Triangle – Railway Track Junction
The triangle is a junction of a railway track, which is constructed for changing the direction of engines. They require a large area and therefore they are constructed where there is enough land available for their construction.
Turntables are also used to change the direction of engines, but they are very costly. So, if enough area is available, then the construction of triangles is preferable to turntable installation. The triangle’s maintenance cost is less than that of the turntable.
Generally, a triangle junction consists of three tracks, they are PQ, QS, and SP, which are shown in the above fig. Usually, PQ and SQ tracks are curved and the PS track is straight. But sometimes all three tracks are laid on curves as shown in the figure.
A dead-end siding QR is provided at point Q to accommodate the length of the engine. If space permits, the QR length should be kept slightly longer than the lengths of two locomotives.
Working Principle of Triangle
The working of triangle is very simple and it is very easy to understand. If an engine is standing at S facing towards P and the engine moves in the direction of arrows(i.e along SQ track) as shown[Now, in a simple way we can say a train moves from S to Q, then Q to R, then back R to Q, and then Q to P], it will be facing S when it reaches point P.
Importance Features of Triangle
i. It consists of two simple turnouts (i.e., at S and P) and one symmetrical split at Q.
ii. This type of track junction has three acute angle crossings as shown in the figure.
iii. This is mainly used for turning the faces of engines where the provision of the turntable is costly.
Read More:
Types of Rails – Double Headed, Bull Headed, and Flat Footed Rails