After some further research, it appears the PRR and George seem to be on the same page. According to the PRR, the entire piece of track work is a Turnout http://prr.railfan.net/standards/standards.cgi?plan=58234-C&type=TRACKWORK And the movable part is called the Switch. http://prr.railfan.net/standards/standards.cgi?plan=59388--&type=TRACKWORK And we all know the PRR was the Standard Railroad of the World, so case solved it's officially a turnout and you throw the switch
I can really see that possibly being a problem. I think the same is true in the model railroad world. Although I am sure in the 1:1 railroad if one guy calls something an "A" and another guy knows it as "B" They both know what it is. Same here...A turnout...a switch...we all pretty much know its gonna be the same thing. Unless of course you are talking about an electrical switch on the fascia...then thats not a turnout....
See what I mean, "Who is listening?" Or should I ask, who is perceiving? When I'm operating trains over my layout they are Switches. In keeping with the traditions of my family and friends who are Rails. Not once did any Rails in my family, ever refer to a Switch as the "T" word. Exception being the uncle in the Engineering Department. He didn't much care as he wasn't a Rail. He wasn't out there working the switch jobs, shoving and spotting freight or passenger cars. I agree with George, and I think I've already said this, "We won't solve it here." This issue has gone on for far too many years and is older then George and I put together. The earliest sighting I have in the model railroad world of the "T" word, is in a Model Railroad Wig Wag from the 30's. An author talking from the perspective of the Engineering Departments called the whole of the unit the "T" word. He was highly respected but misunderstood and we've been misusing the "T" word ever since. So, do your own research and as George has laid it out, "You decide." May I suggest let's get over the, "I call it syndrome," unless you don't want to. And get back to Railroading. Later
Its been a great discussion/debate. Informative...entertaining...civil...sometimes 'off the rails'. I like when a bunch of guys...lets say 'friends'...can sit around for days...drinking their favorite beverage...and just...well you know...'talk' about train stuff.
Well I discussed this topic at some length with the CEO of my railroad and was told I wasn't paid to think and get back to work.
Yup...I have days like that too. But as long as I keep her excursion train running...I stay out of too much hot water !
Engineering people refer to a complete assembly “turnout”, operations people are only concerned with the part they interact with-the “switch”. You can’t throw a turnout and you can’t install a switch without the rest of the turnout. Charlie Vlk
Hi Rick, Not that I disagree with you. While I was working as a hostler, I never heard anyone say the "T" word. But finding the official documentation I found from the Pennsylvania Railroad, you know the "Standard Railroad of The World" I have to agree with George, the entire piece of track work is called the "T" word and the entire movable part is called the "Switch". Then I referenced my Railroading with the Penn Central Definitions book and read the Penn Central "Switch" Definition: Huh, What, Now I'm really confused, I guess the debate continues
Yes...that 'connection' portion is the 'Switch' part. It 'connects' or 'switches' one set of tracks to another by moving from one side to the other side allowing a train to move from one track to another through a turnout. That should clear up the confusion.
Rich S., You might want to re-think the pedastal Pennsylvania Railroad put it self on. Then ask yourself which railroads survived into the 2000's. Just as much hype back then as there is today. George, You don't get it but that's okay. One thing I know. Each of you will figure it out in your own way. I come from a family of Rails, so there's no questions on my part. I decided along time ago that I would stay with the traditions of the Rails and use the "T" word...well...never at all if I can keep from it. Have fun.
Oddly, as I recall, I always used the work switch when I was young. My older cousin did the same. When I read Model Railroader, is when I started using turnout.
I prefer to use the word "turnout" for any discussion in a model railroading context with my son, because then he knows exactly what I mean. If I instead used the word "switch" I would need to include more words. I'm not so worried about what is technically correct.
