Rail junction assembly

Abstract

A rail junction assembly ( 10 ) for directing first and second rail vehicle wheels ( 42, 44 ) of a wheel arrangement ( 40 ) is disclosed. The rail junction assembly comprises first and second main rails ( 12, 14 ) and first and second switch rails ( 16, 18 ). A first flange receiving passage ( 17 ) is defined between the first switch rail and the first main rail. A second flange receiving passage ( 19 ) is defined between the second switch rail and the second main rail. The first flange receiving passage is configured to receive a flange ( 48 ) of the first wheel, and the second flange receiving passage is configured to receive a flange ( 48 ) of the second wheel. A wheel control arrangement ( 30 ) controls the first wheel on the first main rail when the second flange is received in the second flange receiving passage, and controls the second wheel on with the second main rail when the first flange is received in the first flange receiving passage.

1 . A rail junction assembly for directing first and second rail vehicle wheels of a wheel arrangement, the first and second wheels having respective first and second flanges, the rail junction assembly comprising: first and second main rails; first and second switch rails; a first flange receiving passage being defined between the first switch rail and the first main rail, and a second flange receiving passage being defined between the second switch rail and the second main rail; wherein the first flange receiving passage is configured to receive the first flange of the first wheel, and the second wheel can transfer between the second main rail and the second switch rail when the first flange is received in the first flange receiving passage, and wherein the second flange receiving passage is configured to receive the second flange of the second wheel, and the first wheel can transfer between the first main rail and the first switch rail when the second flange is received in the second flange receiving passage; and wheel directing arrangement for controlling the first wheel on the first main rail and on the first switch rail when the second flange is received in the second flange receiving passage, and for controlling the second wheel on with the second main rail and on the second switch rail when the first flange is received in the first flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         2 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second main rails are fixed rails, and the first and second switch rails are fixed rails. 
     
     
         3 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the first switch rail has a first terminating region adjacent the first main rail, the first switch rail and the first main rail defining a first transition region, and wherein the second switch rail has a second terminating region adjacent the second main rail, the second switch rail and the second main rail defining a second transition region. 
     
     
         4 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the first transition region comprises a region of the first main rail and a region extending from the point at which, in use, the first rail vehicle wheel begins to move laterally away from the first main rail to be supported by the first switch rail, the first transition region terminating at a point at which, in use, the rail vehicle wheel is fully supported by the first switch rail. 
     
     
         5 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 3  or  4 , wherein the second transition region comprises a region of the second main rail and a region extending from the point at which, in use, the second rail vehicle wheel begins to move laterally away from the second main rail to be supported by the second switch rail, the second transition region terminating at a point at which, in use, the rail vehicle wheel is fully supported by the second switch rail. 
     
     
         6 . A rail junction assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheel directing arrangement is configured to control the first wheel during said transfer of the first wheel. 
     
     
         7 . A rail junction assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheel directing arrangement is configured to control the second wheel during said transfer of the second wheel. 
     
     
         8 . A rail junction assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheel directing arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding the first flange of a first wheel into, or out of, the first flange receiving passage, and for guiding the second flange of the second wheel into, or out of, the second flange receiving passage, the guide arrangement being moveable to a first guide condition for guiding the first flange into, or out of, the first flange receiving passage, and the guide arrangement is moveable to a second guide condition for guiding the second flange into, or out of, the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         9 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the wheel directing arrangement comprises a wheel control arrangement for effecting the aforesaid control of the first and second wheels. 
     
     
         10 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is configured to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition to maintain the first wheel in engagement with the first main rail when the first wheel transfers between the first main rail and the first switch rail. 
     
     
         11 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 9  or  10 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is configured to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition to maintain the second wheel in engagement with the second main rail when the second wheel transfers between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         12 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 9 ,  10  or  11 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is configured to engage the second wheel when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition, and the wheel arrangement is configured to engage the first wheel when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition. 
     
