A gauge spacing apparatus for positioning pot sleepers with respect to existing sleepers of a railway track has a pair of turnout rails, which are separated from one another by a desired gauge distance. The gauge spacing apparatus includes a first guide member aligned with and secured with respect to a portion of the existing rail; and a second guide member angled with respect to the first guide member at a turnout angle. The second guide member is aligned with a portion of a turnout rail to allow the turnout rail to be provided with supporting pot sleepers, such that the desired gauge between the turnout rails is maintained. Also provided are a rectangular gauge spacing apparatus, a shear plate arrangement for providing supported engagement between first and second sections of rail, and a support framework for supporting a planar supporting member spanning over an existing rail.