... 3'6", which seems a bit narrow; I've an idea I've used something more like 5' in the past. The layout in question is GWR 1930s. Any ideas? Cheers Nigel posted: 23 Aug 2010 14:19 from: Russ E These are typical: 590_230916_500000000.gif 590_230917_250000000.gif Last edited on 23 Aug 2010 14:22 by Russ E posted: 23 Aug 2010 15:13 from: Martin Wynne Thanks Russ. Some more drawings. These show the camber on the base formation, which is essential for drainage: cess1.jpg This shows modern deep ballasting for long-welded rail. The heaped ballast shoulders are needed to prevent the track buckling sideways under heat expansion: cess2.jpg regards, Martin. posted: 23 Aug 2010 17:47 from: Nigel Brown Thanks for the replies. So allowing roughly 2' for the end of the 9' sleeper, it works out around 3' to the top of the shoulder and 4' to the bottom, so my 3'6" is in the right ball park. Any idea about in the vicinity ...