     
         13 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 9  to  12 , wherein the wheel control arrangement has a first control surface for engaging the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, thereby maintaining the first rail vehicle wheel on the first main rail when the first wheel transfers between the first main rail and the first switch rail, and the wheel control arrangement has a second control surface for engaging the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition, thereby maintaining the second rail vehicle wheel on the second main rail when the second wheel transfers between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         14 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the first control surface is disposed to engage the first wheel when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, and the second control surface is disposed to engage the second wheel when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         15 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 13  or  14 , wherein the wheel control arrangement comprises a first wheel control member for engaging the first wheel, and a second wheel control member for engaging the second wheel, the first wheel control member being provided with the first wheel control surface, and the second wheel control member being provided with the second wheel control surface. 
     
     
         16 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is part of the guide arrangement, the first wheel control member constituting a portion of the first guide member, and the second wheel control member constituting a portion of the second guide member. 
     
     
         17 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the first wheel control member constitutes an end portion of the first guide member, and the second wheel control member constitutes an end portion of the second guide member. 
     
     
         18 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second wheel control members are separate from the guide arrangement, the first wheel control member being moveable substantially horizontally relative to the first switch rail, and the second wheel control member being moveable substantially horizontally relative to the second switch rail. 
     
     
         19 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second wheel control members are separate from the guide arrangement, the first wheel control member being moveable substantially vertically relative to the first switch rail, and the second wheel control member being moveable substantially vertically relative to the second switch rail. 
     
     
         20 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 15  to  19 , wherein the first and second wheel control members are moveable towards and away from the respective first and second switch rails, whereby when the first wheel control member is moved towards the first switch rail, the second wheel control member is moved away from the second switch rail, and when the second wheel control member is moved towards the second switch rail, the first wheel control member is moved away from the first switch rail. 
     
     
         21 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 9  to  19 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is moveable to a first wheel control position to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, and to a second wheel control position to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         22 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 21 , wherein the wheel control arrangement is moveable to the first wheel control position to engage the first wheel, when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, and the wheel control arrangement is moveable to the second wheel control position to engage the second wheel, when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         23 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 9  to  21 , wherein the guide arrangement comprises a first guide member for guiding the first wheel into the first flange receiving passage, and a second guide member for guiding the second wheel into the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         24 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 23 , wherein the first and second guide members are elongate and extend alongside the respective first and second main rails. 
     
     
         25 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 23  or  24 , wherein the first guide member is configured so that, when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition, the first guide member can engage the first wheel, and the second guide member is configured so that, when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, the second guide member can engage the second wheel. 
     
     
         26 . A rail junction assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail junction assembly includes a wheel urging member to selectively direct either the flange of the first wheel along the first flange receiving passage or the flange of the second wheel along the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         27 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 26 , wherein the rail wheel urging member has a triangular top plan profile. 
     
     
         28 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 26  or  27 , wherein the rail wheel urging member is wedge shaped. 
     
     
         29 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 26 ,  27  or  28  wherein the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the first switch rail to direct the flange of the first wheel along the first flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         30 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 26 ,  27  or  28  wherein the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the second switch rail to direct the flange of the second wheel along the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         31 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 26  to  30 , wherein the first switch rail has a first wheel facing side surface which faces the first wheel when the flange of the first wheel passes along the first flange receiving passage, and wherein the rail wheel urging member has a first side surface, which is disposed in alignment with the first wheel facing surface when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the first switch rail. 
     
     
         32 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 26  to  31 , wherein the second switch rail has a second wheel facing side surface which faces the second wheel when the flange of the second wheel passes along the second flange receiving passage, and wherein the rail wheel urging member has a second side surface, which is disposed in alignment with the second wheel facing surface when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the second switch rail. 
     
     
         33 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 26  to  32 , wherein the rail wheel urging member comprises an elongate wedge shaped main body, and includes connecting means on the main body to connect the rail wheel urging member to a rail. 
     
     
         34 . A rail junction assembly according to  claim 33 , wherein the connecting means comprises a pair of connecting elements spaced axially from each other along the length of the main body, the connecting elements may be attached to the lower face of the main body, and extending downwardly therefrom. 
     
