Which term refers to the switch position aligned to allow diverging train movement over a track switch?

Which term refers to the switch position aligned to allow diverging train movement over a track switch?

• A. Diverging Route
• B. Facing Point Switch
• C. Normal Switch Position
• D. Reverse Switch Position

Answer: (D)

When a track switch can be set in two distinct orientations, one aligns with the straight, main path and the other is the opposite alignment that directs trains onto the diverging route. The term describing that opposite orientation—the one that makes the train move onto the diverging track—is the reverse switch position. It explicitly conveys that the switch is set opposite to its normal, straight alignment to route movement onto a divergent path. Diverging Route refers to the path itself created by the switch, not the switch’s current alignment. A Facing Point Switch describes the type of switch relative to approaching trains, not the position used to diverge. The Normal Switch Position is the straight, non-diverging alignment, which does not route the train onto the diverging track.

When a track switch can be set in two distinct orientations, one aligns with the straight, main path and the other is the opposite alignment that directs trains onto the diverging route. The term describing that opposite orientation—the one that makes the train move onto the diverging track—is the reverse switch position. It explicitly conveys that the switch is set opposite to its normal, straight alignment to route movement onto a divergent path.

Diverging Route refers to the path itself created by the switch, not the switch’s current alignment. A Facing Point Switch describes the type of switch relative to approaching trains, not the position used to diverge. The Normal Switch Position is the straight, non-diverging alignment, which does not route the train onto the diverging track.