How does a train not derail when it crosses a diamond? There are 2 sets of tracks going in another direction
Watch and learn.
http://trn.trains.com/videos/webcams/2014/09/bnsf-and-union-pacific-in-rochelle-il
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
If you search on "railroad diamonds," you'll find some explanations and plenty of pictures.
You'll note that there is plenty of "guidance" to get the wheels through the diamond without straying.
Add to that the structure of the trucks ("bogies" to some) generally keep, the wheels square to the rail and the odds of a wheel wandering off are slim at worst.
The issue at diamonds is not having the cars track properly through the diamond, it's the impact of the wheels on the frogs, which is especially hard on them. If you check the Rochelle diamond enough, you'll notice how frequently crews are there, welding on the frogs to add metal to them.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
The closer to 90 degrees you can place the crossing frog (actually 4 frogs, a turnout switch only has a single frog), the better off you are. The faster the train speed, the longer the guardrails as they try to calm down truck hunting.
Hands down, crossing frogs are the most costly piece of track structure out there and are to be avoided wherever possible. (Custom fabricated to fit the use - not an off the shelf appliance. The science and metalurgy behind this stuff is constantly evolving)
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