Railroad switch - Knowledge

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broom – quite similar to ice scrapers used today), or gas torches for melting ice and snow. Such operation are still used in some countries, especially for branch routes with only limited traffic (e.g. seasonal lines). Modern switches for heavily trafficked lines are typically equipped with switch heaters installed in the vicinity of their point rails so that the point rails will not be frozen onto the stock rail and can no longer move. These heaters may take the form of electric heating elements or gas burners mounted on the rail, a lineside burner blowing hot air through ducts, or other innovative methods (e.g. geothermal heat sink, etc.) to keep the point & stock rails above freezing temperatures. Where gas or electric heaters cannot be used due to logistic or economic constraints, anti-icing chemicals can sometimes be applied to create a barrier between the metal surfaces to prevent ice from forming between them (i.e. having frozen together by ice). Such approaches however, may not always be effective for extreme climates since these chemicals will be washed away over time, especially for heavily thrown switches that experience hundreds of throws daily.

1138: 205: 939: 559: 1074: 1169: 1970: 1904: 1090: 1926:, if the wheels on both sides of the car are connected by a rigid solid axle, only one switchpoint is needed to steer it onto one or the other track. The switchpoint will be on inside rail of the switch's curve route. When a streetcar enters the curve route of the switch, the wheel on the inside of the curve (the right side of the car on a right turn) is pulled into the turn, and through the axle, directs the wheel on the outside to also follow the curve. The outside wheel is supported for a short distance by its flange running in the groove. 1528: 1438: 546:

some switches, the shock, vibration, possibly in combination with slight heating caused by braking or a city microclimate, may cause the chunks of ice to fall off, jamming the switches. The heaters need time to melt the ice, so if service frequency is extremely high, there may not be enough time for the ice to melt before the next train arrives, which will then result in service disruptions. Possible solutions include installing higher capacity heaters, reducing the frequency of trains, or applying anti-icing chemicals such as

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other forms of three way turnouts an additional frog is required. Due to the inherent complexity of the arrangement, interlaced turnouts are normally only used in locations where space is exceptionally tight, such as station throats or industrial areas within large cities. Interlaced turnouts can also be found in some yards, where a series of switches branching off to the same side are placed so close together that the points of one switch are placed before the frog of the preceding switch.

997: 1430: 160: 1661: 843: 152: 2165: 952: 1594: 530: 2152: 1768: 55: 176: 1137: 2067: 1683:) has trailing ends which diverge symmetrically and in opposite directions. The name originates from the similarity of their shape to that of the letter Y. Wye switches are usually used where space is at a premium. In North America this is also called an "equilateral switch" or "equilateral turnout". Common switches are more often associated with mainline speeds, whereas wye switches are generally low-speed yard switches. 522: 1216:) is a narrow-angled diagonal flat crossing of two lines combined with four pairs of points in such a way as to allow vehicles to change from one straight track to the other, alternatively to going straight across. A train approaching the arrangement may leave by either of the two tracks on the opposite side of the crossing. To reach the third possible exit, the train must change tracks on the slip and then reverse. 1106: 1867: 340: 1486: 1282:

cannot switch tracks. This is normally used to allow access to sidings and improve safety by avoiding having switch blades facing the usual direction of traffic. To reach the sidings from what would be a facing direction, trains must continue over the crossing, then reverse along the curved route (usually onto the other line of a double track) and can then move forward over the crossing into the siding.

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dedicated short length of track, or formed from a section of a second, continuous, parallel line), and also allows trains coming from either direction to switch between lines; otherwise, the only way for a train coming from the opposite direction to use a switch would be to stop, and reverse through the switch onto the other line, and then continue forwards (or stop, if it is being used as a siding).

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the train will diverge to the right. If the right point is connected, the right wheel's flange will be guided along the rail of that point, and the train will continue along the straight track. Only one of the points may be connected to the facing track at any time; the two points are mechanically locked together to ensure that this is always the case.

947:. This is an example of a low switch stand, used at locations where there is not sufficient clearance for a tall switch stand. This particular stand is designed to be trailed through by rolling stock, which will cause the points to become lined for the route that the wheels have passed through. It has a reflectorized target. 693:

carriage and was dragging on the ground. While passing through the station at Eschede it threw a switch, causing the rear wheels of the car to switch onto a track diverging from the track taken by the front wheels. The car was thereby thrown into and destroyed the piers supporting a 300-tonne roadway overpass.

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As a general rule, the smaller the crossing angle of a turnout, the higher the turnout speed. In North America, turnouts are rated numerically, which represents the ratio of divergence per length as measured at the frog. A rule of thumb is that the rated speed of a switch (in miles per hour) is twice

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A rotary switch rotates about its long axis to present a track connection to a chosen set of tracks. Physically, it flips over (rotates about its long axis 180 degrees) to connect to the chosen set of tracks. Once the rotary switch is secured the train can proceed. Cog alignment is maintained in both

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are installed on the running line itself, where the railway climbs at a steep gradient. They are used to prevent runaway vehicles colliding with another train further down the slope. In some cases, catch points lead into a sand drag to safely stop the runaway vehicle, which may be traveling at speed.

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are used to protect main lines from stray or runaway cars, or from trains passing signals set at danger. In these cases, vehicles would otherwise roll onto and foul (obstruct) the main line and cause a collision. Depending on the situation in which they are used, run-off points are referred to either

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is similar to the double or single slip switches described above, except that the switch blades are outside of the diamond instead of inside. An advantage over an inside slip switch is that trains can pass the slips with higher speeds. A disadvantage over an inside slip switch is that they are longer

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A set of points on the Strathspey Railway in Scotland. The facing point lock in the middle will need to be withdrawn using the blue lever (behind) on the left before the points themselves can be moved using the black lever (front). Once the points have been moved the lock will be pushed in again with

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mechanism that aligns the points with one of the possible routes. The motor is usually controlled remotely by the dispatcher (signaller in the UK). The switch motor also includes electrical contacts to detect that the switch has completely set and locked. If the switch fails to do this, the governing

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on the insides of the wheels. When the wheels reach the switch, the wheels are guided along the route determined by which of the two points is connected to the track facing the switch. In the illustration, if the left point is connected, the left wheel will be guided along the rail of that point, and

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One advantage of wye switches is that they can have a coarser frog angle using the same radius of curvature than a common switch. This means that they give rise to a less severe speed restriction than the diverging branch of a common switch, without having to resort to more expensive switches with a

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is a method of splitting a track into three or more divergent paths. It is an arrangement of two standard turnouts, usually one left- and one right-handed, in an "interlaced" fashion. The points of the second turnout are positioned between the points and the frog of the first turnout. In common with

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lacks the tapered points (point blades) of a typical switch. Instead, both the movable rails and the ends of the rails of the diverging routes have their ends cut off square. The switch mechanism aligns the movable rails with the rails of one of the diverging routes. In 19th century US railroad use,

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works on the same principle as a double slip, but provides for only one switching possibility. Trains approaching on one of the two crossing tracks can either continue over the crossing, or switch tracks to the other line. However, trains from the other track can only continue over the crossing, and

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The divergence and length of a switch is determined by the angle of the frog (the point in the switch where two rails cross, see below) and the angle or curvature of the switch blades. The length and placement of the other components are determined from this using established formulas and standards.

