Catch points
A catch point is a device installed at a rail siding to prevent unattended wagons and engines running away uncontrolled onto the main line and causing trouble. It may also be used where a secondary track joins a main line.
Function
Catch points may also be used in order to "catch" runaway wagons that may have decoupled in an uphill segment of line which may collide with following trains.
Runaways may go unnoticed, especially before the days of track circuits, leading to a severe crash involving at worst, a passenger train. It is also better to trap the runaways at low speed before they build up speed on a long falling grade, and, occasionally catchpoints are expanded into a safety siding.
The catchpoints may consist of a full turnout with two switchblades (rails), or as little as a single switchblade.
See also
External links
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