Switching rails?

Question

What is it called when you switch rails on a train? I just got Train Simulator and i don't know how to go in different directions. Like forks in the rail. How do i switch somthing so the rail makes me go to the left? Or right And whats it called?

Answer 1

A junction on a railway line is called a point in UK and a switch in North America.

In between the junction of the rails are two moveable rails called blades (UK), switchrails (US) which enable the train to change direction. If the point diverges in the line of travel it's a facing point and has to have a locking lever for extra security. If it diverges in the other direction it's a trailing point.

Edit: Hoghead's right, if a train enters a siding it's shunted. If it enters a line like a layby with points at either end it's 'enter loop'. If it's a line at a station with a buffer stop at the end, at a through station, it's 'enter bay'.

You should check that your signals are set for the line the train is to take, otherwise your train will not function.

If using MTS or similar games there should be a track diagram you can refer to which will show you the direction of points when switched.

Answer 2

I never pray but in NYC Subway System, there are relay room who changes the direction or track.

When during subway constructions, when there is cone set up at track, station relay room active track for divert other train on uneffected station.

In movie, 587- Great Train Robbery, kids at scrapyard pulled switches to active track.

On the busy rail because there was other freight train was listening to his music and he wasn't expecting until he saw them.

With help from station control, #587 was diverted at active switch master which was safety got to diverted track in 1 second.

Answer 3

Trains run on tracks and they ususally run on a straight path. Sometimes at "junctions" these trains need to turn left/right to another path. By switching the rails, you actually move some parts of the rails (moveable rails) to allow the train to move onto another path. The moveable rails are called switch rails.

Answer 4

What it's called depends on where you're at.

If in the US, the device that allows you to change tracks is called a "switch."  In the UK and other places around the planet that operate in British fashion, it is called the "points."

Likewise, if a train enters a "siding" (the other track), in the US it can be called by different names, "side-tracked,"

"in the hole,"  "headed in," "staked out," and others.  In the UK I believe it is called being "shunted."

As far as your train simulator goes, I haven't a clue, but maybe one of the keywords above will help in your quest for knowledge.

Keep the wheels on the steel, dude.