What term describes the device used to move from one track to another on a railroad turnout?

What term describes the device used to move from one track to another on a railroad turnout?

• A. Lever
• B. Gauge
• C. Switch
• D. Damper

Answer: (C)

A turnout redirects trains by using movable rails called points. The device that actually moves the wheels from one track to another is the switch (also known as points). When the switch is set, the pointed rails align with the chosen path, guiding the train onto the straight or diverging route. The lever is just the manual handle that operates the switch in older systems; gauge is the distance between rails, and a damper is not involved in directing trains.

A turnout redirects trains by using movable rails called points. The device that actually moves the wheels from one track to another is the switch (also known as points). When the switch is set, the pointed rails align with the chosen path, guiding the train onto the straight or diverging route. The lever is just the manual handle that operates the switch in older systems; gauge is the distance between rails, and a damper is not involved in directing trains.