... halving and splicing two shorter ones, using bolted-through fishplates top and bottom as stiffeners. For a single turnout, the usual rule was that crossing timbers stop at 16ft* length, after which normal sleepering is used, with the sleeper ends interlaced as necessary. Timbers up to that length would normally be held as a stock item by the railway company, longer timbers being ordered from suppliers as needed. *17ft for GWR renewals before about 1930. Here's an example of very long timbers used in a complex formation: long_timber_shoving.png (the longest timber in the above is 26ft-6in). There are lots of topics on here about timbering layout, see for example: topic 394 topic 1153 topic 1610 topic 1109 regards, Martin. posted: 13 Jan 2013 11:48 from: Richard_Jones Hi Martin, Thanks for your help- I try working up to the 30' length and see what looks right- given the trouble I've had finding photos of the prototype I don't think anyone will be able to disprove whatever I do! best wishes ...