I was interested that the three rail turntable did not transition the inner rail to balance the table for both gauges but noted that all tracks from the table were single gauge. Here in Australia when we had several “border” stations where standard and broad gauges met the approach track was three rail so the inner rail had to transition in the middle of the table by fixed points and check check rails so either end of the table had the same configuration. Additionally that put the loco balanced over the pivot. As to catch points, I have seen examples where they were placed in the pointwork because there was not enough room in advance of the switch to derail the vehicle clear of the running line(s).
Hmm… In that first photo did anyone notice how filthy the ballast is on the Russian side? Here is a shot of a Russian freight train coming through the same border:
http://www.hkrs.org.hk/members/wytang/Dongbei/DSC06448.JPG
Believe it or not, that reminds me of my childhood days of trainwatching back when I was a kid! The crew of the local from Abilene or Salina to Junction City, KS on UP’s Kansas Pacific Main would periodically spend the night in Junction City after doing switching at the local yard and grain elevators, and the loco was parked for the night on a spur by the depot that was protected by just such a device (albeit on just one rail)
For North America:
Proper term = switch point derail (Nickname: Alligator) [CN Fan’s photo is a manual hand throw version with a high-star stand]
Proper term= flop-over or sliding derail (2 types)…Nickname: Hoptoad [bigboys’ photo is the sliding variety]
Hmmm1,
Sums up catch poin/derail adequately for me. The TT’s neat too.
John B.
Roy’s pic shows a typical application of these items in the UK. Here, as in Oz, it seems, they are usually called Catch Points and occasionally Trap Points.
There are a number of types:
1 - As shown in the photos
2 - Similar, but only the one blade leading outwards.
3/4 - Either sort, with sand or shingle to slow down the derailed vehicle
5 - A complete point, including frog, leading to soil or a pile of sand or shingle at the side of the track.
6 - Similar to No 1, but with the blades leading the wheels to both sides at the same time. This was likly to stop the vehicle the quickest, I suspect!
They are used in UK to stop vehicles heading into a conflict with movements on another track; to prevent them wrongly entering a single line section and to stop them approaching an open movable bridge. London Underground had/has ones of type 6 in some tunnel sidings, to stop trains moving out onto running lines.
Remember, also, that many freight trains on British lines had no automatic brakes until a few decades ago. Thus, a further application of Catch Points was on gradients, so that any wagons that became detached from a train going up-hill would be deflected to the side, if the Guard was unable to stop the wagons by the handbrakes. These points were sprung, so that a train going up-hill would pu***hem closed as they went past, but they would then spring open again as soon as the train had passed, ready to do their job if needed.
Eric Stuart
Great photo of China-Russia border interchange;doubt I’ll get there soon other than by your photo. Those remote-controlled derails/catch points are probably designed to keep unauthorized trains from entering Russian territory, if you note the direction and location of the points. The Soviet Union/Russia has typically been defensive of its borders and China/Russian relations have soured from time to time.
Incidentally, defense from invaders is one of the reasons Russia has a 5 foot gauge rather than standard gauge; invaders would have to transfer goods and people between standard gauge and 5 foot guage or take a lot of time/energy/trouble to change the track gauge. The Germans found that out on the Eastern Front in WWII (1941-1945)!
Bruce
Interesting suggestion that the derails are to stop unwanted trains entering Russia!!
There were places on the Iron Crurtain where trains crossd that had catch points to stop unauthorised trains LEAVING!!! On the Czechoslovak/West German boarder (as was), this was done after a train driver drove through the boarder taking willing and unwilling passengers to the West. After that, the points were installed and the Boarder guards unlocked the points when they were happy that all was well.
By the way, in France, derails like the one in 4884bigboy’s pic are used, either permanent or clamped on the rails as needed. London Underground have some, too, where ther is not enough room for Catch Points.
Eric Stuart
Silicon21, I cant belive you posted that up, you beat me. Guess its good to know that I am not alone out here! They just put those de-rail switches in about 6 months ago or so. I think it is part of the imporvement program UP has been doing in Phoenix. UP has been Pretty busy around here lately