Whats the Purpose

[sleepyto]

Anyone have any idea about what this is all about. The shots were taken on a BNSF line near Corona, CA.

This is part of a third track that is signaled. About 100 yards up it joins one of the other two tracks. Looks like the track is used due to shiny.

Or is this just a switch that has not been completed? Don't know where it would go but!

Purpose 1.jpg

Purpose 2.jpg

Purpose 3.jpg

Purpose 4.jpg

[Trainguy76]

I think that is a trap(?) switch, where it derails trains purposely to prevent a (bigger) accident.

[sleepyto]

That could be as Amtrak also uses this line, though not normally on this track. I guess they could divert them if they needed to. Thats as good a explanation as any.

[harryadkins]

This is a derail. The switch points are normally locked to protect the mainline if a car was to break loose from its brakes. It is unlocked and manually thrown by a switchman to access the siding. After working the siding, the derail must (by order of the rulebook) be locked into its protected position. Some derails attach to the top of the rail and bump the front truck off the track onto the ballast. All are locked by a regulation switch key.

[sleepyto]

Hey thanks for the info. Makes sense to me.