Operations

Switching

The process of moving individual cars between tracks to serve industries or build trains.

Full Definition

Switching (or shunting in British terminology) is the art of moving individual cars to serve industries, assemble trains, or sort cars in a yard. Switching puzzles challenge operators to accomplish tasks with minimum moves. Many modelers find switching more engaging than mainline running.

Examples

•Serving a busy industry might require several switching moves to spot and pull cars

Tips & Best Practices

Include runaround tracks to allow locomotives to get around their trains

Related Terms

Industry

A business served by rail on a model railroad that generates or receives freight cars.

Yard

A complex of tracks where trains are assembled, broken apart, and cars are sorted.

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