1. The commonly used rail switches with steel rails include turnouts, also known as switches or points. These switches consist of movable rails that divert trains from one track to another, typically at junctions or merge/diverge points.
2. Another type of rail switch used with steel rails is the crossover. Crossovers allow trains to move from one track to a parallel track, providing flexibility in train operations. They are often used for bypassing track sections or accessing different platforms.
3. Diamond crossings are rail switches that allow trains to cross each other at junctions without curved tracks. They have a diamond-shaped layout, with two tracks intersecting diagonally. Diamond crossings are commonly found in complex rail networks with multiple line intersections.
4. Slip switches, also known as catch points or derailers, are used to prevent trains from accidentally entering out-of-service or maintenance tracks. They have movable rails that align to divert trains onto a separate track or into a safe area. Slip switches are crucial safety features in rail infrastructure.
5. Gauntlet tracks are used in limited space or urban areas. They consist of overlapping tracks that enable trains to pass in opposite directions on a shared track section. Gauntlet tracks are often employed when constructing separate tracks for each direction is not feasible.
These examples showcase the various rail switches used with steel rails. Each type serves a specific purpose, ensuring flexibility and safety in train operations. The selection of rail switches depends on the specific requirements of the rail network and installation location.
There are several different types of rail switches that are commonly used with steel rails. These switches are designed to allow trains to change tracks or move between different lines.
1. Turnouts: Turnouts, also known as switches or points, are the most commonly used type of rail switch. They consist of movable rails that can be aligned to divert a train from one track to another. Turnouts are typically used at junctions or where two tracks merge or diverge.
2. Crossovers: Crossovers are another type of rail switch used with steel rails. They allow trains to move from one track to another parallel track. Crossovers are often used to provide flexibility in train operations, allowing trains to switch tracks for various reasons such as bypassing a section of track or accessing a different platform.
3. Diamond crossings: Diamond crossings are rail switches that allow trains to cross each other at a junction without the need for a curved track. They are called diamond crossings because of their diamond-shaped layout, with two tracks intersecting each other diagonally. Diamond crossings are commonly used in complex rail networks with multiple lines intersecting.
4. Slip switches: Slip switches, also known as catch points or derailers, are used to prevent trains from accidentally entering tracks that are out of service or undergoing maintenance. They consist of a movable rail that can be aligned to force a train to move onto a separate track or into a safe area. Slip switches are an important safety feature in rail infrastructure.
5. Gauntlet tracks: Gauntlet tracks are a type of rail switch used in situations where space is limited or in urban areas. They consist of two tracks that overlap each other, allowing trains to pass in opposite directions on a shared section of track. Gauntlet tracks are commonly used in situations where it is not feasible to construct separate tracks for each direction.
These are just a few examples of the different types of rail switches used with steel rails. Each type serves a specific purpose and is designed to provide flexibility and safety in train operations. The choice of rail switch depends on the specific requirements of the rail network and the location where it is being installed.
There are several types of rail switches used with steel rails, including diamond switches, slip switches, and turnouts. Diamond switches allow trains to switch between two intersecting tracks at a 90-degree angle. Slip switches are used to divert trains from one track to another, while turnouts allow trains to change tracks at various angles, such as 30, 45, or 60 degrees. These different types of rail switches provide flexibility and enable efficient movement of trains on steel rails.
