Headshunt: Difference between revisions
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There appear to be two kinds of headshunts, one to release locomotives at terminal platforms, and the other kind to allow shunting to take place clear of main lines. |
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== Terminal Headshunts == |
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[[Image:Headshunt.png|thumb|450px|right|Sketch of a headshunt and run-around loop]] |
[[Image:Headshunt.png|thumb|450px|right|Sketch of a headshunt and run-around loop]] |
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The term '''headshunt''' may also refer to a short length of [[Rail_tracks|track]] laid parallel to the main line for the purpose of allowing a train to shunt back into a siding or group of sidings without occupying the main running-line. A headshunt in this sense may also be referred to as a 'shunting neck' or 'shunt spur'. |
The term '''headshunt''' may also refer to a short length of [[Rail_tracks|track]] laid parallel to the main line for the purpose of allowing a train to shunt back into a siding or group of sidings without occupying the main running-line. A headshunt in this sense may also be referred to as a 'shunting neck' or 'shunt spur'. |
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== Plain Headshunts == |
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The diagram of [[Mpika railway station]] in Zambia shows that this station has three separate headshunts including a master siding. The headshunts allow shunting to take place while trains continue to operate on the mainlines. |
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{{Railway track layouts}} |
{{Railway track layouts}} |
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[[Category:Railway track layouts]] |
[[Category:Railway track layouts]] |
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Revision as of 05:45, 9 November 2007
There appear to be two kinds of headshunts, one to release locomotives at terminal platforms, and the other kind to allow shunting to take place clear of main lines.
Terminal Headshunts
A headshunt (US: escape track) is a short length of track that allows a locomotive to uncouple from its train, move forward, and then run back past it on a parallel track. Such headshunts are typically installed at termini to allow the locomotive of an arriving train to move to the opposite end of (in railway parlance, 'run around') its train, so that it can then haul the same train out of the station in the other direction.
The term headshunt may also refer to a short length of track laid parallel to the main line for the purpose of allowing a train to shunt back into a siding or group of sidings without occupying the main running-line. A headshunt in this sense may also be referred to as a 'shunting neck' or 'shunt spur'.
Plain Headshunts
The diagram of Mpika railway station in Zambia shows that this station has three separate headshunts including a master siding. The headshunts allow shunting to take place while trains continue to operate on the mainlines.
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