Editing Railroad switch (section)

=== Switch stand (points lever) ===
[[File:Railroad switch, Grain elevator district, Minneapolis.jpg|thumb|An example of a mechanism used at a switch. The two points are linked together with a throw bar (also known as a stretcher bar). The throw bar extends to the lever on the near side of the track, which is used to ''throw the switch''. This is an example of a low switch stand, used at locations where there is not sufficient clearance for a tall switch stand. This particular stand is designed to be trailed through by rolling stock, which will cause the points to become lined for the route that the wheels have passed through. It has a reflectorized target.]]

A ''switch stand'' (''points lever'' or ''ground throw'')  is a lever and accompanying linkages to align the points of a switch by hand. The lever and its accompanying hardware is usually mounted to a pair of long [[Railroad tie|ties]] (sleepers) that extend from the switch at the points. They are often used in a place of a switch motor on less frequently used switches. In some places, the lever may be some distance from the points, as part of a [[lever frame]] or ground frame. To prevent the tampering of switches by outside means, these switches are locked when not in use.

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