Is it semantics?

[bnsf971]

Here is a good tip I learned: Do not throw the turnout while a train is running through it.........unless you want a big mess.


Mike

A conductor friend of mine discovered this when he threw a switch under a moving autorack filled with new Mercedes cars.

 

[railfan]

A conductor friend of mine discovered this when he threw a switch under a moving autorack filled with new Mercedes cars.

My goodness.......that sounds expensive!


Mike

 

[bnsf971]

My goodness.......that sounds expensive!


Mike

It was. He was allowed to finish his last year before retirement conducting a desk. At least no one was injured, though CSX bought a few low-mileage cars that day.

 

[dave1905]

On a real railroad the turnout is the curved portion of the switch and the diverging route. Rules refer to speed restrictions through the "turnout", the curvature is what is restricted. The switch can be the entire apparatus from the frog to the points or the switch can just be the points. Most prototype railroaders line switches. They are too heavy to pick up and throw.