A big Thank You to all who have replied !!
I was going to mix a little dry cement in with the base stone because I thought it might keep the stone from washing away in a torrential rain storm!  I was going to put stone dust on top and let it mix down into the base and then loose lay the track on top. One of my big concerns was expansion and contraction. My main line will be a basic oval 40ft X 65ft with rail clamps. I'm not sure how much movement I'm going to get with drastic temp. changes? I'm afraid it might end up half off the roadbed! How wide should the bed be? Should I use expansion track sections and anchor every 8 feet? My logging and mining will be inside the main and use 8ft and 10ft. radius curves  in various configurations with straights and switches.
As far as walnuts, Squirrels, deer, raccoon's, moles, gophers, possum, rabbits, dogs and cats. I have lots of remedies planed.  Its mother nature I'm worried about!
Thanks again , Jim

I'm going to install my outdoor layout this spring and need info on the best way to lay the track in the North East. Temperature ranges from 5 to 100 Degrees f. here. I'm worried about expansion and contraction tearing the track and lightly cemented ballast up. Any one with experience in this please share your thoughts. From what I have read most outdoor layouts take about three tries to get the track laid right so it will last! I'm hoping with your help to get it right the first time.