Thanks to all who responded to my question. It basically confirmed what I had thought. I do have a follow up question. It is to do with which option is better. Gap before the exit crossover or Gap between the crossover.

To explain. My situation is that as I enter the loop on the left hand track, I cross the trailing point switch of the crossover. As I exit the loop I cross the other trailing point switch of the crossover. Following this switch I have about 2 metres of straight track before it meets another crossover. My thoughts are that if I gap between the 2 switches of the crossover it would allow me to extend the length of the reverse loop until that next crossover further down the line. I could gap the rails before that subsequent crossover.

I think this would work and would allow me to extend the length of the reversing section considerably, which is desirable. My question regards the gaps between the said crossover. Must they be adjacent? I suspect they must but those that have had more experience may be able to confirm this so I don't go off cutting unnecessary gaps.?

As I mentioned in my original post, there are gaps between the crossover switches but they are not adjacent. They are simply the gaps that isolate the Frog in each switch. They are about 40mm or so apart. From what I have read about reverse loops, the gaps need to be adjacent. It makes sense.

Thanks for any information you can provide...........George.? ??