A railroad switchman (also called a rail switch operator or pointsman) controls switches that are used at train intersections.
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Switch machines, also known as turnout machines or point machines, are devices used to operate the points or switches on a railway track. The machines are used to ensure that trains can switch tracks safely and efficiently, and they have played a vital role in the development of modern rail transport.
Porter. One employed to carry baggage for and assist patrons at rail terminals; a car attendant who waits on passengers and makes up berths. Steward. One who manages the provisioning of food and attends passengers.
Generally speaking a brakeman works the road and basicly helps the conductor make pick ups and set outs on the road. A switchman works the yard, performing the duties of switching out trains, building trains and pulling and spotting industries that are in the general vicinity of the yard.
A railroad brakeman is in charge of the coupling and uncoupling of freight or passenger train cars. Some work as part of train crews, which means they travel from station to station. However, other railroad brakemen are confined to a single station.
Frog – A track structure used at the intersection of two running rails to provide support for wheels and passageways for their flanges, thus permitting wheels on either rail to cross the other. Frog Angle – The angle formed by the intersecting gauge lines of a frog.