HI I was wondering when ever I go across a set of train train tracks and I see a switch stand there leading a couple of diffrent tracks off into diffrent directions now I was wondering this when I see the green flag facing the main line does mean the. Switch is not throwen and when the red flag is facing the main line that must mean the the train is gone down the side and other trains can’t come down until the. switch is back onto the main line. But now my other question is how diffrent types of switchs are there one of my many railroading questions for all
Rigid, Variable, power, hydraulic, submarine, single crank/double crank…what?
Currently made or all time?
You have asked too broad a question. Can you narrow it down?
[:D][:D][:D]
In hand thrown switch stands, I can think of 3 basic types.
The harp, where a straight lever moves the rod connected to the switch. This goes from side to side.
The upright rotary where the rod is rotated (by a lever) through 90 degrees.
The low level where the operating lever is picked up and moved from horizontal to horizontal, and latched at both ends. Works the switchpoints through gears.
On top of these you can mount all sorts of indicators – big painted metal sheets in all sorts of shapes and colours, and oil lamps.
Yeek. As MC says – too broad a question! Although David nicely divides hand-thrown stands into three basic types. On each of which there were – and are – literally hundreds of variations by manufacturer.
Your speculation on colour of signal is also about right. In general, a red light or banner indicates that the switch is set for the diverging route; a green light or banner or a white banner indicates the switch is set for straight through. There are exceptions, of course. And the variety in day marks (banners, arrows, targets, what have you) is even more staggering than the variety of stands!
Are there any two alike ??? In fact the RR I’m at now the switches work backwards… there goes my back !!!
Randy
Dude, I hate to be a grammar natzi but try to use periods once in a while. Your run on sentances make it really hard to follow what you are trying to say. It makes your posts seem really un intellagent. And this is coming from someone that can’t spell worth a …[;)]