... weather-related reasons or debris fouling the connections. posted: 22 Oct 2017 08:06 from: Tim Lee Next Question.... If we assume that for sidings etc at least, pre WWI turnouts were activated by an independent fixing of the point rodding to the nearest switch blade, can we assume that the rod itself would prevent the point blade rising or moving in relation to the stock rail (apart from laterally). If this is the case, and looking at the drawing which Martin posted earlier- 2999_220303_540000000.jpg would it be right to assume that the extension shown on the right hand side of the drawing projecting through the stock rail, achieves the same thing on the side opposite to the actuation rod? Edit- correction, looking again at the drawing it would appear that there is no extension through the stock rail- I assume therefore that the switchblade relies on the undercut of the planing to ensure against lift? Am I right in assuming that the extension is primarily used where the stock rail is joggled? Last edited on 24 ...