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Generally, switches are designed to be safely traversed at low speed. However, it is possible to modify the simpler types of switch to allow trains to pass at high speed. More complicated switch systems, such as double slips, are restricted to low-speed operation. On European high-speed lines, it is

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Such switches are usually implemented on the basis of increasing the safe crossing speed. Open blades impose a speed restriction, due to the potential of the crossing impact fracturing the rail as both wheels on each axle hit the crossing gaps almost simultaneously. Switched blades, as shown in the

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systems. There are various possible scenarios involving the routes that trains on each gauge may take, including the two gauges separating or one gauge being able to choose between diverging paths and the other not. Because of the extra track involved, dual gauge switches have more points and frogs

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Catch points originate from the days of the 'unfitted' goods (freight) train. As these trains tended to consist of either completely unbraked wagons (relying entirely on the locomotive's own brakes), or ones with unlinked, manually applied brakes (necessitating a stop at the top of steep downgrades

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The complexity of symmetrical switches usually results in speed restrictions, therefore three-way switches are most often used in stations or depots where space is restricted and low speeds are normal. Symmetrical switches were used quite often on Swiss narrow-gauge railways. Asymmetrical three-way

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The arrangement gives the possibility of setting four routes, but because only one route can be traversed at a time, the four blades at each end of the crossing are often connected to move in unison, so the crossing can be worked by just two levers or point motors. This gives the same functionality

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Turnouts were originally built with straight switch blades, which ended at the pointed end with a sharp angle. These switches cause a bump when the train traverses in the turnout direction. The switch blades could be made with a curved point which meets the stockrail at a tangent, causing less of a

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The Eschede train disaster in 1998 in Germany was one of the world's deadliest high-speed train accidents, resulting in 101 deaths. It occurred when a wheel rim of an ICE train failed at 200 kilometres per hour (120 mph), partially derailing the car. The wheel rim went through the floor of the

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In the United Kingdom points and crossings using chaired bullhead rail would be referred to using a letter and number combination. The letter would define the length (and hence the radius) of the switch blades and the number would define the angle of the crossing (frog). Thus an A7 turnout would be

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between them. In many cases, where a switch is supplied to leave a track, a second is supplied to allow the train to reenter the track some distance down the line; this allows the track to serve as a siding, allowing a train to get off the track to allow traffic to pass (this siding can either be a

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are provided at the exit from a siding or where a goods line joins a line that may be used by passenger trains. Unless they have been specifically set to allow traffic to pass onto the main line, the trap points will direct any approaching vehicle away from the main line. This may simply result in

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in the rails (meaning lighter rails), or an extra joint at which they hinge. Therefore, these switches cannot be traversed at high speed or by heavy traffic and so are not suitable for main line use. A further disadvantage is that a stub switch being approached from the diverging route that is not

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are used where the moving points meet the fixed rails of the switch. They allow the points to hinge easily between their positions. Originally the movable switch blades were connected to the fixed closure rails with loose joints, but since steel is somewhat flexible it is possible to obviate this

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Heating alone may not always be enough to keep switches functioning under snowy conditions. Wet snow conditions, which generate particularly sticky snow and whiteout conditions, may occur at temperatures just below freezing, causing chunks of ice to accumulate on trains. When trains traverse over

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point rails, essentially inhibiting the proper operation of railroad switches. Historically, railway companies have employees keep their railroad switches clear of snow and ice by sweeping the snow away using switch brooms (Basically wire brooms with a chisel attached onto the opposite end of the

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The off-railer is a system of installing a turnout over and above some plain track, without having to cut or replace that track. It is useful for installing temporary branches on agricultural railways, and sidings for track machines on mainline rails. Special ramps lift the wheels off the normal

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In a setup where each of the two tracks normally carries trains of only one direction, a crossover can be used either to detour "wrong-rail" around an obstruction or to reverse direction. A crossover can also join two tracks of the same direction, possibly a pair of local and express tracks, and

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In the United Kingdom, FPLs were common from an early date, due to laws being passed which forced the provision of FPLs for any routes traveled by passenger trains – it was, and still is, illegal for a passenger train to make a facing move over points without them being locked, either by a point

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has the diverging track leaving to the opposite side. In many cases, such as rail yards, many switches can be found in a short section of track, sometimes with switches going both to the right and left (although it is better to keep these separated as much as feasible). Sometimes a switch merely

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rack railway, the rack must be continuous through the switch. The Dolderbahn switch works by bending all three rails, an operation that is performed every trip as the two trains pass in the middle. The Štrbské Pleso and Schynige Platte Strub rack system instead relies on a complex set of moving

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incorporates the tapered points of a typical switch into a self-contained plate. Each point blade is moved separately by hand. Plate switches are only used for double-flanged wheels, with wheels running through the plates on their flanges, guided by the edges of the plate and the movable blade.

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The frog end of the switched crossing, despite still having a gap in one rail, is less problematic in this regard. The outer rail is still continuous, the wing rail (the part that turns out, after the frog gap) provides a gradual transition, and the check rail avoids the possibility of points

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the points (end up going down both tracks) if the points were to move underneath the train. During trailing moves, the wheels of a train will force the points into the correct position if they attempt to move, although this may cause considerable damage. This act is known as a "run through".

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switches are more common, because they do not have speed restrictions compared to standard switches. However, because of their higher maintenance cost due to special parts as well as asymmetric wear, both types of three-way switches are replaced with two standard switches wherever possible.

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Points might move due to the extreme forces exerted by a passing train. In an especially noteworthy and extreme case, a switch's setting was forcibly changed as a result of a disintegrated duo block wheel getting caught in a switch. This caused one of the world's worst rail disasters, the

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Single point switches, known as Tongue and Plain Mate switches, are sometimes used on freight railways in slow speed operation in paved areas such as in ports. In the United States, they are regulated by provision 213.135(i) of the Federal Railroad Administration Track Safety Standards.

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is an active trackwork assembly used where the crossing angle between two tracks is too shallow for totally passive trackwork: the unguided sections of each rail would overlap. These vaguely resemble two standard points assembled very closely toe-to-toe. These would also often utilize

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were introduced to make sure that a signal could only be set to allow a train to proceed over points when it was safe to do so. Purely mechanical interlockings were eventually developed into integrated systems with electric control. On some low-traffic branch lines, in self-contained

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An outside slip switch can be so long that its slips do not overlap at all, as in the example pictured. In such a case a single, outside slip switch is the same as two regular switches and a regular crossing. Double outside slip switches are only used in rare, specific cases.

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If the points are rigidly connected to the switch control mechanism, the control mechanism's linkages may be bent, requiring repair before the switch is again usable. For this reason, switches are normally set to the proper position before performing a trailing-point movement.

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Some low floor streetcar designs use split axles (a separate half-axle for the wheel on each side of the car). Such streetcars are unsuitable for use with single-point switches as there would be no mechanism to transfer the force from the inner to outer wheels at switches.

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connected by the points would result in a derailment. Yet another disadvantage is that in very hot weather, expansion of the steel in the rails can cause the movable rails to stick to the stock rails, making switching impossible until the rails have cooled and contracted.

