Re: Catchpoints - what are they?

["Bradley Torr" <btorr@bigpond.nospam.com>]

signal_spotter@my-deja.com wrote in message <8gs4q4$8qf$1@nnrp1.deja.com>...

>Catchpoints are a set of points where only one rail is switched. They
>are usually placed at the ends of loops (except CTC), sidings etc to
>prevent vehicles from fouling the main line. They also serve the
>purpose of allowing a valid overlap of the signal in rear. In other
>words, the signal in rear can be cleared to a caution if the catchpoint
>is open and there is a train or the route is set for the main line.
>This allows more train movements ie simultaneous entry into a main line
>and a loop line.

Ian --

I am sure that what you said above was extremely useful information, and I
thank you for your time in writing a response to my question. Could you
please take the trouble to write it in laypersons English though? I'm a
relative novice when it comes to railway terminology - until a few months
ago I referred to pantographs as "those bouncy things on top of trains which
touch those overhead wires", which should give some indication as to how
much of a novice I am. I'm learning new things about railways every time I
open this newsgroup up daily; of course you weren't to know what a greenhorn
I am - for me to decipher your message, you'll have to treat me as a five
year old ;-)

Regards & thanks,
Bradley.