What is the standard distance from the switch stand to the center of the track? How close can the switch stand be from the track?
Most railroad documentation I have seen specify about 8’ from the track center-line. Today, it may be even further away. I have MILW standards sheets that specify a ‘close clearance’ sign if less than 8’.
Jim
Thanks Jiim. What about yard tracks and congested terminals? What would be the absolute minimum?
It should be the same for high level ‘mainline’ switch stands even in yards. With a ‘ground throw’ it many times will fit between two tracks, at least on the prototype. The problem is that the available Caboose Industries ground throws are oversize. Even after modifying the mounting so it will fit between the tracks, there many times is a vertical clearance issue.
Jim
Most yards with simple ladders locate the switchstands on the field side of the points, the opposite of where most commercial products have the necessary extended headblock ties. Compound ladder switchstands may be remotely located in the same field-side line, connected to the points with extended rodding. The object, obviously, is to keep the switchtenders clear of rails and moving rolling stock - a safety issue.
Congested terminals will usually have either powered points or (in the past) points connected to the interlocking machine in the tower by rods and bellcranks. Information needed by engineers and others is/was communicated by signal indications controlled by the same interlocking equipment (and operator.)
In my own modeling I found a way to electrically simulate the mechanical interlocking of switch points and lower-quadrant semaphores I had seen (even at minor stations) in Japan during my modeling era. Signals can’t be cleared until the points are set correctly, and points can’t be moved without setting the signals to absolute stop first. Prototype practice put the controlling `Armstrong’ levers on the station platform next to the agent’s office.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)