Railroad switch

A right-hand railroad switch with point indicator pointing to right
Animated diagram of a right-hand railroad switch. The green line represents direction of travel only, the black lines represent fixed portions of track, and the red lines depict the moving components. Track A divides into two: the straight track (B), named the normal, and the diverging track (C), named the reverse.
Large stations may have hundreds of switches (Frankfurt Central Station, Germany).
Abt switch used in the 1895-built Dresden Funicular Railway (photo of 1985)

A railroad switch (AE), turnout, or (set of) points (CE) is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction or where a spur or siding branches off.

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