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Rotary switches are sometimes used on cog railways to maintain alignment of the cog with two different tracks. They are used on the Pilatus Cog Railway to allow up-bound and down-bound trains to pass each other on a grade while sharing the remainder of the single track.

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works by derailing any vehicle passing over it. There are different types of derailers, but in some cases they consist of a single switch point installed in a track. The point can be pulled into a position to derail any equipment that is not supposed to pass through.

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for the guard to walk along the train and set the brakes on each wagon in turn), they also lacked any mechanism to automatically brake runaway cars. Catch points were therefore required to stop the rear portion of a poorly coupled train that might break away whilst

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For many types of switch, a train coming from either of the converging directions will pass through the switch regardless of the position of the points, as the vehicle's wheels will force the points to move. Passage through a switch in this direction is known as a

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coming from the point blades toward the straight path or the diverging path. A train moving from the narrow end toward the point blades (i.e. it will be directed to one of the two paths, depending on the position of the points) is said to be executing a

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as they transition from one rail to another. The wider gauge only encounters continuous rail so is unaffected by the exchange. At dual gauge turntables, a similar arrangement is used to move the narrow-gauge track from one side to a central position.

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of two points placed end to end. These compact (albeit complex) switches usually are found only in locations where space is limited, such as station throats (i.e. approaches) where a few main lines spread out to reach any of numerous platform tracks.

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not uncommon to find switches where a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) or more is allowed on the diverging branch. Switches were passed over at a speed of 560 km/h (348 mph) (straight) during the French world speed run of April 2007.

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look like a part of a railroad switch, but have a completely different purpose, namely to compensate for the shrinkage or expansion of the road bed – e.g. typically, a larger steel bridge – due to changes in temperature, to avoid

1858:, where locomotives always have multiple driving pinions, it is possible to simplify turnouts by interrupting the rack rail, so long as the interruption is shorter than the spacing between the drive pinions on the locomotives. 480:

In a trailing-point movement (running through the switch in the wrong direction while they are set to turn off the track), the flanges on the wheels will force the points to the proper position. This is sometimes known as

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bump, but the disadvantage is that the metal at the point is thin and necessarily weak. A solution to these conflicting requirements was found in the 1920s on the German Reichsbahn. The first step was to have different

838:. The shiny line crosses the rusty line. This North American "self-guarding cast manganese" component without guard rails has raised flanges on the crossing, which may bear on the face of the wheel as it passes through. 1469:

One advantage to stub switches is that they work better in the snow. The sideways action of the point rails pushes snow to the side, instead of packing the snow between the points and the rail in a more modern design.

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Catch points are usually held in the 'derail' position by a spring. They can be set to allow a train to pass safely in the downhill direction using a lever or other mechanism to override the spring for a short time.

712:. The front wheels of a coach progressed along the straight track as intended, but the rear wheels slewed along the diverging track. This caused the whole coach to detach from the train and slew sideways across the 984:(sleepers) that extend from the switch at the points. They are often used in a place of a switch motor on less frequently used switches. In some places, the lever may be some distance from the points, as part of a 2172:

Turnouts are large pieces of rail infrastructure which may be too big, wide, or heavy to transport in one piece. Special wagons can carry the pieces at approximately 45° from vertical, so that they fit within the

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An example of a mechanism used at a switch. The two points are linked together with a throw bar (also known as a stretcher bar). The throw bar extends to the lever on the near side of the track, which is used to

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a steep grade – although they would also stop vehicles that ran away for any other reason. Now that trains are all 'fitted' (and broken couplings are far less common), catch points are mostly obsolete.

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is a short piece of rail placed alongside the main (stock) rail opposite the crossing. These ensure that the wheels follow the appropriate flangeway through the frog and that the train does not derail.

458:). Historically, this would require a lever to be moved by a human operator, and some switches are still controlled this way. However, most are now operated by a remotely controlled actuator called a 716:

ahead. The movement of the switch occurred beneath the final coach, so that the preceding coaches remained on the track. Poor maintenance of the points was found to be the primary cause of the crash.

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In North America this is generally referred to as a switch's "number". For example, on a "number 12" switch, the rails are one unit apart at a distance of twelve units from the center of the frog.

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moving frog. For this reason they are sometimes used on a main line where it splits into two equally important branches or at the ends of a single track section in an otherwise double track line.

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The crossing is the component that enables passage of wheels on either route through the turnout. It can be assembled out of several appropriately cut and bent pieces of rail or can be a single

188: 1833:, it is common to place turnouts only in relatively flat areas where the rack is not needed. On systems where only the pinion is driven and the conventional rail wheels are idlers, such as the 819:

In some cases, the switch blades can be heat treated for improvement of their service life. There are different kinds of heat treatment processes such as edge hardening or complete hardening.

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described the system that he developed which used a single iron blade, hinged on a vertical pin that was tapered to lie against the plateway. By 1808, Curr's basic design was in common use.

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A switch generally has a straight "through" track (such as the main-line) and a diverging route. The handedness of the installation is described by the side that the diverging track leaves.

2177:. Once all the pieces have arrived, the turnout is assembled sleeper by sleeper on site. A set of turnouts may be trial assembled beforehand off site, to check that everything fits. 1461:

The rails leading up to a stub switch are not secured to the sleepers for several feet, and rail alignment across the gap is not positively enforced. Stub switches also require some

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When a tram track is interrupted during repairs, a set of temporary points may be placed on top of existing track to allow trams to cross to the parallel track. These are known as

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On a crowded system, routine use of crossovers (or switches in general) will reduce throughput, as use of the switch blocks multiple tracks. For this reason, on some high-capacity

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In areas with very low speeds, like depots, and on railroads that had to be built very cheaply, like logging railroads, three-way switches were sometimes built as stub switches.

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signal is kept at red (stop). There is also usually some kind of manual handle for operating the switch in emergencies, such as power failures, or for maintenance purposes.

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Stub switches were more common in the very early days of railways and their tramway predecessors. Now, because of their disadvantages, stub switches are used primarily on

477:. This both allows for remote control and monitoring and for the use of stiffer, strong switches that would be too difficult to move by hand, yet allow for higher speeds. 1786:

A related formation is the 'swish' or rail exchange, where (usually) the common rail changes sides. These have no moving parts, the narrower gauge wheels being guided by

1887:. In the UK, where the angle of divergence is shallower than 1 in 8 (center-line measure) a switched diamond will be found rather than a passive or fixed diamond. 637:

Tampering with a manually operable switch or operation errors in an interlocking may result in two trains being on the same track, potentially causing a collision.

171:); note that the green line represents direction of travel only, the black lines represent fixed portions of track, and the red lines depict the moving components. 2127: 1854:

points which assemble the rack in the traversed direction and simultaneously clear the crossed direction conventional rails. In some rack systems, such as the

980:) is a lever and accompanying linkages to align the points of a switch by hand. The lever and its accompanying hardware is usually mounted to a pair of long 2432: 1895:

splitting. This can be seen in how, under examination, the wing rail has a wider polished section, showing how the wheel load is transferred across the gap.

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the vehicle being derailed, but in some cases a sand drag is used, especially where the vehicle is likely to be a runaway traveling at speed due to a slope.

