Term for train running through a switch in the trailing direction

[dozd]

Hello,

I just got a question about the terminology as I'm not native English speaker.

Is there any special word when the train runs through a switch in the trailing direction when the points are set incorrectly? We have one-word term in our language (although very railroad specific) and I'm just curious if there's a term for it in English. The loose translation from my language would be like "cutting (the switch)".

Thanks!

 

[GW43125]

Hello,

I just got a question about the terminology as I'm not native English speaker.

Is there any special word when the train runs through a switch in the trailing direction when the points are set incorrectly? We have one-word term in our language (although very railroad specific) and I'm just curious if there's a term for it in English. The loose translation from my language would be like "cutting (the switch)".

Thanks!

Here in the UK, if a train "runs through" an incorrectly set set of points, we call it a "run-through" as it has run through incorrectly set points.

 

[furnessvale]

Here in the UK, if a train "runs through" an incorrectly set set of points, we call it a "run-through" as it has run through incorrectly set points.

There well be more than one term for it.

Years ago when I worked on the perway, I seem to recall the term "split" or "splitting" the points being used.

 

[GW43125]

There well be more than one term for it.

Years ago when I worked on the perway, I seem to recall the term "split" or "splitting" the points being used.

I always thought that splitting the points referred to when the points moved under the train so it tried going two different ways

 

[Bald Rick]

If a train passes over a trailing switch when the switch is not set for the route the train has taken, and the switch is forced over at least some distance, they are said to be “run through”. This can happen because the switch is set incorrectly, but also because the train* has passed through them without authority.

‘Split points’ is when points are not fully in normal or reverse, and a train* then tries to traverse in the facing direction. This can sometimes be initiated by a run through as above, and sometimes by a switch not fitting fully, leaving a gap, which a wheel flange then exploits causing there to be a gap at both switch rails. Invariably it lead some to derailment.

* most of these incidents happen with on track plant in possessions, rather than service trains.

 

[DavidGrain]

Let me say first that I am not a railman. However I have come across the word 'trail' (or 'trailed' in the past tense) in accident reports and other writings when a train goes through points (switches) set for the opposite direction of approach to trailing points (switches).

On tramways, points at trailing crossovers are usually spring loaded to divert a tram running wrong road back to right road. Any tram therefore running right road will always 'trail' the points.

 

[Dr Hoo]

Although I am happy with the term 'run through' I have heard the term 'bursting' or 'bursting through', especially in mechanical installations with a proper facing point lock mechanism engaged. This tends to cause more damage than in power-operated situations and can take a lot longer to fix.

 

[dozd]

Thanks for the replies. It seems there is not a single term for it .

 

[randyrippley]

Isn't it called a "derailment" or "crash"?

 

[dozd]

Isn't it called a "derailment" or "crash"?

I think you misunderstood. The train should be able to normally pass through that switch without any critical consequences (but it's forbidden nowadays). Switch points are moved by the train itself.

 

[randyrippley]

I think you misunderstood. The train should be able to normally pass through that switch without any critical consequences (but it's forbidden nowadays). Switch points are moved by the train itself.

No I understand perfectly..........the points/switch should be locked and any wheelset going over it is going to jump and possibly get derailed. Otherwise you run the risk of the points moving under a correctly moving train.
Sprung points only exist on light railways like the Isle of Man steam railway

 

[dozd]

No I understand perfectly..........the points/switch should be locked and any wheelset going over it is going to jump and possibly get derailed. Otherwise you run the risk of the points moving under a correctly moving train.
Sprung points only exist on light railways like the Isle of Man steam railway

Ahh, I see your point, sorry. Maybe there is a possibility to derail but more probably the lock won't sustain and break under the force from the train. And train will continue in its direction. That's what I read.

 

[Mugby]

Trailing points which are sprung operated have been in use on running lines until relatively recently.

An example would be the Elford Loop on the Derby - Birmingham line. Where the loop rejoins the main line, the trailing points were sprung operated until the end of the 1990s.

