What term describes a track arrangement that uses a switch and guard rails to divert trains and is used only for Entrance or Exit?

• A. Crossover
• B. Siding
• C. Turnout
• D. Interlock

Answer: (C)

Turnout is the track arrangement that uses a switch (points) and guard rails to divert trains from one track to another, and it’s typically used where trains enter or leave a different line or area, such as at the boundary between a maintrack and a yard or siding. This configuration is specifically meant to steer traffic onto a different route while maintaining safe wheel guidance through the switch. A crossover, by contrast, consists of two turnouts that let trains move between parallel tracks along a line, rather than primarily serving as an entrance or exit point. A siding is a separate track connected to the main line for storage or passing, not primarily about directing traffic between tracks. An interlock is the safety system that coordinates signals and switches to prevent conflicting movements. So the term that best fits a switch-and-guard-rail setup used specifically for entering or exiting is turnout.