What does it mean to "throw" a switch?

When you "throw" a switch, it refers to the action of changing the position of the switch points on a track. This is a critical operation in railroad switching as it determines the routing of trains from one track to another. The switch points are movable blades that can shift to either direct a train onto a different track or keep it on the mainline. Properly thrown switches are essential for safe and efficient train movements, allowing trains to access different tracks, sidings, or yards as required.

In contrast, signaling a train to stop involves communication with the train driver or engineer, which is not related to the physical modification of the track. Checking the functionality of the switch pertains to inspections and ensuring that the mechanism works correctly but does not involve the act of changing its position. Cleaning the switch area involves maintenance tasks that ensure the area around the switch is clear of debris and obstacles but does not affect the switch operation itself. Therefore, focusing on the accurate understanding of "throwing" a switch emphasizes the importance of the action in rail operations, which directly influences train routing.