Question about N and R?

[glakedylan]

i hope i have chosen the correct forum thread for this question:


the plate that goes with the turnout control lever as in the attached graphic







what is the meaning of the letter N and the letter R
on the upper switch control
and why is the signal control L-left and R-right
but the actual switch control is N and R?


thanks
Gary

[railnerd]

what is the meaning of the letter N and the letter R
on the upper switch control
and why is the signal control L-left and R-right
but the actual switch control is N and R?
thanks
Gary

N/R stands for Normal & Reversed— which applies to the turnout.
Yes, "Reversed" is a really confusing word here, as it means the turnout is thrown to the siding.

L/R stands for Left/Right and applies to direction of travel for the control point.

NOTE: When using full CTC, unless you set a direction of travel, all the signals will be marked as RED/STOP.

[glakedylan]

thanks nailnerd, that not only answers my question, but makes sense.
but, now i am wondering if it is a crossover from, say, main line 1 to main line 3
would it still read N and R? since it is not accessing a but another main line?
thanks again!


Gary

[cv_acr]

Yes, any switch or crossover has a "normal" (generally the straight route) and "reversed" position.

[glakedylan]

thanks cv_acr
that would answer my question
very appreciated


i actually did attempt to research this, off and on for months.
while i could find illustrations no website or article explained
the N and R symbols
it piqued my interest, so i had to ask


learned a few things new today!


with gratitude
Gary