Types of switch or turnout viz., single crossover switch, universal crossover switch, double crossover switch, diamond crossing switch or track crossing, single slip switch, double slip switch, lapped switch, wye or equilateral switch, three way switch
8 Answers
Types of switch or turnout viz., single crossover switch, universal crossover switch, double crossover switch, diamond crossing switch or track crossing, single slip switch, double slip switch, lapped switch, wye or equilateral switch, three way switch
Single crossover: A single crossover consists of two turnouts positioned in two tracks that allow the vehicle to go from one track to another. The two tracks are usually, but not always, parallel, and the turnouts are usually identical
Picture 1 source: Self
Information and pictures 2 & 3 source:
click here
Universal crossover: A pair of single crossovers—one right hand and one left hand—that are arranged sequentially along the tracks is called a universal crossover turnout. A universal crossover is an arrangement of switches that allow trains to change tracks in either direction.
Information source:
click here and
click here Picture no.1 and 2 source:
click herePicture no.3 to 8 source: Self
Double crossover: A double crossover —sometimes called a scissors crossover—consists of two crossovers of opposite hand orientation superimposed upon each other. In addition to the four turnouts involved, a track crossing diamond is needed between the two main tracks. A double crossover is typically used only when it is necessary to be able to switch from both tracks to the other in either direction, but there is insufficient space to install a universal crossover as described above.
Information and pictures source:
click here
Diamond crossing or track crossing: Track crossings, as the name implies, permit two tracks to cross each other. Track crossings are often called either crossing diamonds or simply diamonds, due to their plan view shape.
Information and pictures source:
click here
Slip switch:
⏺️A single slip switch 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 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...
more... crossing into the siding.
⏺️A double slip switch (double slip) 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, as well as 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.
Information and pictures source:
click here
Lapped turnout: Lapped turnouts can be used to achieve a more compact track layout in constrained locations. In a lapped turnout, as seen in following picture, the switch rails for a second turnout will be placed between the switch and the frog of the initial turnout. This introduces a third frog where a closure rail of the first turnout crosses a closure rail of the second turnout.
Information and pictures source:
click here
Wye or equilateral: A wye turnout has no straight exit track. It has exits that turn to both the left and right. A wye is never closed, only thrown left or thrown right.
Information and 1st picture source:
click here2nd picture source:
click here
Three-way: A three-way turnout or switch is used to split a railroad track into three divergent paths rather than the more usual two.
Information source:
click herePicture source:
click here
