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UK: In 'real' practice 'point' is used instead. 'Turnout' can be used to refer to the curved track in a set of points, particularly in relation to the speed limit applying on that track. It is however a particularly useful term for model use, since 'switch' and 'point' both have alternative meanings...

UK: Where the left hand rail of one track crosses the left hand rail of another track. Not used in switch diamonds.

UK: Generic term for obtuse or acute crossings, where rails cross one another. Part of the term 'switch and crossing' which describes areas of intersecting tracks.

Certainly used in the UK. See also 'obtuse crossing'.

US: Equivalent to the UK term 'bogie'. A rotating sub-frame with (usually) four wheels, mounted underneath a rail vehicle.

Never heard of this in UK context (but it's a good description!)

UK: 'Switch' refers only to the moveable blades and associated parts. 'Switch and crossing' is the generic term for areas where tracks intersect.

UK: A diamond crossing can be a fixed diamond (with no moving parts but a long rail gap at the obtuse crossing) or a switch diamond (which avoids the obtuse crossing but has moving parts). Either type may have one or two slips.

UK: A switch diamond is a type of diamond crossing with moveable rails which have to be set according to which of the intersecting tracks will be used by a train. It may also have slips but if it does not, the train can only pass from one leg of the crossing to the opposite one. Having a switch diam...