another name for a spring turnout it a "Rubber Switch" which you can run thru it trailing wise with no damage. I don't think its the traditional spring switch but if accidentally ran thru trailing way no damage is done. IE its a moveable point switch you can set the route for, it isnt just set for straight or diverging permanently.

A "Rubber switch" is one slang term for a variable switch. It is a different animal than a spring switch. A spring switch is designed to be run through in a trailing point move and then return, or spring back, to the way it was lined.

A variable switch is designed to be run through and the points will stay lined for the route they were forced to. The ATSF, for one, used a lot of variable switches in their yards (but never on a main track) and, at one time, allowed crews to actually use them. Many railroads still have them in place to prevent damage to the switches but have operating rules that do not allow crews to use them as intended. The problem with variable switches is they have to be maintained and lubricated regularly to keep them operating properly. If neglected, they can get sticky and not completely lock over, leaving a gap at the point, and cause a derailment.

Neither spring switches nor variable switches work reliably with lightweight MOW equipment like speeders and push cars. It is very easy to derail such equipment on them.

They were referred to on CSX as either "flip-flop" or flop-over" switches, if my memory is working this morning. The locomotive facility at Acca yard in Richmond, VA had them, but as Russ said about this type of switch, they were not trusted to be used that way, and had to be properly lined for movement. I believe they were replaced several years ago.

Also, I remember hearing that the switches to the loops at each end of the Huckleberry Railroad are this type of switch. Is that correct?

Thanks to all. I think I understand?