I don't understand how it turns around at the end or does it just go backwards.
2006-12-08 14:37:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
Several ways. A runaround track where the locomotive separates from the train and runs around it to the other end. A turntable where individual cars are turned in the opposite direction. A "Y" track where a train manipulates through a Y shaped track to turn in the opposite direction.
2006-12-08 14:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a train has a motor or control unit at both end of the train then the conductor and engineer just walk to the other end of the train. If the train only has one loco then they have to do a run around in a siding. Most of the time they just cut the train on the main line, then take the motors through a siding and recouple to the other side of the train, and head back.
2006-12-08 22:43:02 · answer #2 · answered by justice4_ak 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what kind of a train it is, mostly. Subway trains / light rail trains for the most part can go in both directions, it just depends on what end the operator is sitting in. For freight trains, it would depend on whether the locomotive can both push and pull (I don't know the answer to that). Back in the day, rail yards had a big turntable (maybe they still do..?) that could turn a locomotive around to face a different direction (line it up with a different segment of track). Then the locomotive would be able to go a different direction from the one it was originally.
2006-12-08 22:42:43 · answer #3 · answered by kittenpie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In the uk almost all passenger trains have a cab at either end, this will either be a locomotive at each end (used on High Speed Trains and Eurostar), Push Pull with a locomotive on one end of the train and a 'DVT' (Driving Van Trailer - a unpowered luggage van with a cab at one end) at the other, or as a multiple unit with an engine or electric motors mounted under one or more coaches
2006-12-10 05:45:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the case where I work the train is pulled into a receiving yard....the locomotives are disconnected then moved to the service center, where they are fueled, inspected, any necessary repairs made, then moved to a ready field for testing.. later to be put back on another train... in the mean time the cars are sent over a small hill called a hump track which leads into x number of different tracks, the track a particular car enters is according to that cars destination...after x amount of cars enter a track then they are moved to a forwarding yard where they meet back up with a consist of locomotives.. brakes are tested then they are back on their way... this is the short version...
2006-12-09 11:57:07 · answer #5 · answered by Dirtydog 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On diesel powered freight trains, usually there are two locomotives at the front, facing opposite ways, so that the locos can uncouple, run around the next train they're supposed to pull by using a siding, and couple up.
2006-12-09 16:39:54 · answer #6 · answered by steam_marc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most commute trains have an engine at either end, so changing direction is not a problem.
As listed above, a runaround, "Y" or turntable is employed, as well as a "balloon" track. As its name implies, the locomotives just run around a loop.
There are still turntables in operation, but their number is few.
2006-12-09 19:49:14 · answer #7 · answered by Samurai Hoghead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can switch end and face backwards but the head end engine faces forward,they use a triangle set of tracks with switches
pull forward switch and go back thru switch,switch again and are now heading back to rear of train
2006-12-08 22:42:24 · answer #8 · answered by doug b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they go backwards. it's actually easier for the train to push the cars then to pull them.
2006-12-08 22:39:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its driven onto a roundhouse.The roundhouse then turns 180 degrees
2006-12-08 22:40:01 · answer #10 · answered by xphxpd 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