Railway “triangle” (wye) arrangement: A railway triangle used for turning locomotives typically consists of which combination?

Civil Engineering Railways Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Three turnouts
  • B
    One turnout and two diamonds
  • C
    Two turnouts and one split
  • D
    One turnout, one split, and one diamond
  • E
    None of these

Answer

Correct Answer: Three turnouts

Explanation

Introduction / Context:A railway triangle (also called a wye) allows turning of rolling stock and provides route flexibility without a turntable. Recognizing its components is basic track-layout knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard Indian Railways track components: turnouts (points and crossings) and diamond crossings.
  • Triangle provides three connections forming a closed loop of switches.

Concept / Approach:A triangle is formed by three legs meeting at three nodes. Each node requires a turnout to diverge from one leg to the next. Thus, three turnouts create the triangular route.

Step-by-Step Solution:Visualize three legs meeting pairwise with switch control.At each vertex, a turnout is needed → total three.Therefore, choose “Three turnouts.”

Verification / Alternative check:Track-planning diagrams for wyes show three switches (turnouts) forming the loop.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Options with diamonds are for crossing tracks, not essential for a basic wye.
  • Mentions of “split” are nonstandard in this context.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing diamond crossings (track intersections) with turnouts (switching between routes).

Final Answer:Three turnouts

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