What's up with switches that don't have guard rails ? I'd think that even at 2 MPH a flange can still pick the frog wrongly ...What about the engine going thru it ? Isn't this too chancy ? OOPS.! Sorry. I posted this thread then noticed my own post from a while back asking same..I forgot the answers about special frog, given back then. I'd delete this one but I don't think we can delete the title... If Admin. wishes to delete entire post it is fine with me..... Mark
They still have self guarded frogs which guide the wheels at the outer rim instead of the flange. Jason
Mark, I believe this is the style of frog Jason is referring to. You can see the raised portion that pushes against the outside of the wheel forcing the flange away from the frog point. These frogs are generally used in yards or industrial sidings where speeds are limited to 5 mph. Anything faster could break the raised portion from the wheel's momentum.
I had some business at an industrial park factory outside of Los Angeles. I walked out back to a large storage yard where a spur runs through it on a curve which I'd walk on to where a locked gate ran across the spur. Outside of the storm fencing was secondary double track with other manufacturers on both sides of these tracks with spurs to them, too. It was all clean, freshly looking, ballasted double leads. There were I believe 2 guard rail-less switches with nice new looking tall ground throws. This was the first time I saw one in real, not in a pic or video..I've known of them for decades. I just never saw one. Thanks for replies and pics....Mark
Thanks Rick, I didn't realize the speed could be that high. Do you notice a different action going through these frogs versus a guard-rail frog, more of a sideways jerk?
Nah. If everything is pretty well in gauge and lined, you don't feel anything different going over these frogs.
Saw these beefy guard rails on CSX yesterday in SC. This is an important turnout where two mainlines join and CSX has done a fine job of making it secure.