485:. Some switches are designed to be forced to the proper position without damage. Examples include variable switches, spring switches, and weighted switches. 1017:, is a device which, as the name implies, locks a set of points in position, as well as mechanically proving that they are in the correct position. The 2606: 1991: 574:

very short and likely only to be found in tight places like dockyards whereas an E12 would be found as a fairly high speed turnout on a mainline.

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A train might stand so close to the frog of a switch that a passing train would collide with its side (the first train is then said to have been

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at the outer ends to ensure complete wheel support in the same way as provided on shallow angle turnouts. In North America these are known as

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is used to split a railroad track into three divergent paths rather than the more usual two. There are two types of three-way switches. In a

422:, the red track is the one traveled during a facing-point movement. The switch mechanism, shown in black, may be operated remotely using an 1490: 2713: 1059:

for the stock rails and switch rails, with the switch rails being about 25 mm (0.98 in) less high, and stockier in the middle.

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photograph, allow a much higher speed across the gap by providing an essentially continuous piece of rail across the gap on both sides.

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refers to the entire mechanism. In professional parlance, the term refers only to the movable rails and the entire mechanism is named

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part of the name refers to the fact that they prevent movement of the points during facing moves, where a train could potentially

1367:, allowing a train on one track to cross over to the other. Like the switches themselves, crossovers can be described as either 1168: 822:

The cross-section of the switch blades also influences performance. New tangential blades perform better than old-style blades.

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A single-point switch is cheaper to build, especially in street trackage, as there is no need to link to a second switchpoint.

797:) are the movable rails which guide the wheels towards either the straight or the diverging track. They are tapered, except on 730: 902:(in this case an electric motor) and associated mechanism used to operate this switch can be seen to the right in the picture. 708:, in the United Kingdom, occurred when a switch sprang to a different position as a coach crossed it, a type of mishap called 119: 2893: 2642: 2382:, Charles Fox, "Arrangement of Rails, for Causing a Train to Pass from One Line to Another", published 1838-08-15 1187:

Apart from the standard right-hand and left-hand switches, switches commonly come in various combinations of configurations.

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became more common in the eighteenth century, cast iron components were made to build switches with check rails. In 1797,

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divides one track into two; at others, it serves as a connection between two or more parallel tracks, allowing a train to

3396: 2751:, John H. Morgan, "Switching or Crossover Device for Traction Rack Rail Systems", published 18 October 1904 1842: 1378:

When two crossovers are present in opposite directions, one after the other, the four-switch configuration is called a

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On 31 July 1991, several cars derailed, killing seven passengers, due to a missing locking pin on the switch mechanism.

98: 3712: 2333: 371: 138: 331:, while still in the same direction. Switches consume a relatively high proportion of a railway maintenance budget. 3366: 2214: 1083:: The point of the V-shaped rail is moved to align the rail in the appropriate direction where the two rails cross. 988:

or ground frame. To prevent the tampering of switches by outside means, these switches are locked when not in use.

72: 2443: 2472:"63 FR 39343 – Automatic Train Control and Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System; Northeast Corridor Railroads" 502: 105: 2776: 581:, switch curvatures were specified from A (sharpest) to F (shallowest), with the following corresponding radii: 44:

This article primarily uses North American terminology. British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses.

3389: 2471: 2264:. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development. 1981. 359:

Simple single-bladed switches were used on early wooden railways to move wagons between tracks. As iron-railed

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is not always present; for example, both tracks may curve, one to the left and one to the right (such as for a

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Temporary or 'Californian' points installed on tramline 81 at the junction of Avenue Louise and Rue Bailli

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Large stations may have hundreds of normal and double switches (Frankfurt am Main main station, Germany).

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A double switch, or double slip—the points are set to connect the upper left and lower right tracks.

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have a diverging path to the right of the straight track, when coming from the point blades, and a

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switches are as varied as rack-railway technologies. Where use of the rack is optional, as on the

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A scissors crossover: two pairs of switches linking two tracks to each other in both directions

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This divergence is measured as the number of units of length for a single unit of separation.

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Animated diagram of a right-hand railroad switch. Rail track A divides into two: track B (the

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Switches are necessary for the operation of a railway, but they do pose a number of risks:

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to control the movement of trains over the points. Eventually, mechanical systems known as

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C – 980 feet (298.70 m) – scissors or simple crossover with a 1 in 10 crossing angle

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Under cold weather conditions, snow and ice can prevent the proper movement of switch or

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and switches that allow this type of movement without damage to the mechanism are called

31: 2493: 2277:"Dynamic characteristics of a switch and crossing on the West Coast main line in the UK" 1716:

as trap points or catch points. Derailers are another device used for the same purpose.

1042:

looseness by thinning a short section of the rail's bottom itself. This can be called a

670:

express was derailed at high speed after being inadvertently switched into a siding via

646:

Switch-related accidents caused by one or more of these risks have occurred, including:

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The most common type of switch consists of a pair of linked tapering rails, known as

2230: 1437: 3686: 3653: 3610: 3600: 3573: 3308: 3278: 3273: 2944: 2288: 1619: 1611: 1328: 1152: 713: 403: 399: 224: 38: 1855: 1351: 533:

Similarly, an electric forced-air heater can keep a switch free from snow and ice.

3691: 3676: 3643: 3583: 3535: 3520: 3510: 3502: 3356: 3228: 3183: 3025: 2949: 2939: 2829: 2174: 2042:

in Dutch. They may be welded into place and allow trams to pass at walking pace.

1946: 1850: 1811: 1615: 1584: 1418: 1382:. If the crossovers in different directions overlap to form an ×, it is dubbed a 1162:

are provided in order to ensure there are no gaps in the electrical power supply.

863: 600: 547: 248: 151: 1413:

systems, crossovers between local and express tracks are not used during normal

1200: 689:, on 12 April 2001. To prevent these incidents, most unused switches are locked. 509: 26.5 turnout that has speed limit of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) and 3663: 3625: 3593: 3555: 3515: 3412: 3218: 3203: 3128: 3101: 3030: 2607:"NTSB: Misaligned Switch Directed 'Silver Star' into Parked CSX Autorack Train" 2293: 2276: 2241: 2208: 1783:

than their single gauge counterparts. This limits speeds even more than usual.

1701: 1638: 1399: 1315: 1290: 1148: 463: 423: 390: 348: 197: 2860: 2549:"Train Derailment at Grayrigg, Cumbria 23 February 2007 – RAIB Interim Report" 2399: 804:

In popular parlance in the UK and most other Commonwealth countries, the term

753:

This detail of a switch shows the pair of tapered moveable rails known as the

634:

The necessary maintenance of the complex mechanical device might be neglected.

616:

Reversing the points under a moving train will almost always derail the train.

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of manganese steel. On lines with heavy use, the casting may be treated with

705: 459: 278:). These points can be moved laterally into one of two positions to direct a 256: 2846: 2168:

Transport of switches by rail creates problems as they are so long and wide.

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The manual switch of track drive manufactured by Walter Hoene, the port of

671: 454:

A mechanism is provided to move the points from one position to the other (

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Shih, Jou-Yi; Weston, Paul; Entezami, Mani; Roberts, Clive (1 June 2022).

