2. • Points & Crossings
• The arrangements provided for diversion of trains from
one track to another is called as points & crossings.
• The knowledge of the points & crossings is important
due to following reasons :-
It provides flexibility of movement by connecting one
It provides flexibility of movement by connecting one
line to another as per requirement.
It also helps for imposing restrictions over turnouts
which necessarily retard the movements.
From safety point of view, it is also important as points &
crossings are weak points in the track & trains may derail
at these points.
3. • Points help the turnout of trains from one track to another.
On the other hand crossing allows the crossing of rails so
that the wheel flanges can pass through these rail crossings
smoothly.
4.
5. • Turnouts
• It is the simplest combination of points & crossings.
• It enables one track either a branch line or a siding,
to take off from another track.
• Working Principle:-
• It provides facilities for safe turning of vehicles from
one track to another.
• One turnout provides facilities for turning of vehicles
from one direction only.
6. • The function of this combination is to ensure safe
movement of trains from one track to branch line or siding
& vice-versa.
• A turnout may be right hand or left hand turnout
depending upon whether the train from main track is
diverted to the right or left in the direction of facing.
• Right hand turnout :- If a train from main track is diverted
• Right hand turnout :- If a train from main track is diverted
to the right of the main route in the facing direction, then
this diversion is known as right hand turnout.
• Left hand turnout :- If a train from main track is directed to
the left of the main route in the facing direction, then the
diversion is known as left hand turnout.
7.
8.
9. • Track Junctions
• The different types of track junctions are formed by
combinations of points & crossings, with curves &
straights.
• It is formed to transfer trains from one track to another
or to enable trains to cross over other tracks.
or to enable trains to cross over other tracks.
10. • Types of Track-junction :-
Turnouts
Symmetrical split (or equivalent Turnover)
Diamond crossing
Cross-overs
Single slip & double slip
Single slip & double slip
Scissors cross-over
Gauntlet track & fixed point system
Gathering lines
Triangle
Double junction
11. Diamond Crossing
• When straight track or curved tracks of the same or
different gauges cross each other an angle less than 90
degree, a diamond shape is formed. So, this crossing is
called as diamond crossing.
12.
13. • Cross-overs
• When two adjacent parallel or diverging tracks, which may
be straight or curved, are connected by two sets of
turnouts, with or without a straight length between them,
the connecting lines are known as cross-overs.
14.
15. • Scissor Cross-over or double Cross-over :-
• It is a combination of one cross-over over the other cross-
over in the opposite direction.
• It enables the trains to change the track from either
direction along the main track.
16.
17. • Track-traingle :-
• The triangles are required for changing (or reversing) the
direction of engines.
• Turntables are also used to change the direction of engines
but they are very costly.
• Sop, if enough area is available & railway sections are not
very important, then the turn tables are not preferred.
very important, then the turn tables are not preferred.
• The working of triangle is very simple. If an engine is
standing at A facing towards B & the engine moves in the
direction of arrows i.e. from A to C, C to D, then back D to
C, C to B. Now, at B engine will be facing towards A.
