Point machines are used to switch railway tracks and are controlled by a central computer. They come in different types, but must be reliable, low maintenance, economically viable, and universally suitable. They have evolved from manual control to being controlled from a distance. They vary in appearance, but are usually a small metal box with an engine and mechanical components protected by a cast iron case.
A point machine is used to allow railway trains to switch tracks seamlessly, generally referred to as a rail bypass. The initial purpose of the point machine was to be able to control the track and direction of the train from a distance. Some current versions of the dotting machine have installed auto-lube and synchronization features. There are several types of this mechanism that work with different power sources, but have similar purposes. The type of device used generally depends on the railway technician, the type and weight of trains most frequently using the tracks, and the number of employees available to perform maintenance.
The key principles in choosing a dotting machine are reliability, low maintenance, economic viability and universal suitability. Railways often have numerous devices, and each electric point machine is usually connected to a central computer that is connected to several personal computers. The use of computers helps operators to see the status or possible malfunction of the machine. Computers in the control center typically record all the data necessary to assess the functionality of each dotting machine, and employees can determine if repair or modification is needed.
The rails guide the wheels of the trains and when the point machine changes the point where the rails meet to a different position, the train changes course. For example, a train approaching a fork has the option of going straight or turning right, with the decision being made by the control operator using the point machine to make the change. This was once manually controlled, and sometimes involved a mechanic jumping off the train to pull a lever to change track. Other innovations allowed point machines to be controlled from short distances, and more recently there have been system upgrades to increase the distance from control centers. Public transportation systems are a prime example, because most systems have a main control room that runs the tracks of a city.
Point machines vary in appearance, but the most common appearance looks like a small metal box usually made of cast iron with vents and a lock. An engine and other mechanical components are protected by the cast iron case, and ventilation is used to release heat produced by the engine. There is a drive clutch used to control launch force and detector sliders to determine the position of the switch blades as well as track switch completion. These machines are usually equipped with cranks for manual shifting in the event of a system failure.
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