2.1.
INTRODUCTION
In the trip on No. 4 described in the introduction, you read that this eastbound train crosses over to the
westbound track and later back to the eastbound. On the map of the Burton Division in figure 1.1, you see
numerous lines branching from the division's main line. How is it possible for a train to go from one track to
another in a main line and from a main line to a branch? This question is answered in chapter 2, for it discusses
turnouts and special switches. It is divided into five sections. In section I, turnout components are discussed; in
section II, turnout location; in section III, turnout construction; in section IV, turnout maintenance; and in section
V, special switches and track constructions.
Section I. Components
2.2.
GENERAL
A new installation is under construction north of Burton Division's main line between Barker and Banks,
and, because of military necessity, the track supervisor has received orders to help construct a siding to the site.
The new siding calls for turnouts from both the eastbound and westbound tracks. When he finishes reading his
orders, he begins to think about the project. Because it has been some time since any turnouts have been
constructed in the subdivision, he decides to brief the foreman and the men. As he looks over the information on
turnouts that he has, he jots down notes for the briefing. They cover the definition of a turnout; switches; the frog;
the other parts of a turnout--guard rails, closure rails, stock rails, switch plates and ties; and the switch-throwing
mechanism. They also cover information on the path the train wheels follow through a frog and on facing and
trailing-point movements. The notes follow, in the remaining paragraphs of section I.
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