Peco Catch turnout?

[pschuman21]

What is a Peco catch turnout? I got a few of them and I don't know what there for? Can someone help me with this? I just started in using Peco turnouts. Thanks.

[Jacktal]

I have asked the same question to another modeler and have been told that these were special turnouts designed to derail an eventual runaway loco so that it doesn't create bigger damages further on the railway.Right answer?It made some sense to me.Intentionally derailing a loco certainly isn't an appealing decision for railroad personel but considering the danger potential of a runaway loco,it sounds like a better solution.

[maxman]

There was a discussion of this previously.  See http://cs.trains.com/forums/1423519/ShowPost.aspx

[locoworks]

it is usually possitioned after a point/switch from a mainline or loop in a station/ yard area that is on an upward gradient from the mainline/loop.  if a switcher or whatever looses a car and it starts rolling towards the mainline beacause the points are set that way past the headshunt if there is one, the single blade is thrown and the offending car is derailed before it has any chance of ending up on the mainline in harms way or colliding with anything.  i have not seen mention of them ever used on mainlines themselves to stop runaways, only sidings and yards for errant cars.