Points (also known as Switches) are junctions which allow trains to change from one track to another. Points are usually controlled by a signalman from their signal box, though some are also controlled by ground frames or nearby switches.
Trivia[]
- Since around the eighth series, engines have frequently been shown to be able to change tracks of seemingly their own will, without the aid of signalmen. From the seventeenth series onwards, points are more often depicted as being controlled by signalmen or - in some cases - an engine's driver or fireman using trackside levers.
- In the CGI series, some sets of points erroneously have rail chairs attached to their blades. In the real world, this would make the points unusable, as the blades would be permanently fixed in one position.
- From The Great Race onwards, engines will occasionally exclaim "Points!" when they want a signalman to change the tracks for them.