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A ground frame contains a few levers for manually operating nearby points:

996: 159: 3671: 3530: 3173: 3133: 3045: 2772: 2494:"Information on Winter Operation by Dutch Infrastructure Manager Prorail" 1822: 1660: 1462: 1095:

Several different styles of old American switch stands on display at the

985: 842: 701: 667: 659: 538: 443: 378: 252: 244: 3381: 3540: 3330: 3296: 3291: 3243: 3168: 3143: 3084: 3050: 2934: 2797: 2164: 1834: 1779: 1553: 1445:—this switch has an additional piece of movable rail instead of a frog. 1398:. This makes for a very compact track layout at the expense of using a 1364: 891:

are often used on very sharp curves, even where there are no switches.

467: 382: 2871: 2667:. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 29 January 1906. p. 7 951: 816:. Turnout and switch are terms used in North America in all contexts. 677:

Wrecks caused by switches being thrown open in front of the trains by

370:

The use of a sprung rail, giving a smooth transition, was patented by

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service, and service patterns are planned around use of the usually

956: 723:

of 23 February 2007 blamed an incorrectly maintained set of points.

562:

A low-speed #6 right-hand switch between a main line and a rail yard

385:

constructed near the tracks through an elaborate system of rods and

54: 3106: 2924: 2529:. London Midland & Scottish Railway. 1928. pp. 8–17, 55–64 2055: 1982: 1846: 1830: 1155: 678: 474: 360: 175: 155:

A right-hand railroad switch with point indicator pointing to right

26:"Set of points" redirects here. For the mathematical concepts, see 2116:

In New South Wales standard turnouts of tangential types include:

2066: 513: 32.7 with speed limit of 80 miles per hour (129 km/h). 1949:

turnout consisting of a bridge that rotates about its lengthwise

521: 352: 240: 2099:

Higher speed turnouts have also been used in the United States:

1866: 1223:

In North American English, the arrangement may also be called a

3188: 2151: 1749: 1504:, the left and right branches diverge at the same place. In an 1485: 749: 663: 447: 339: 328: 894: 505:

has published the speed limits for higher-speed turnouts with

381:, switches at heavily traveled junctions were operated from a 439: 386: 279: 2827:

Cooper, Basil (February 1984). "Points, Locks & Bolts".

830: 733:

on a siding due to a misaligned switch, killing two crewmen.

729:

Twenty-seven years later, on 4 August 2018, the Silver Star

406:, switches may still have the earlier type of interlocking. 1950: 1941: 1919: 343:

Control stand of a defunct railroad switch on the way from

37:"Pointwork" redirects here. For the ballet technique, see 2274: 1454:

the stub switch was typically used in conjunction with a

1030:

lock, or temporarily clamped in one position or another.

2767: 2765: 2763: 2351:

The Coal Viewer and Engine Builder's Practical Companion

2204:

Funicular § Turnout systems for two-rail funiculars

1668:

on the mainline, leading to a single-track bridge, near

1552:

track, and then the off-railer curves away as required.

1512:. Both types of three-way switches require three frogs. 2211: – Overlap configuration to narrow track formation 744: 2558:. Rail Accident Investigation Branch. 26 February 2007 2520:"Drawings of Standard Railway Equipment Permanent Way" 16:

Mechanism to transfer trains from one track to another

Turnout speeds are governed by a number of factors.

1508:, the branches diverge in a staggered way using two 1489:

