Which term refers to the switch position aligned to allow straight movement over a track switch?

• A. Reverse Switch Position
• B. Trailable Switch
• C. Normal Switch Position
• D. Diverging Route

Answer: (C)

The switch position that allows straight movement is called the normal switch position. This is the default, straight-ahead alignment where the two rails stay aligned so a train on the main line continues straight through the turnout. When the switch is changed to the diverging position, the rails are set to guide the train onto the turnout’s branch track, producing the diverging route.

The other terms don’t describe the straight-through alignment. A reverse switch position would imply the opposite or an unusual orientation rather than the standard straight path. A trailable switch refers to a characteristic about whether a switch can be moved or traversed, not specifically to the straight-versus-diverging alignment. The diverging route describes the path taken when the switch directs trains onto the branch, not the position that keeps them going straight.