What is a train turn around called?

Railway Turntables: A Pivotal Device for Train Direction Reversal

In the realm of railway infrastructure, a crucial element that enables the efficient movement of trains is the railway turntable. This device, as the name suggests, plays a vital role in reversing the direction of locomotives and carriages.

Concept and Operation

A railway turntable consists of a circular platform that is mounted on a central axis. This platform can rotate 360 degrees, providing a means for trains to be turned around without the need for physically reversing the entire track. The platform is typically located at the end of a rail line or in a maintenance yard.

When a train needs to change direction, it enters the turntable. The platform is then rotated, aligning the train with the desired outbound track. Once the train is in position, it exits the turntable and proceeds on its new route.

Historical Significance

Railway turntables have played a significant role in railway operations since the early days of steam locomotives. In the 19th century, when steam locomotives were the primary mode of rail transport, they were often incapable of running in reverse. As a result, turntables were essential for changing their direction.

Decline and Modern Applications

With the advent of diesel and electric locomotives, which are capable of running in both directions, the need for turntables has diminished somewhat. However, they continue to be used in certain applications, such as:

• Locomotive maintenance facilities: Turntables provide a convenient way to rotate locomotives for servicing and repairs.
• Train depots: Turntables are used to reorient trains for storage or to connect them to different tracks.
• Heritage railways: Turntables are still used on some historic railways to maintain the authenticity of operations.

Benefits of Railway Turntables

Railway turntables offer several advantages:

• They eliminate the need for manual track switching, saving time and labor.
• They allow trains to change direction quickly and efficiently.
• They minimize wear and tear on rail lines by reducing the number of times trains need to reverse.
• They provide flexibility in railway operations, enabling trains to be moved in any desired direction.

In conclusion, railway turntables are essential pieces of railway infrastructure that facilitate the reversal of train direction. They have played a crucial role in the development of railways and continue to be used in various applications today.