scope:

Introduction

Points are the means of switching trains from one track to another. Figure 1 shows a simple track arrangement and gives the common names of the parts of the points.

The whole point mechanism consists of:

• The switchable part of the track (the points).

• A means of moving the points.

• A means of holding them in the correct position.

Additionally, there may also be devices to:

• Lock the points in the correct position so that they cannot move unless unlocked.

• Detect that the points (and the lock if provided) are in the correct position.

Further information may be found in Part P of NR/GN/SIG/11600 in the Signalling Design Handbook.