A three-way stub switch at Sheepscot station on the

2687:"Requirements in regard to the Opening of Railways" 1269:("english one", literally "Englishman") in German. 79:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 2605:Edmonson, R.G.; Sweeney, Steve (4 February 2018). 525:Gas heating keeps a switch free from snow and ice. 1363:is a pair of switches that connects two parallel 1294:A double, outside slip in Heidelberg main station 959:before 1945, on the site of the former fuel depot 3704: 2238: – Device for turning railway rolling stock 1151:track to guide trains. Rubber tires, rolling on 274:), lying between the diverging outer rails (the 2604: 1049: 919:(point motor or point machine) is an electric, 801:in industrial sidings, which have square ends. 516: 2833:. EMAP National Publications. pp. 60–61. 2747: 2466: 2464: 2420:General Code of Operating Rules, Fifth Edition 2262:Railroad Classification Yard Technology Manual 1406:allow trains to switch from one to the other. 1247:. In Italian, the term for a double switch is 1001:the blue lever to lock the points in position. 963: 3397: 2887: 2777:"TTC Unveils New Streetcar Design and Mockup" 2577:Clark, Chuck; Davidson, Tom (2 August 1991). 2576: 1248: 2010: 2004: 1989: 1874:Although not strictly speaking a turnout, a 1491:Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway 1341: 1334: 1326: 1320: 1264: 418:The operation of a railroad switch. In this 327:), or both tracks may curve, with differing 2714:Light Railway Research Society of Australia 2461: 2378: 2037: 2031: 2016: 1614:lines intersecting with east and westbound 1258: 590: 3404: 3390: 2894: 2880: 1394:; or, due to the diamond in the center, a 869: 446:of the wheels, rather than relying on the 3411: 2637:. New York: John Wiley. pp. 5, 570. 2579:"Boca Man among 7 Killed in Amtrak Wreck" 2401:Feynman: How the Train Stays on the Track 2292: 2159: 442:are primarily guided along the tracks by 198:Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway light rail 139:Learn how and when to remove this message 2163: 2065: 1968: 1940: 1902: 1870:A switch diamond at a junction in the UK 1865: 1798: 1794: 1766: 1700: 1659: 1526: 1484: 1436: 1433:Closeup of a stub switch in Pennsylvania 1428: 1350: 1314: 1289: 1199: 995: 950: 937: 893: 841: 829: 776: 768: 748: 674:operated points, resulting in 18 deaths. 557: 528: 520: 426:or hand-operated lever or from a nearby 413: 377:Prior to the widespread availability of 338: 239:) is a mechanical installation enabling 203: 182: 174: 158: 150: 2901: 2328:. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Transport. 2189: – New York City Subway derailment 2112: 32.7: 80 mph (130 km/h) 1509: 1421:at each end of the local-express line. 681:, as in the non-fatal derailments near 492: 389:. The levers were also used to control 3705: 2826: 2632: 2106: 26.5: 60 mph (97 km/h) 1898: 1762: 1556:has such a system. It is similar to a 585:B – 613 feet (186.84 m) – simple 3385: 2875: 2771: 2326:The Railway: British Track Since 1804 1977:, a.k.a. Louisalaan and Baljuwstraat 1563: 1062: 2348: 2095: 20: 40 mph (64 km/h) 2089: 15: 30 mph (48 km/h) 1602:Interlaced turnouts on the elevated 1239:, and the switch is also known as a 1235:in the United Kingdom used the term 991: 745:Switchrails or points (point blades) 603:switch with a 1 in 12 crossing angle 579:London, Midland and Scottish Railway 77:adding citations to reliable sources 48: 2363: 2323: 1964: 1480: 826:Crossing (frog or common crossing) 731:crashed into a parked freight train 13: 2820: 2045: 14: 3734: 2854: 2474:. Federal Railroad Administration 2408:. BBC TV – via YouTube.com. 2061: 1861: 1690: 599:D – 1,379 feet (420.32 m) – 553: 2556:Assets.Publishing.Service.gov.uk 2215:Glossary of rail transport terms 2150: 1936: 1592: 1583: 1190: 1167: 1136: 1122: 1104: 1088: 1072: 53: 2790: 2741: 2700: 2696:. British Board of Trade. 1892. 2679: 2651: 2626: 2598: 2570: 2541: 2512: 2486: 2324:Dow, Andrew (30 October 2014). 1705:Trap points at the exit from a 1522: 1285: 1147:use conventional points on the 906: 698:May 2002 Potters Bar rail crash 503:Federal Railroad Administration 64:needs additional citations for 3449: 2862:How a Railway Frog Point Works 2425: 2412: 2391: 2372: 2368:. London: The Railway Gazette. 2357: 2342: 2317: 2268: 2254: 2109: 2103: 2092: 2086: 1424: 1272: 1195: 586: 510: 506: 1: 2635:Dynamic Behavior of Materials 2247: 2200: – Railway switch device 1907:A single-point switch on the 1827:West Coast Wilderness Railway 1655: 1546: 1506:asymmetrical three-way switch 739: 517:Operation in cold conditions 243:trains to be guided from one 2231:Rack railway § Switches 2220:Minimum railway curve radius 2187:1928 Times Square derailment 1771:A dual-gauge switch in Japan 1743: 1502:symmetrical three-way switch 1310: 1263:in Dutch and, occasionally, 1097:Mid-Continent Railway Museum 1050:Straight and curved switches 719:The interim report into the 685:, on 12 August 1992, and in 641: 409: 7: 2418:Rules 8.9, 8.15, and 8.18, 2353:. Sheffield: John Northall. 2281:Railway Engineering Science 2193:Centralized traffic control 2180: 2156:1 in 16, for 100 km/h 1099:in North Freedom, Wisconsin 964:Switch stand (points lever) 10: 3739: 3616:Cross-platform interchange 3102:Transfer table (traverser) 2584:Ft Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel 2294:10.1007/s40534-021-00269-4 1747: 1694: 1227:, or more colloquially, a 873: 866:to increase service life. 483:running through the switch 334: 43: 36: 25: 18: 3662: 3634: 3564: 3546:Switch / turnout / points 3536:Grand circle / roundabout 3501: 3458: 3420: 3339: 3257: 3152: 3090:ground-level power supply 2998: 2910: 2716:. April 2013. p. 12. 2366:The Evolution of Railways 2226:Monorail § Switching 2144: 1735:Similar to catch points, 1572:Chicago Transit Authority 1257:. Likewise, it is called 1033: 864:explosive shock hardening 607: 247:to another, such as at a 213:Dresden Funicular Railway 196:Switch blades in motion ( 3713:Mechanisms (engineering) 2633:Meyers, Marc A. (1994). 2398:Richard Feynman (1983). 2364:Lee, Charles E. (1937). 