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How Train Wheels Change Tracks

Unlike road vehicles, trains do not steer. Instead, they change tracks using a device called a railroad switch (or turnout / points).

The key components are:

1. Switch rails (points) – movable rails that guide the wheels from one track to another.
2. Frogs (crossings) – gaps where the rails intersect, allowing the wheel flanges to pass through.
3. Wheel flanges – the inner rim of a train wheel that keeps it on the track.

Step‑by‑step process:

1. The switch is moved by a switch machine or lever, aligning the movable rails to either the straight path or the diverging (branch) path.
2. As the train approaches, the wheel flange on one side is guided by the switch rail into the desired direction.
3. The other wheel (on the opposite side) follows naturally because both wheels are fixed to the same axle.
4. The wheels then pass through the frog, where the flange slides through the gap while the wheel tread stays supported.

This design allows a train to move from one track to another without any steering mechanism from the driver.