Definition: A spur is a railroad track on which cars are left for loading and unloading. Spurs are also used sometimes for railroad car storage.
A spur can be single-ended or double-ended. A single-ended spur connects to the through track at only one end. A double ended spur connects to the through track at both ends. A double ended spur should not be confused with a siding, which is configured the same but serves a different purpose.
A single-ended spur can be a leading-point spur or a trailing-point spur. A leading-point spur branches off in the direction that trains normally travel forward on the through track. A trailing-point spur branches off in the opposite direction from the normal forward direction of travel on the through track, requiring cars to be backed in for loading and unloading. In track design practice, a trailing-point spur is the more desirable of the two because it simplifies setting out and picking up cars.
A spur can be single-ended or double-ended. A single-ended spur connects to the through track at only one end. A double ended spur connects to the through track at both ends. A double ended spur should not be confused with a siding, which is configured the same but serves a different purpose.
A single-ended spur can be a leading-point spur or a trailing-point spur. A leading-point spur branches off in the direction that trains normally travel forward on the through track. A trailing-point spur branches off in the opposite direction from the normal forward direction of travel on the through track, requiring cars to be backed in for loading and unloading. In track design practice, a trailing-point spur is the more desirable of the two because it simplifies setting out and picking up cars.