 

[LAX54]

Although I am happy with the term 'run through' I have heard the term 'bursting' or 'bursting through', especially in mechanical installations with a proper facing point lock mechanism engaged. This tends to cause more damage than in power-operated situations and can take a lot longer to fix.

I would say that "Run through" is the most common term, certainly is with Control / Drivers / Signallers and S&T depts

 

[edwin_m]

With certain types of point mechanisms, "run through" risks a derailment because the force that holds them in place is so great that the wheel may lift off before the mechanism allows the switch to move. I believe some Continental countries use point designs that can be trailed through without damage, but in the UK they are very rare except on tramways.

 

[ComUtoR]

I think you misunderstood. The train should be able to normally pass through that switch without any critical consequences (but it's forbidden nowadays). Switch points are moved by the train itself.

We get points like this in sidings. I have no idea what they are called. I don't recall any in use on any mainline routes I sign.

 

[theironroad]

+1 for run through.

 

[alxndr]

Run through.

Generally won't cause a derailment, but makes a right mess of the points.

 

[GB]

Run through and trail through are both terms I have seen and heard used. We have an instruction "Not to trail through points" even if the points are designed to be trailed/run through.

 

[Joseph_Locke]

Muppetry?

 

[The Lad]

Catch points were regularly run through trailing, and occasionally facing although I wouldn't call it a run through as such.

 

[route101]

Question , say a train is on approach to a big station say Glasgow Central , does the driver know what platform he is going into?

 

[GW43125]

Question , say a train is on approach to a big station say Glasgow Central , does the driver know what platform he is going into?

Yes, there's a route indicator above the signal which gives a platform number.

 

[Domh245]

Yes, it'd usually be indicated as one or two alphanumeric characters on theatre indicators (shown), but could also be shown using 'feathers'

 

[route101]

Yes, there's a route indicator above the signal which gives a platform number.

Thanks , i just assumed they just followed the signals in.

 

[theironroad]

Question , say a train is on approach to a big station say Glasgow Central , does the driver know what platform he is going into?

At big Terminal stations like Glasgow central and London Waterloo etc the final signal before the station will clear to a single yellow (or red with calling on) aspect and platform number indicated in a 'theatre box'. There may be some oddities around the country, eg Portsmouth harbour

At through stations, if there is more than 1 platform option available, then this will indicated by route indicators or theatre boxes but may not display a platform number, though the driver will know from route knowledge which platform they are entering depending on what route has been offered.

 

[Muzer]

Question , say a train is on approach to a big station say Glasgow Central , does the driver know what platform he is going into?

Theatre-box route indicators are for lower-speed routes only (they were historically quite dim, back when they were lit by fibre optics, and so you would need time close up to read them), and as such you're likely to find them at terminus stations with lots of platforms. Position light junction indicators (known colloquially as "feathers") are more likely to be used at through stations, especially where there is the possibility of trains passing at higher speeds. For the same reason you will usually find position light indicators on junctions away from stations, as well.

 

[DavidGrain]

For anyone not familiar with the term 'feathers' I show the link below for an example

https://goo.gl/images/UKECR2

 

[Foggycorner]

No I understand perfectly..........the points/switch should be locked and any wheelset going over it is going to jump and possibly get derailed. Otherwise you run the risk of the points moving under a correctly moving train.
Sprung points only exist on light railways like the Isle of Man steam railway

Not quite correct points are normally locked when used in the facing direction but do not need to be locked when set for the trailing moves there are still sets of points that are only locked in facing direction and sprung for trailing direction

 

[route101]

Theatre-box route indicators are for lower-speed routes only (they were historically quite dim, back when they were lit by fibre optics, and so you would need time close up to read them), and as such you're likely to find them at terminus stations with lots of platforms. Position light junction indicators (known colloquially as "feathers") are more likely to be used at through stations, especially where there is the possibility of trains passing at higher speeds. For the same reason you will usually find position light indicators on junctions away from stations, as well.

Thanks for the info .