2012:aiguillages californiens 1909:Toronto streetcar system 1182: 3075:Railway electrification 2659:"Scene of the Accident" 1808:Schynige Platte Railway 1670:Ravenstein, Netherlands 1068:Components and switches 870:Guard rail (check rail) 662:, in Ireland, when the 652:Buttevant Rail Disaster 293:trailing-point movement 211:used in the 1895-built 21:Switch (disambiguation) 2433:"Points and Crossings" 2169: 2160:Assembly and transport 2128:NSW 1 in 8.25 crossing 2082:the numerical rating: 2075: 2038: 2032: 2017: 2011: 2005: 1990: 1985: 1953: 1911: 1885:movable-point diamonds 1871: 1825:in Switzerland or the 1815: 1772: 1709: 1672: 1622:lines and the looping 1535: 1493: 1446: 1434: 1356: 1348: 1342: 1335: 1327: 1321: 1319:A double crossover at 1295: 1265: 1259: 1249: 1237:double compound points 1205: 1002: 960: 948: 903: 876:Guard rails (railroad) 855: 839: 782: 774: 766: 622:Eschede train disaster 563: 534: 526: 431: 356: 216: 201: 180: 172: 156: 3214:Platform screen doors 2694:RailwaysArchive.co.uk 2167: 2072:Wazir Mansion Station 2070:A railroad switch in 2069: 2039:Californische wissels 1972: 1944: 1906: 1869: 1802: 1795:Rack-railway switches 1770: 1704: 1663: 1606:north and southbound 1577:18 interlaced turnout 1530: 1488: 1440: 1432: 1354: 1318: 1303:and need more space. 1293: 1233:Great Western Railway 1203: 1177:rigid two-rail switch 999: 954: 941: 897: 845: 833: 780: 772: 752: 601:double track junction 561: 532: 524: 462:; this may employ an 417: 342: 285:facing-point movement 207: 195: 178: 162: 154: 3682:Minimum curve radius 3649:Zig Zag / Switchback 3164:Anti-trespass panels 2775:(10 November 2011). 2440:Extranet.ARTC.com.au 1245:Victoria (Australia) 814:points and crossings 710:splitting the switch 493:High-speed operation 73:improve this article 19:For other uses, see 3723:Rail junction types 3718:Rail infrastructure 3621:Interchange station 3526:Facing and trailing 3493:Classification yard 3011:Classification yard 2349:Curr, John (1797). 2198:Flange-bearing frog 2074:, Karachi, Pakistan 1899:Single-point switch 1881:swingnose crossings 1776:Dual gauge switches 1763:Dual gauge switches 1510:interlaced turnouts 1300:outside slip switch 1145:rubber-tyred metros 1115:Black lever: Points 1113:Blue lever: Release 854:(right) of a switch 721:Grayrigg derailment 304:Right-hand switches 167:) and track C (the 3551:Swingnose crossing 3270:Motive power depot 3224:Signalling control 2170: 2076: 1986: 1954: 1912: 1872: 1816: 1773: 1710: 1673: 1649:interlaced turnout 1564:Interlaced turnout 1536: 1494: 1477:and branch lines. 1447: 1435: 1384:scissors crossover 1357: 1349: 1346:high-speed railway 1296: 1279:single slip switch 1210:double slip switch 1206: 1081:swingnose crossing 1063:Components gallery 1003: 961: 949: 904: 856: 840: 783: 775: 767: 629:fouling the switch 564: 535: 527: 432: 357: 308:left-handed switch 297:trailable switches 217: 202: 181: 173: 157: 3700: 3699: 3379: 3378: 3097:Railway turntable 2918: 2729:Missing or empty 2644:978-0-471-58262-5 2236:Railway turntable 1456:harp switch stand 1396:diamond crossover 1388:scissors crossing 1250:deviatoio inglese 1117:Red lever: Signal 1007:facing point lock 992:Facing point lock 935:dates from 1897. 834:A one-piece cast 456:change the points 404:heritage railways 400:marshalling yards 193: 149: 148: 141: 123: 88:"Railroad switch" 3730: 3611:Spanish solution 3601:Terminal station 3574:Railway platform 3406: 3399: 3392: 3383: 3382: 3274:Railway workshop 2990:Transition curve 2960:Fastening system 2914: 2896: 2889: 2882: 2873: 2872: 2863: 2850: 2814: 2813: 2811: 2809: 2798:"Specifications" 2794: 2788: 2787: 2785: 2783: 2769: 2758: 2757: 2756: 2752: 2745: 2739: 2738: 2732: 2727: 2725: 2717: 2704: 2698: 2697: 2691: 2683: 2677: 2676: 2674: 2672: 2655: 2649: 2648: 2630: 2624: 2623: 2621: 2619: 2602: 2596: 2595: 2593: 2591: 2574: 2568: 2567: 2565: 2563: 2553: 2545: 2539: 2538: 2536: 2534: 2524: 2516: 2510: 2509: 2507: 2505: 2490: 2484: 2483: 2481: 2479: 2468: 2459: 2458: 2456: 2454: 2449:on 27 March 2018 2448: 2442:. Archived from 2437: 2429: 2423: 2416: 2410: 2409: 2395: 2389: 2388: 2387: 2383: 2376: 2370: 2369: 2361: 2355: 2354: 2346: 2340: 2339: 2321: 2315: 2314: 2296: 2272: 2266: 2265: 2258: 2155: 2154: 2111: 2105: 2094: 2088: 2051:Expansion joints 2041: 2035: 2029: 2027: 2014: 2008: 2002: 2000: 1980: 1976: 1965:Temporary points 1922:) systems using 1596: 1587: 1498:three-way switch 1481:Three-way switch 1419:flying junctions 1380:double crossover 1345: 1343:Hanover–Würzburg 1339:stations on the 1338: 1332: 1324: 1268: 1262: 1260:Engels(e) Wissel 1252: 1171: 1140: 1126: 1108: 1092: 1076: 945:throw the switch 512: 508: 249:railway junction 194: 144: 137: 133: 130: 124: 122: 81: 57: 49: 39:pointe technique 3738: 3737: 3733: 3732: 3731: 3729: 3728: 3727: 3703: 3702: 3701: 3696: 3692:Cant deficiency 3677:Ruling gradient 3658: 3644:Horseshoe curve 3630: 3560: 3521:Double junction 3511:Flying junction 3497: 3454: 3445:Quadruple track 3416: 3410: 3380: 3375: 3335: 3253: 3229:Structure gauge 3184:Defect detector 3156: 3148: 2994: 2950:Clip and scotch 2940:Breather switch 2906: 2900: 2861: 2857: 2830:Rail Enthusiast 2823: 2821:Further reading 2818: 2817: 2807: 2805: 2796: 2795: 2791: 2781: 2779: 2770: 2761: 2754: 2746: 2742: 2730: 2728: 2719: 2718: 2706: 2705: 2701: 2689: 2685: 2684: 2680: 2670: 2668: 2657: 2656: 2652: 2645: 2631: 2627: 2617: 2615: 2603: 2599: 2589: 2587: 2575: 2571: 2561: 2559: 2551: 2547: 2546: 2542: 2532: 2530: 2527:The LMS Society 2522: 2518: 2517: 2513: 2503: 2501: 2492: 2491: 2487: 2477: 2475: 2470: 2469: 2462: 2452: 2450: 2446: 2435: 2431: 2430: 2426: 2417: 2413: 2397: 2396: 2392: 2385: 2377: 2373: 2362: 2358: 2347: 2343: 2336: 2322: 2318: 2273: 2269: 2260: 2259: 2255: 2250: 2183: 2175:structure gauge 2162: 2149: 2147: 2064: 2048: 2046:Expansion joint 2021: 2015:in French, and 1994: 1978: 1974: 1967: 1947:Pilatus Railway 1939: 1901: 1864: 1851:Schynige Platte 1812:Schynige Platte 1804:Railroad switch 1797: 1765: 1752: 1746: 1699: 1693: 1658: 1645: 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1400:level junction 1312: 1309: 1287: 1284: 1274: 1271: 1255:English switch 1253:, which means 1197: 1194: 1192: 1189: 1184: 1181: 1180: 1179: 1173: 1166: 1164: 1149:standard gauge 1142: 1135: 1133: 1128: 1121: 1119: 1110: 1103: 1101: 1094: 1087: 1085: 1078: 1071: 1069: 1064: 1061: 1051: 1048: 1035: 1032: 993: 990: 965: 962: 917:switch machine 908: 905: 874:Main article: 871: 868: 827: 824: 746: 743: 741: 738: 737: 736: 735: 734: 727: 717: 694: 690: 675: 643: 640: 639: 638: 635: 632: 625: 617: 609: 606: 605: 604: 597: 594: 589:with a 1 in 8 555: 554:Classification 552: 518: 515: 494: 491: 464:electric motor 424:electric motor 411: 408: 349:Goteik viaduct 336: 333: 321:straight track 259:branches off. 165:straight track 147: 146: 61: 59: 52: 15: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 3735: 3724: 3721: 3719: 3716: 3714: 3711: 3710: 3708: 3693: 3690: 3688: 3685: 3683: 3680: 3678: 3675: 3673: 3670: 3669: 3667: 3665: 3661: 3655: 3652: 3650: 3647: 3645: 3642: 3641: 3639: 3637: 3633: 3627: 3624: 3622: 3619: 3617: 