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Dear untabubba, This is really one of those things that only rivet counters care about very much, so don't frett over it too much. But to answer your questions: 1.) Being as I have gone on the "railfan-leads-to-model-railroader" path (as opposed to modelers who become railfans), I originally learned that that magical device which makes one track into two was called a "switch." And, when I am with fellow railfans/railroaders, I almost always say switch. Also, being as I model in three-rail-O, the use of the term "switch" is fairly accepted. 2.) However, if I wanted to be completely correct in my railroad vocabulary, I would need to use the term "turnout." Officially and technically speaking, a switch is a device for the control of electricity, which can, however, be used to control a turnout. This comes into play more on model railroads than the 1:1 type because of the large amount of electrical wiring and such that goes into each model turnout. 3.) As for the proper use of each on your layout, the switches are the devices you use to control the movement of your turnouts, often from a central control panel. The turnout is the thing that your trains run (or derail) over [:)]. Of course, if the people who see your layout are not modelers/railfans, then you can probably get away with the John Bull pulling road-railers too [:)]. Essentially, it's a lot like "steam train, steam engine, and steam locomotive." I hope I have helped, Daniel
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