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How do trains achieve precise track switching?
In fact, train track switching is not a simple process. It requires meticulous design of both the rails and the train wheels.
Double tracks are more complex than single tracks, consisting of two basic rails and two switch rails.
When a train needs to switch tracks, the switch rails are simply activated,
allowing the two switch rails to shift from one side of the track to the other.
This enables the switch rails to guide the train onto the new track.

However, problems soon arise.
When the train wheels pass through the intersection of the two tracks,
the wheels may jump, causing the entire train to lose balance and overturn.
To address this, designers put great effort into creating a gap at the intersection,
allowing the train to pass through smoothly.

But this solution also has drawbacks.
As the train passes over the gap at the intersection, it experiences jumping and jolting,
which, over time, leads to more severe wear and tear on the tracks.
To mitigate this, designers extended the disconnected rails slightly,
enabling the train to pass through the intersection smoothly without jumping.

Yet another issue emerged. When a train needs to switch tracks, it usually has to make a turn.
Due to inertia during turns, the train wheels tend to tilt outward.
This can cause serious derailment or overturning when the train passes through the intersection.
To solve this problem, designers installed guard rails on both sides of the intersection.
During track switching, these guard rails clamp the edges of the wheels, preventing derailment.

With this, a perfect train track switching mechanism was born. It embodies the wisdom of designers
and explains why trains can operate in an orderly manner on complex track systems.
Generally, modern train track switching systems are computer-controlled.
When the train driver issues a track-switching command, the rail control center sends instructions via computer,
directing the track switching system to adjust the rails according to the required changes.