SWITCH MACHINE

There is provided a switch machine (10) for controlling the position of railroad tracks having up to five improved capabilities. First, the switch machine (10) is designed to have a low vertical profile without increasing i ts axial length or sacrificing its functionality. Second, the switch machine (1 0) has a rail point detection and indication mechanism (210) that identifies a latch out condition when the railroad tracks are not at, or near, their prop er positions before or after switching the railroad tracks. Third, the switch machine (10) has a trailing device (416) coupled to a throw bar (412) for enabling throwing of the switch points. Fourth, a cam bar (530) of the switc h machine (10) locks and unlocks a lock bar (520) as required for railway trac k systems. Finally, an improved hand throw mechanism (730) of the switch machi ne (10) has a ratchet mechanism (740) that permits torque to be applied to the hand throw mechanism (730) in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.