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

Difficulty: Easy

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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