Is "running an open switch" against the rules?

Question

I hope I phrased this right. I'm talking about hitting a switch from the opposite side with a locomotive causing the weight to manually throw the switch over to where it should be. Is this done frequently or will it cause a derialment?

Answer 1

yes this can cause a mess up get someone killed most switches are controlled either by hand or ctc dispatcher

Answer 2

Everyone is on the right track (no pun intended).

But, an "open" switch is one where the handle is not in its proper place and secured with a keeper or switch lock.  In this condition, while it is against the rules to run through it, even in a trailing movement, but should not damage the mechanism.  Another term is a "******" switch.

Spring switches, which can be trailed through without damage, will realign themselves after the move clears. But, if you stop before clearing the switch and try to back up, half of your train is going to go down the wrong track, and you'll be on the ground, because the switch can re-align itself while a car straddles it.  The switch must be lined by hand before initiating a reverse move.

There are also "variable" switches which can be trailed through in either position.  The difference is, they do not line themselves back, as they are not spring switches.

Spring switches are identified by the letters "SS" on the target, while variable switches are identified by the letter "V" on the switch stand, and are usually "ground throw" switches.  Ground throw switches differ in that the mechanism has no high stand, and it is operated by flopping the handle over, as opposed to a rotation of a switch stand to align the switch points.

That's why where locals are working regularly you'll find a piece of pipe laying nearby.  With the pipe and a spike and the knowledge to use them, there is a possibility lots of embarrassing questions about a split switch won't have to be answered......

Answer 3

Embarrassing story. One of my first major f**k-ups as a brakeman was bringing a train through a misaligned switch. The whole thing went through without derailing, but we spread the h**l out of it. Fortunately, the timbers underneath the switch stand were so rotten that the whole stand leaned over as we passed. The points had to be wrenched back in place, but I didn't do any major damage.

Anyway, only spring slip switches can be run through like that. Manual or electric throws will suffer some serious damage, and you can put a train on the ground. Not good!

Answer 4

who cares

Answer 5

Where I work we have two different types of switches is our yard. One type if you run through it it will bend the bar that connects both switch points. The other type if you run through it it will align itself for you. You are not supposed to run through those either it will wear the internal mechanism out. They installed those because we had so many run through switches causing derailments in the yard.

Answer 6

This will only work on a spring switch which are designed to open when entered the wrong way. If you try it on a normal switch you will derail.