Backshunt

Backshunt

Backshunt

Railway track configuration to change direction where a curve would not fit

A backshunt is a railway track configuration in situations where a change in (almost opposite) direction is required and a traditional curve cannot fit.[1]

Quick Facts

There are two main applications of a backshunt.

  1. To climb or drop a steep incline using a zig zag[2]
  2. To change direction on to a parallel track, often used in industrial sidings.[3]

Example Backshunts

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Graham Hutchins (2011). Last Train to Paradise: Journeys from the Golden Age of New Zealand Railways. Exisle Publishing. p. 72. ISBN 9781927147290.
  2. [2]
    Crespi, A.J. (1900). "The Birmingham New Water Works". The New Century Review. 8 (47): 358–366.
  3. [3]
    R. D. Singh (2005). Principles and Practices of Modern Coal Mining. New Age Publishing. p. 647. ISBN 9788122409741.
  4. [4]
    W. McGowan Gradon (2016). The Track Of The Ironmasters - A History Of The Cleator And Workington Junction Railway. Read Books. p. 23. ISBN 9781473353190.
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