Point iron
As a point-setting iron , point operating rod , switch iron , switch rod or the tram Vienna also points crutch a waist-high iron bar is known that the driver or conductor of a tram train serves turnoutto be converted manually with drives that are typically flush with the street. It affects both real manual switches and adjustable fallback switches and switches with electrical drives in the event of failure of the control system. It has a handle in the form of a crossbar or loop at the top and is pointed at the bottom. The cover plates of tram turnout drives are provided with a slot for this purpose, underneath is a lever with a suitable holder. The switch iron is used in this, the switch can be changed by moving it across the direction of travel. Due to the spring-loaded tilting behavior of conventional tram drives, they automatically reach the new end position after overcoming the central position. In some companies it was and is also customary to press the tongue down with a soft iron. The switch iron is usually carried in the driver's cab or attached to the outside of the vehicle. In connection with an opening front wall window, it is possible to switch points without having to get off. In Vienna and Berlin, for example, there were particularly long switches for this purpose. It cannot be used for turnouts with drives and fallback turnouts in long-distance railway design.
Prague railcar driver changing a switch
Demonstration of two point iron
Type M Viennese tram car with an external switch crutch
Point iron carried in the driver's cab in Frankfurt am Main
Reversible, exposed fallback switch drive with holder for the switch iron, Bad Tabarz
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