Mike: yes we have a cold and windy snap here in BC also, don't mind it though except for hauling water by hand to the cows and horses it gives me a chance to get something done on the layout.
I would highly recomend using screws,no glue. I use robertson (square heads) number 8, one and one half inches long. As Errol states use a pilot hole. For the number of layouts that I have built, modified, re did, and changed parts you can not beat screws. You can easily take them out to make changes: eg: moving a suport board over that happens to be under a switch. If you are using risers to raise your track, I came accross a great idea and takes all the flustration out of raising and lowering the thing. You put a kerf in the center, using a table saw. Use a large screw and washer to temporarily hold it, adjustments can be made by loosening the screw and moving the riser up or down then retighten it. No more putting the screw all the way in and then taking it out and trying to find a new hole. When you are finished just put a secondary screw in and its there. Are you using one by fours etc or are you making your framework out of plywood?? I have a small extention that I am going to be building soon and as I want a tressel and a canyon on it am contemplating going to a plywood base construction.
Let us know how it is working out.
Ron
B.C. Canada..