The railway device primarily used to rotate locomotives or individual wagons, typically $180^\circ$, to change their direction, especially within engine sheds or depots with limited space, is known as a:-
Turn table
Railway Devices for Rotating Locomotives and Wagons
The question asks to identify the railway device specifically designed for rotating locomotives or individual wagons, typically by $180^\circ$. This rotation is essential for changing the direction of travel, particularly in confined areas such as engine sheds or depots where space limitations make traditional turning impossible.
Identifying the Correct Railway Device: The Turn Table
A Turn table is the primary railway mechanism built for this exact purpose. It functions as a large, rotating platform installed level with the tracks. Rolling stock (like locomotives or wagons) is moved onto the turntable, and the platform is then rotated to align the rolling stock with a different track or to reverse its orientation. This allows for efficient maneuvering and direction changes in limited spaces.
- Rotation: The key feature is its ability to rotate vehicles, often by $180^\circ$.
- Application: Commonly found in engine sheds, depots, and yards.
- Purpose: Enables changing the direction of locomotives or wagons efficiently.
Comparison of Railway Maneuvering Devices
| Device Name | Primary Function | Enables $180^\circ$ Rotation? | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn table | Rotates rolling stock | Yes | Engine sheds, depots |
| Traverser | Moves rolling stock sideways between tracks | No | Workshops, depots |
| Crossover | Allows movement between adjacent parallel tracks | No | Main lines, yards |
| Shunting Neck | Provides a short siding for shunting | No | Classification yards, sidings |
Analyzing Incorrect Options
Understanding the functions of the other options helps clarify why the turntable is the correct choice:
- Traverser: A traverser (or transfer table) moves rolling stock laterally (sideways) from one track to another, perpendicular to the rolling stock's length. It does not rotate the vehicle itself.
- Crossover: This is a set of track switches enabling a train to move from one parallel track to an adjacent one. It facilitates changing tracks, not vehicle rotation.
- Shunting Neck: This is a short dead-end track used to temporarily move rolling stock off a main line or to facilitate shunting operations. It does not provide a mechanism for rotating locomotives or wagons.
Final Determination on Railway Rotation
The specific requirement to rotate locomotives or wagons by $180^\circ$ in limited areas like engine sheds points directly to the function of a Turn table. It is the specialized piece of railway equipment designed for this purpose.
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