     
         35 . A method of directing a first and second rail vehicle wheels of a wheel arrangement, the first and second wheels having respective first and second flanges, the method comprising: providing first and second main rails, and first and second switch rails, the first switch rail being spaced from the first main rails to define a first flange receiving passage therebetween, and the second switch rail being spaced from the second main rail to define a second flange receiving passage therebetween; wherein the first flange receiving passage is configured to receive the first flange of the first wheel, and the second wheel can transfer between the second main rail and the second switch rail when the first flange is received in the first flange receiving passage, and wherein the second flange receiving passage is configured to receive the second flange of the second wheel, and the first wheel can transfer between the first main rail and the first switch rail when the second flange is received in the second flange receiving passage; providing a wheel directing arrangement, and, with the wheel directing arrangement, controlling the first wheel on the first main rail when the second flange is received in the second flange receiving passage, and controlling the second wheel on the second main rail when the first flange is received in the first flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 35 , wherein the first switch rail has a first terminating region adjacent the first main rail, the first switch rail and the first main rail defining a first transition region, and wherein the second switch rail has a second terminating region adjacent the second main rail, the second switch rail and the second main rail defining a second transition region. 
     
     
         37 . A method according to  claim 36 , wherein the first transition region comprises a region of the first main rail and a region extending from the point at which, in use, the first rail vehicle wheel begins to move laterally away from the first main rail to be supported by the first switch rail, the first transition region terminating at a point at which, in use, the rail vehicle wheel is fully supported by the first switch rail. 
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 37 , wherein the second transition region comprises a region of the second main rail and a region extending from the point at which, in use, the second rail vehicle wheel begins to move laterally away from the second main rail to be supported by the second switch rail, the second transition region terminating at a point at which, in use, the rail vehicle wheel is fully supported by the second switch rail. 
     
     
         39 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 35  to  38 , wherein the controlling of the first wheel on the first main rail and on the first switch rail comprises controlling the first wheel during said transfer of the first wheel between the first main rail and the first switch rail. 
     
     
         40 . A rail junction assembly according to any of  claims 35  to  39 , wherein the controlling of the second wheel on the second main rail and on the second switch rail comprises controlling the second wheel during said transfer of the second wheel between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         41 . A method according to any of  claims 35  to  40 , wherein the wheel directing arrangement comprises a guide arrangement, and the method includes guiding a flange of a first wheel of the wheel arrangement into, or out of, the first flange receiving passage, 
     
     
         42 . A method according to any of  claims 35  to  41 , further including guiding the flange of a second wheel of the wheel arrangement into, or out of, the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         43 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein the guiding of the flange of the first wheel comprises moving the guide arrangement in a first direction towards the first main rail to a first guide condition to guide the flange of the first wheel as aforesaid, 
     
     
         44 . A method according to  claim 43 , wherein the guiding of the flange of the second wheel comprises moving the guide arrangement in a second direction towards the second main rail to a second guide condition to guide the flange of the second wheel as aforesaid. 
     
     
         45 . A method according to any of  claims 41  to  44 , wherein the controlling of the first wheel on the first main rail during said transfer of the first wheel between the first main rail and the first switch rail comprises maintaining the first wheel in engagement with the first main rail when the flange of the second wheel is received in the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         46 . A method according to any of  claims 41  to  45 , wherein the controlling of the second wheel on the second main rail during said transfer of the second wheel between the second main rail and the second switch rail comprises maintaining the second wheel on the second main rail when the flange of the first wheel is received in the first flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         47 . A method according to  claim 45 , wherein the wheel directing arrangement comprises a wheel control arrangement, and the maintaining of the first wheel in engagement with the first main rail in the during said transfer of the first wheel between the first main rail and the first switch rail comprises effecting engagement of the wheel control arrangement with the wheel arrangement, when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition. 
     
