Turnouts

 

 

Turnouts and crossovers, including switches, frogs, guard rails, stock rails, and closure rails; rail fastening assemblies unique to turnouts; and miscellaneous components associated with turnouts, including switch rods and gauge plates. Crossover tracks, double crossovers including the central crossing frogs or diamond area, and single and double slip switches are included in this category. The cross ties to support turnouts and crossovers can also be considered part of special trackwork, especially concrete switch ties, which require far more design and fabrication effort than ordinary timber switch ties.


Track crossings that permit one track to cross another at grade. Such crossings can be designed as a rigid block or can include movable center points.