Clip and scotch

Point clip from Bungendore Railway Station

To clip and scotch a set of railway points (Amer. a switch) uses two pieces of equipment to temporarily lock a set of points into a particular position.^[1] The point clip clamps the end of a moving rail (the switch rail) of a set of points to its associated stock rail, and the scotch is a timber wedge used to ensure that the other moving rail is kept away from its associated stock rail. In this way the points are fixed in either the 'straight through' or 'divert' positions and cannot be moved by the usual setting mechanisms. For infrequently used points, this guards against mechanical failure of the points leaving them in a condition to derail trains. The 'clip and scotch' method can also be used to positively deny access to the turnout or mainline.

A 'scotch block' is not used, as this is a different piece of equipment clamped to a rail used to ensure that stationary railway vehicles do not move, with much the same function as chocks used to keep aircraft stationary.

References

• "Requirements for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Points". Safety & Standards Directorate, Railtrack PLC, Evergreen House, 160 Euston Road, London NW1 2DX. 2000-12. http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Rail-33255/GIRT7004.pdf. Retrieved 2007-02-26. ^{[dead link]}
• "LUL RAILWAY SAFETY CASE VERSION 3.24 GLOSSARY". London Underground Limited. 2004-08-02. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/downloads/pdf/reports/lu-safety-case-040802/glossary.pdf. Retrieved 2007-02-26. ^{[dead link]}

1. ^ ANPR (30 June 2010). [www.artc.com.au/library/ANPR 707 Clipping points I 2 Rev 0.pdf?300610 "Clipping Points"]. ANPR Network Procedures. ARTC. www.artc.com.au/library/ANPR 707 Clipping points I 2 Rev 0.pdf?300610. Retrieved 3 November 2011.