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gauge 3207: 3205: 3202: 3200: 3197: 3195: 3192: 3190: 3187: 3185: 3182: 3180: 3177: 3175: 3172: 3170: 3167: 3165: 3162: 3161: 3159: 3155: 3151: 3145: 3142: 3140: 3137: 3135: 3132: 3130: 3127: 3125: 3122: 3118: 3117:refuge siding 3115: 3114: 3113: 3110: 3108: 3105: 3103: 3100: 3098: 3095: 3091: 3088: 3086: 3083: 3081: 3078: 3077: 3076: 3073: 3071: 3068: 3064: 3063:tramway track 3061: 3060: 3059: 3056: 3052: 3049: 3048: 3047: 3044: 3042: 3039: 3037: 3034: 3032: 3029: 3027: 3024: 3022: 3019: 3017: 3014: 3012: 3009: 3007: 3004: 3003: 3001: 2997: 2991: 2988: 2986: 2983: 2981: 2978: 2976: 2973: 2971: 2968: 2966: 2963: 2961: 2958: 2956: 2953: 2951: 2948: 2946: 2943: 2941: 2938: 2936: 2933: 2931: 2928: 2926: 2923: 2922: 2920: 2917: 2913: 2909: 2905: 2897: 2892: 2890: 2885: 2883: 2878: 2877: 2874: 2868: 2864: 2859: 2858: 2848: 2844: 2840: 2836: 2832: 2831: 2825: 2824: 2803: 2799: 2793: 2778: 2774: 2768: 2766: 2764: 2750: 2744: 2736: 2723: 2722:cite magazine 2715: 2711: 2710: 2709:Light Railway 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B. Purvis 931:A patent by 930: 916: 913:switch motor 912: 910: 907:Switch motor 900:switch motor 899: 888: 887: 881: 879: 857: 851: 847: 835: 821: 818: 813: 809: 805: 803: 798: 795:point blades 794: 790: 787:switch rails 786: 784: 763:point blades 762: 759:switch rails 758: 754: 709: 683:Newport News 672:ground frame 645: 628: 611: 576: 572: 569: 565: 544: 536: 500: 496: 487: 482: 479: 455: 453: 436:railroad car 433: 428:ground frame 376: 369: 358: 345:Pyin Oo Lwin 320: 318: 312: 307: 303: 301: 296: 292: 289: 284: 275: 272:point blades 271: 268:switch rails 267: 263: 261: 232: 228: 220: 218: 168: 164: 135: 126: 116: 109: 102: 95: 83: 71:Please help 66:verification 63: 46: 3672:Track gauge 3531:Grand union 3174:Buffer stop 3134:Water crane 3046:Track gauge 2985:Tie/Sleeper 2618:13 February 2590:13 February 2033:klimwissels 2022: [ 2009:in German, 1995: [ 1975:(in French) 1961:positions. 1823:Zentralbahn 1788:guard rails 1737:trap points 1632:Lake street 1624:Orange line 1604:Chicago "L" 1463:flexibility 1451:stub switch 1443:stub switch 1425:Stub switch 1365:rail tracks 1273:Single slip 1214:double slip 1196:Double slip 1130:Abt turnout 986:lever frame 889:Check rails 850:(left) and 702:Potters Bar 660:County Cork 379:electricity 372:Charles Fox 276:stock rails 251:or where a 3707:Categories 3347:Industrial 3331:Water stop 3292:for trains 3284:Roundhouse 3258:Structures 3244:Train stop 3194:Guard rail 3169:Block post 3157:and safety 3154:Signalling 3085:third rail 3058:Rail track 3051:dual gauge 2935:Baulk road 2500:(in Dutch) 2498:Prorail.nl 2478:21 October 2248:References 1979:(in Dutch) 1835:Dolderbahn 1780:dual gauge 1677:wye switch 1666:wye switch 1656:Wye switch 1626:above the 1560:crossing. 1558:drawbridge 1554:Decauville 1547:Off-railer 1390:, or just 1311:Crossover 1015:point lock 882:guard rail 852:guard rail 740:Components 383:signal box 325:wye switch 209:Abt switch 129:April 2015 99:newspapers 3503:Junctions 3488:Rail yard 3473:Headshunt 3450:Crossover 3297:for goods 3239:Tell-tale 3070:Rail yard 3036:Guide bar 3016:Headshunt 2999:Trackwork 2965:Fishplate 2955:Date nail 2916:(history) 2839:0262-561X 2808:25 August 2802:SGR.go.ug 2782:2 October 2749:US 772736 2664:The Argus 2311:246422034 2303:2662-4753 2126:see also 1744:Derailers 1415:rush hour 1361:crossover 1329:Kirchheim 1266:Engländer 1175:Translohr 1160:Guideways 925:pneumatic 921:hydraulic 781:Old style 773:New style 687:Stewiacke 679:saboteurs 656:Buttevant 650:The 1980 642:Accidents 587:crossover 472:hydraulic 468:pneumatic 420:animation 410:Operation 374:in 1838. 365:John Curr 361:plateways 28:Point set 3566:Stations 3352:Military 3309:building 3279:Platform 3189:Derailer 3107:Roll way 3026:Junction 2925:Axe ties 2847:49957965 2181:See also 2056:sun kink 1983:Brussels 1849:and the 1847:Slovakia 1831:Tasmania 1756:derailer 1729:climbing 1681:Y points 1639:The Loop 1392:scissors 1373:trailing 1325:between 1322:Richthof 1156:rollways 1153:concrete 836:crossing 714:platform 591:crossing 475:actuator 402:, or on 3413:Railway 3362:station 3357:Private 3304:Station 2980:Profile 2930:Ballast 2867:YouTube 2671:20 July 2533:6 March 2504:30 June 2380:GB 7773 2123:1/8.25 1806:of the 860:casting 810:turnout 577:On the 501:The US 448:flanges 353:Myanmar 335:History 241:railway 229:turnout 113:scholar 3654:Spiral 3584:Island 3124:Switch 3112:Siding 2912:Tracks 2845: 2837: 2755: 2641: 2612:Trains 2562:3 July 2386: 2332: 2309: 2301: 2145:Uganda 2137:1/12.0 2134:1/10.5 1839:Zürich 1750:Derail 1608:Purple 1369:facing 1231:. The 1039:Joints 1034:Joints 1013:), or 957:Gdańsk 806:points 791:points 664:Dublin 608:Safety 444:coning 440:wheels 387:levers 313:switch 264:points 257:siding 233:points 231:, or 115: 108: 101: 94: 86: 3594:Split 3340:Types 3319:ghost 3314:clock 3288:Shed 2902:Rail 2690:(PDF) 2552:(PDF) 2523:(PDF) 2447:(PDF) 2436:(PDF) 2307:S2CID 2120:1/7.5 2026:] 1999:] 1628:Wells 1620:Green 1612:Brown 1183:Types 1023:split 593:angle 466:or a 329:radii 280:train 245:track 120:JSTOR 106:books 32:Locus 3687:Cant 3589:Side 3367:list 3324:list 2945:Cant 2843:OCLC 2835:ISSN 2810:2023 2784:2016 2735:help 2673:2011 2639:ISBN 2620:2019 2592:2019 2564:2022 2535:2022 2506:2024 2480:2012 2455:2022 2330:ISBN 2299:ISSN 2140:1/15 1951:axle 1920:tram 1810:(at 1707:yard 1630:and 1618:and 1616:Pink 1610:and 1333:and 982:ties 898:The 848:frog 846:The 785:The 696:The 668:Cork 539:frog 253:spur 92:news 30:and 3579:Bay 3541:Wye 3144:Wye 2865:on 2289:doi 2110:No. 2104:No. 2093:No. 2087:No. 2036:or 2003:or 1845:in 1837:in 1829:in 1647:An 1637:in 1371:or 1298:An 1243:in 1011:FPL 976:or 923:or 915:or 812:or 789:or 761:or 700:at 654:at 511:No. 507:No. 470:or 438:'s 347:to 270:or 255:or 227:), 75:by 3709:: 2841:. 2800:. 2762:^ 2726:: 2724:}} 2720:{{ 2712:. 2692:. 2661:. 2609:. 2581:. 2554:. 2525:. 2496:. 2463:^ 2438:. 2404:. 2305:. 2297:. 2285:30 2283:. 2279:. 2058:. 2030:, 2024:nl 1997:de 1981:, 1945:A 1841:, 1754:A 1675:A 1664:A 1538:A 1496:A 1458:. 1449:A 1402:. 1386:, 1375:. 1359:A 1277:A 1208:A 1079:A 1046:. 1005:A 968:A 911:A 880:A 765:). 704:, 658:, 631:). 434:A 319:A 299:. 287:. 237:CE 225:AE 219:A 3405:e 3398:t 3391:v 3272:/ 2895:e 2888:t 2881:v 2849:. 2812:. 2786:. 2737:) 2733:( 2675:. 2647:. 2622:. 2594:. 2566:. 2537:. 2508:. 2482:. 2457:. 2338:. 2313:. 2291:: 1679:( 1641:. 1212:( 1009:( 972:( 793:( 757:( 666:– 624:. 430:. 355:) 351:( 266:( 235:( 223:( 200:) 142:) 136:( 131:) 127:( 117:· 110:· 103:· 96:· 69:. 41:. 34:. 23:.

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