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

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

• A. Trailing Point Switch
• B. Facing Point Switch
• C. Trailable Switch
• D. Yard Lead

Answer: (B)

Facing point switches are turnouts where the point blades face toward the direction the train is coming from. When a train approaches such a turnout, the blades present a pointed path directly in front of the train, guiding it into the chosen branch as it arrives. This orientation matters because the train’s approach makes the exact alignment of the points critical for a safe and correct routing. In contrast, trailing point switches have the points oriented away from the oncoming train, so the train passes the switch before the blades engage, and routing depends on action after it has moved past the switch. The other terms listed don’t describe this situation: a yard lead is simply a track linking a yard to the main line, not about the direction in which the points face.

Facing point switches are turnouts where the point blades face toward the direction the train is coming from. When a train approaches such a turnout, the blades present a pointed path directly in front of the train, guiding it into the chosen branch as it arrives. This orientation matters because the train’s approach makes the exact alignment of the points critical for a safe and correct routing.

In contrast, trailing point switches have the points oriented away from the oncoming train, so the train passes the switch before the blades engage, and routing depends on action after it has moved past the switch. The other terms listed don’t describe this situation: a yard lead is simply a track linking a yard to the main line, not about the direction in which the points face.