Figure 2.15. Manually Operated Switch Stand.
The switch rod (2) runs to the movable rails of the turnout and enables the operator to throw them. A control box
(3) automatically activates downtrack signals when the throw lever (4) is moved, to show that the switch is either
normal or reversed. To prevent the throw lever from being thrown accidentally or by unauthorized persons, a
lock, a portion of which is seen at (5), is run through either of the latches shown at (6).
Main-line switch stands are always equipped with lights. They are mounted above the stand to indicate
by color the direction or track for which the switch is lined. Green indicates that the movement is set for the main
track; red, for the turnout.
b. What the switch does. As you have already gathered, the switch-throwing mechanism plays an
essential part in turnout operation. It enables the switch points to be changed from mainline to turnout movement
and back to main-line again. The switch stand is operated by the throw lever being moved from one latch to
43
Previous Page