     
         48 . A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the maintaining of the second wheel in engagement with the second main rail during said transfer of the second wheel between the second main rail and the second switch rail comprises effecting engagement of the wheel control arrangement with the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         49 . A method according to  claim 47  or  48 , wherein the wheel control arrangement has a first control surface for engaging the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, thereby maintaining the first rail vehicle wheel in engagement with the first main rail in during said transfer of the first wheel between the first main rail and the first switch rail, and the method comprises effecting engagement of the first control surface with the first wheel when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition. 
     
     
         50 . A method according to  claim 47 ,  48  or  49 , wherein the wheel control arrangement has a second control surface for engaging the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition, thereby maintaining the second rail vehicle wheel in engagement with the second main rail during said transfer of the second wheel between the second main rail and the second switch rail, and the method comprises effecting engagement of the second control surface with the second rail vehicle wheel when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         51 . A method according to any of  claims 47  to  50 , comprising moving the wheel control arrangement to a first wheel control position to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, 
     
     
         52 . A method according to  claim 51 , comprising moving the wheel control arrangement to the first wheel control position to engage the first wheel, when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition. 
     
     
         53 . A method according to  claim 51  or  52 , comprising moving the wheel control arrangement to a second wheel control position to engage the wheel arrangement when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 53 , comprising moving the wheel control arrangement to the second wheel control position to engage the second wheel, when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition. 
     
     
         55 . A method according to any of  claims 47  to  54 , wherein the guide arrangement comprises a first guide member for guiding the first wheel into the first flange receiving passage, and a second guide member for guiding the second wheel into the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         56 . A method according to  claim 55 , wherein the first guide member is configured so that, when the guide arrangement is in the first guide condition, the first guide member can engage the first wheel, and the method comprises moving the first guide member to the first position to engage the first wheel. 
     
     
         57 . A method according to  claim 55  or  56 , wherein the second guide member is configured so that, when the guide arrangement is in the second guide condition, the second guide member can engage the second wheel, and the method comprises moving the second guide member to the second position to engage the second wheel. 
     
     
         58 . A method according to any of  claims 47  to  56 , wherein the wheel control arrangement comprises first and second wheel control members 
     
     
         59 . A method according to  claim 58 , including moving the first wheel control member substantially horizontally relative to the first transition region of the first switch rail, and moving the second wheel control member substantially horizontally relative to the second transition region of the second switch rail. 
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 59 , including moving the first wheel control members substantially vertically relative to the first transition region of the first switch rail, and moving the second wheel control member substantially vertically relative to the second transition region of the second switch rail. 
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 58 ,  59  or  60 , including moving the first and second wheel control members towards and away from the respective first and second switch rails. 
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 61 , including moving the first wheel control member towards the first transition region, thereby moving the second wheel control member away from the second switch rail. 
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 61 , including moving the second wheel control member towards the second transition region, thereby moving the first wheel control member away from the first switch rail. 
     
     
         64 . A method according to any of  claims 35  to  63 , including providing a rail wheel urging member to selectively urge the flange of the first and second wheels along the first flange receiving passage or along the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         65 . A method according to  claim 64 , including disposing the rail wheel urging member in alignment with the first switch rail to direct the flange of the first wheel along the first flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         66 . A method according to  claim 64 , including disposing the rail wheel urging member in alignment with the second switch rail to direct the flange of the second wheel along the second flange receiving passage. 
     
     
         67 . A method according to  claim 64 ,  65  or  66 , wherein the first switch rail has a first wheel facing side surface which faces the first wheel when the flange of the first wheel passes along the first flange receiving passage, and wherein the rail wheel urging member has a first side surface, and the method comprises disposing the first side surface of the rail wheel urging member in alignment with the first wheel facing surface when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the first switch rail. 
     
     
         68 . A method according to  claim 64 ,  65  or  66 , wherein the second switch rail has a second wheel facing side surface which faces the second wheel when the flange of the second wheel passes along the second flange receiving passage, and wherein the rail wheel urging member has a second side surface, and the method comprises disposing the second side surface in alignment with the second wheel facing surface when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the second switch rail. 
     
