Real world switches

[buzz456]

CN fr.jpg

Yesterday I watched this single line east and west freight pass each other. The east bound freight went on the siding leaving the switch set to the siding on the west end. When the west bound train came along they stopped and pulled the switch back to the mainline so they could proceed. So does that mean when the east bound train pulls back onto the mainline they just leave the switch set to the siding until the next train comes along?

Can one of you RR guys answer this?

[Csxgp38-2]

From what I've read in the operating manuals, it's procedure to stop and put any switches back into their normal position once your train has cleared, however crews might take a shortcut there.

[buzz456]

The train man would have to walk a mile and a half or so after he set the switch back to the main line after the train cleared in that event.

[mapitts]

More than likely it is a sprung switch. The train entering the siding manualy opened the switch to allow the train to enter. The opposing train stopped at the other end and threw the switch to the main as a courtesy to the train in the hole. The train in the hole then leaves pulling through the sprung switch which is still aligned for the main when the train leaves. It simply springs back. The switches are generally marked with a small sign that reads "SS". Spring Switch.

[buzz456]

Yep nice SS on the signal head on the switch. Thanks for the explanation.

[NDORFN]

This has been an enlightening thread

[buzz456]

I can do nice close up pictures if anyone cares.

[NDORFN]

Yes please...

[buzz456]

Sun is shining it's a balmy 15 degrees F out this morning and it's right on my way to work. I'll get on it.

[buzz456]

Here you go.

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switch 006.jpg

[mapitts]

A spring switch is also accomapanid with another device. A sprung frog. It is always sprung to the main and the flange picks the frog open. If you listen next time to a train pulling out of a sprung switch, listen to the clickety - clack. Sorry I did not have another word for it. You should hear four sounds as each axle crosses the gap in the frog and picks the switch. Instead you will hear 6 sometimes, but mostly 5 sounds. That is the sound of the frog and switch points snapping back. Go back when you get a chance and take a look at the frog. In your last picture you can see a round casting on the far side of the headblock that runs the same way as the cross ties. That is where the spring is located.

[thecanadianrail]

oh boy here we go with the 50 million types of switches, funny thing is at work we just watched a video about switches and switching them. If my memory serves me correct some of the types are Spring Switches, Automatic Switches, Semiauto Switches, Slip Switches, Stub Switches, and regular switches combined with Derails. The last one I mentioned I find the most interesting because its a switch that when you turn the switch stand you also move a series of connected bars that in turn down the track opens or closes a sliding derail.
Im referring about a derail similar to the one below except it also moves the switchpoints at the same time.

[mapitts]

That is a pic of a top rail derailer. I the other type you are talking about is called a split rail derailer. Have you ever locked a locomotive down with a chain and a lock? It can be done.

[thecanadianrail]

That is a pic of a top rail derailer. I the other type you are talking about is called a split rail derailer. Have you ever locked a locomotive down with a chain and a lock? It can be done.

no, its actually a top sliding delrailer I was talking about, but at the same time it moves a switch, so when the switch is closed it would protect the mainline with a derail that's also connected to the switchstand from cars on the other line from fouling it.

[mapitts]

Can't see that in your pic. There was the older type that you locked and unlocked, and just flipped it to the derail position. You locked it up or down. We used another type that was called a split rail. Was a set of switch points on one side that would derail the cars. It always had a derail sign that would pop up when you threw it and locked it. You could not back through those types either. The one odd ball one is the one that is in the town where I now live in. It is on the River Line. It is a switch at the end of the branch, CTC controled and signal protected one direction. It was a switch that was ( and still is ) a switch with no turn out on the end facing the main line. You called the dispatcher for permission to enter ther River Line. The dispacter closed the points and you entered and took car of you work. When you were through, you headed back to the main and stopped short of the signal that was now red signal indication with the points open. You called for the dipsatcher for permssion to enter the main and do a main to main crossover. If and when the mainline was clear, the points would close and you would get an approach signal indication. Speed limit on the River Line was 10MPH so it was not exactly main line railroading.