoided the need for
specialised chairs. The join also allowed for expansion, which would
have been an additional complication.