     
         69 . A method according to any of  claims 35  to  68 , wherein the rail wheel urging member comprises a main body and connecting means on the main body to connect the rail wheel urging member to a rail, and the method comprises connecting the rail wheel urging member to the rail using the connecting means. 
     
     
         70 . A rail wheel urging member for use with a rail junction assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , the rail wheel urging member being configured to be selectively mounted either between the first main rail and the first switch rail to direct the flange of the first wheel to transfer between the first main rail and the first switch rail, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail to direct the flange of the second wheel to transfer between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         71 . A rail wheel urging member according to  claim 70 , being configured to extend between the first main rail and the first switch rail, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail and to engage first or second wheel and thereby urge the first or second wheel to transfer between first main rail and the first switch rail, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         72 . A rail wheel urging member according to  claim 70  or  71 , having a triangular top plan profile. 
     
     
         73 . A rail wheel urging member according to  claim 70 ,  71  or  72  being wedge shaped. 
     
     
         74 . A rail wheel urging member according to any of  claims 70  to  73  having a first side surface, which can be disposed in alignment with a first wheel facing surface of a first switch rail when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the first switch rail. 
     
     
         75 . A rail wheel urging member according to  claim 74 , having a second side surface, which is disposed in alignment with the second wheel facing surface of a second switch rail when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the second switch rail. 
     
     
         76 . A rail wheel urging member according to any of  claims 70  to  75 , comprising an elongate wedge shaped main body, and includes connecting means on the main body to connect the rail wheel urging member to a rail. 
     
     
         77 . A rail wheel urging member according to  claim 76 , wherein the connecting means comprises a pair of connecting elements spaced axially from each other along the length of the main body, the connecting elements may be attached to the lower face of the main body, and extending downwardly therefrom. 
     
     
         78 . The use of a rail wheel urging member with a rail junction assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising disposing the rail wheel urging member between the first main rail and the first switch rail to direct the flange of the second wheel along the second flange receiving passage, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail to direct the flange of the first wheel along the first flange receiving passage, wherein the rail wheel urging member is configured to urge the first or second wheel to transfer between the first main rail and the first switch rail. 
     
     
         79 . The use according to  claim 78  comprising arranging the rail wheel urging member to extend between the first main rail and the first switch rail in engagement with the first main rail and the first switch rail, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail in engagement with the second main rail and the second switch rail, and to engage first or second wheel and thereby urge the first or second wheel to transfer between first main rail and the first switch rail, or between the second main rail and the second switch rail. 
     
     
         80 . The use according to  claim 78  or  79 , wherein the rail wheel urging member has a triangular top plan profile. 
     
     
         81 . The use according to  claim 78 ,  79  or  80 , wherein the rail wheel urging member is wedge shaped. 
     
     
         82 . The use according to any of  claims 78  to  81 , wherein the rail wheel urging member has a first side surface, which can be disposed in alignment with a first wheel facing surface of a first switch rail when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the first switch rail. 
     
     
         83 . The use according to any of  claims 78  to  82 , wherein the rail wheel urging member has a second side surface, which is disposed in alignment with the second wheel facing surface of a second switch rail when the rail wheel urging member is disposed in alignment with the second switch rail. 
     
     
         84 . The use according to any of  claims 78  to  83 , wherein the rail wheel urging member has an elongate wedge shaped main body, and includes connecting means on the main body to connect the rail wheel urging member to a rail. 
     
     
         85 . The use according to  claim 84 , wherein the connecting means comprises a pair of connecting elements spaced axially from each other along the length of the main body, the connecting elements may be attached to the lower face of the main body, and extending downwardly therefrom. 
     
