Which term describes a switch where the switch points face away from the approaching train movement?

Prepare for the DART Rail Institute Definitions Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a switch where the switch points face away from the approaching train movement?

Explanation:
This question tests how switch point orientation is described relative to the direction a train is coming from. When the train approaches, the movable rails (the points) can either face the train or face away from it. If the points face away from the approaching train, the train travels with the points trailing behind—this is called a trailing point switch. That exact wording matches the description in the question, so Trailing Point Switch is the correct term. The other terms don’t fit because a facing point switch describes the opposite geometry—points oriented toward the oncoming train. “Normal” position isn’t a standard term for this orientation, and “trailable” isn’t about the orientation of the points relative to the approaching train.

This question tests how switch point orientation is described relative to the direction a train is coming from. When the train approaches, the movable rails (the points) can either face the train or face away from it. If the points face away from the approaching train, the train travels with the points trailing behind—this is called a trailing point switch. That exact wording matches the description in the question, so Trailing Point Switch is the correct term.

The other terms don’t fit because a facing point switch describes the opposite geometry—points oriented toward the oncoming train. “Normal” position isn’t a standard term for this orientation, and “trailable” isn’t about the orientation of the points relative to the approaching train.

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