Switch Design

Switches are arrangements by which different routes either parallel or diverging are connected and afford the means for trains to move from one track to another.

The function designs the horizontal geometry of the switch. Later using the function 'Alignment Design' (shortcut available on the palette 'Switch Design') the vertical geometry is to be designed.

The alignment(s) for which switch is to be designed are to be drawn [Draw Single Alignment (Setup)] to AutoCAD prior to the launch of the function 'Switch Design'.

When starting the switch design tool a palette will pop up. Users can dock this palette.

Switch type is to be selected (using the button 'Select Switch Type') and then the button 'Create New' is to be used to design a switch.

Select Switch

To start, select 'Select Switch'. The dialog box 'Switch Data' will pop up.

Note: The switch definitions are stored in a file, Switches.ini. Depending on language and configuration, corresponding Switches.ini will be loaded from the installation. If you are prompted to select the file, it is because the language and configuration you are using does not match available folder. Please select the Switches.ini file from the Config you want to use.

The Switches.ini files are stored in language folders in [Novapoint Installation]\NP_Acad\Railway\Config\

Among various pre-defined switch types, users can select the desired type of switch.

Click on the desired switch type to select it. Highlighted switch is the selected switch.

Users can also define their own switch type if required using the Edit fields at the bottom of Switch Type List and the button Add.

Switch data

Profile: Type of switch
Slope: Inclination of the switch
Radius: Radius of branch
A(TK): Tangent length in X-direction to Theoretical intersection
C: Tangent length for radius after Theoretical intersection
B: Length in X-direction of C+D
D: Length of straight line after Theoretical intersection
L(BK): Length from last stock rail joint to back edge
SGL: Distance from rail joint to last long sleeper
BKA: Distance rail joint to back edge along branch
Draw.nb: Standard drawing number. Information only.
Min.Rad: Minimum allowed radius for main track at switch point. Information only.
Create: If not checked, this switch should not be created. Information only.

Note: The pre-defined switch types are created for few standard values such as Radius of curve, distance between two alignments of tracks, etc. These are to be considered while selecting the switch type.

Note: Standard switch types Short Curve & Simple Switch and Long Curve Simple with different radii, slope (departing angle), etc., are available with this version of Novapoint Railway.

View Parameters

All the terms used in the above dialog box (Switch Data) are graphically represented. Click the button 'View Parameters'.

Drawing Setup

Distance SSS: Offset of annotation of start/end stations of the switch from the switch alignment.
Distance Radius: Offset of annotation for radius of start/end curves of the switch from the switch alignment.
Font: Desired font for the annotations can be selected.
Current Setup: Desired pre-drawing setup to represent the alignment on AutoCAD can be selected from the pull down menu.
Configuration: New drawing setups can be created; exiting drawing setups can be customized. See the topic 'Draw Single Alignment (Setup)'.

Create New

Use the button 'Create New' to design a new switch. Command prompts for:

Select track:

- Select the main alignment.

Write the station at which the switch is to start is to be defined by picking the station point on AutoCAD.

Note: The switch station number is defined as the end of stock rail (also called as rail joint or SSS).

Tip: Use Object Snap Mode for selecting the station number accurately.

Edit

Edits an existing switch. Click the button 'Edit' and select the switch alignment.

Check box options

Forward-direction: Use the option 'Forward (F)' to reverse the switch
Right-turn: Use the option 'Turn right (R)' to toggle from right side to left side
Crossing: Mark the check box 'Crossing' to design a crossover between a double track. They can be dragged in the same way as normal switches. Command prompts for the two alignments.
BK insert: Another insertion mode.
Fixed: Fixed direction of curve signifies that the direction of curve for the switches will always be the same, i.e. if the divergent track goes to the right, the switches will always curve to the right. Non-fixed direction of curve leads to the divergent track always curving in the same direction as the main track.

Insertion point

SS: Front of switch/turnout

BK: Rear of switch/turnout on major track

BKA: Rear of switch/turnout on divergent track

TK: Theoretical intersection point between the tracks

Alignment Design

Starts the function 'Alignment Design Railway'. Click the button 'Alignment Design' and select the switch. The user interface 'Alignment Design' will pop up. The selected switch will be initiated to the interface 'Alignment Design Railway'.

Note: The alignment of the switch is not yet saved to the database. To carry-on the vertical geometry design, switch alignment has to be saved to the database.

Shortcut Menu

Shortcut menu can be activated by placing the cursor (any where) on the palette 'Switch Design'.

Switch: Switch Type can be selected with this option.
Construct: Options to create new switch, edit exiting switch, etc.
Setup: Drawing Setup for the graphical representation of switch alignment can be selected.