     
         86 . A rail switching arrangement for switching rail vehicle wheels at a rail junction assembly, the rail switching arrangement comprising: first and second wheel directing means; the first wheel directing means comprising a first guide member and a first control member, and the first wheel directing means being movable between a first guiding position and a first control position, wherein in the first guiding position, the first guide member can engage a first wheel of a wheel arrangement, and in the first control position, the first control member can engage the first wheel; the second wheel directing means comprising a second guide member and a second control member, and the second wheel directing means being movable between a second guiding position and a second control position, wherein in the second guiding position, the second guide member can engage a second wheel of the wheel arrangement, and in the second control position, the second control member can engage the second wheel; and operating means to operable on the first and second wheel directing means to move the first and second wheel directing means between the respective first and second guiding positions and the first and second control positions; wherein the first and second wheel directing means are configured so that, when the first wheel directing means is in the first guiding position, the second wheel directing means is in the second control position, and when the second wheel directing means is in the second guiding position, the first wheel directing means is in the first control position. 
     
     
         87 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 86 , wherein the first and second wheel directing means comprise respective first and second rotary members. 
     
     
         88 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 85 , wherein each of the first and second rotary members is elongate. 
     
     
         89 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 87  or  88 , wherein the first and second guide members are provided on the respective first and second rotary members, and wherein the first and second control members are provided on the respective first and second rotary members. 
     
     
         90 . A rail switching arrangement according to any of  claims 87  to  89 , wherein each of the first and second guide members is elongate and extends axially along the respective first and second rotary members, and wherein each of the first and second control members is elongate and extends axially along the respective first and second rotary members. 
     
     
         91 . A rail switching arrangement according to any of  claims 87  to  90 , wherein each of the first and second rotary members is substantially cylindrical, and has an elongate axially extending recess defined therein. 
     
     
         92 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 91 , wherein each axially extending recess is substantially V shaped, each axially extending recess being defined by radially extending longitudinal surfaces. 
     
     
         93 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 91  or  92 , wherein the first guide member and the first control member are provided on the surfaces defining the recess in the first rotary member and wherein the second guide member and the second control member are provided on the surfaces defining the recess in the second rotary member. 
     
     
         94 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 3  wherein the first and second guide members may extend substantially radially outwardly from the respective first and second rotary members. 
     
     
         95 . A rail switching arrangement according to any of  claims 87  to  94 , wherein the operating means comprises first and second cranks attached to the respective first and second rotary members, the operating means comprising first and second push/pull members capable of applying a pulling force or a pushing force to the cranks. 
     
     
         96 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 95 , wherein the operating means further includes a drive arrangement for driving the first and second push/pull members. 
     
     
         97 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 96 , wherein the drive arrangement comprises a rotatable drive member, and wherein the first and second push/pull members are attached to the drive member. 
     
     
         98 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 97  or  97 , wherein the drive arrangement is movable between first and second operative conditions, whereby in the first operative condition, the first rotary member is in the first guiding position and the second rotary member is in the second control position and in the second operative condition, the second rotary member is in the second guiding position and the first rotary member is in the first control position. 
     
     
         99 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 98 , wherein when the drive arrangement moves to the first operative condition, the rotatable drive member pushes the first push/pull member, which pushes the first rotary member to the first guiding position, and the rotatable drive member pulls the second push/pull member, which pulls the second rotary member to the second control position. 
     
     
         100 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 99 , wherein when the drive arrangement moves to the second operative condition, the rotatable drive member pushes the second push/pull member, which pushes the second rotary member to the second guiding position, and the rotatable drive member pulls the first push/pull member, which pulls the first rotary member to the first control position. 
     
     
         101 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 86 , wherein the first and second guide members are linearly movable between the first and second guiding positions, and the first and second control members are linearly movable between the first and second control positions. 
     
     
         102 . A rail switching arrangement according to  claim 101 , wherein the first and second guide members are movable vertically or horizontally between the first and second guiding positions, and the first and second control members are movable vertically or horizontally between the first and second control positions. 
     
     
         103 . A rail switching arrangement according to any of  claims 96  to  102 , wherein the first and second guide members define a plurality of gaps, and the first and second control members comprise a plurality of projecting portions, which can protrude through the gaps in the respective first and second guide members when the first and second directing means are in the control positions.