What's the word for train tracks that shift depending on a lever?

Question

In movies and such I often see a character hit a lever then the tracks change course up ahead, what is that called in the most general terms for all of the elements?

Answer 1

a manual throw switch

Answer 2

British and Australian railways - points.

American usage in railroads - switches.

Another word is "turnout".

Answer 3

"switchtrack"

Answer 4

It's called a switch.

Answer 5

In the UK and other British territories, they're usually referred to as "points".  Switch is an American term.

Answer 6

SWITCH OR INTERLOCKING

Answer 7

Switches?

Answer 8

It sounds to me like you are describing what is called an "interlocking."

If the character you describe is standing right where the track changes and operating the switch lever, then yes, that is a switch.

But, if the character you describe is moving a lever in a building, then that is an "interlocking."  It is a form of changing the position of the switch from a remote point.

Answer 9

All the above answers are right, but only in the most simple cases would a character actually be able to 'hit a lever' and let a train change tracks. These 'points' to me as an Englishman, 'switches' to American friends, as usually 'interlocked' with the signaling system. In other words, to be able to send a train on to another track, the signals must be clear to enable that train to proceed on to that other track without a collision occurring. If they are not, the blades are locked against being moved.

Answer 10

switch

Answer 11

Its called a switch.