Buffer stop
Videos
A buffer stop, bumper, bumping post, bumper block or stopblock (US), is a device to prevent railway vehicles from going past the end of a physical section of track.
Two views of a Hayes-built bumper at the Linden Railroad Museum, Linden, Indiana. This design accommodates the AAR coupler.
Energy-absorbing buffer stop in France
A buffer stop or sand drag on the Montreal Metro Honoré-Beaugrand station
Catch points
Videos
Catch points and trap points are types of points which act as railway safety devices. Both work by guiding railway carriages and trucks from a dangerous route onto a separate, safer track. Catch points are used to derail vehicles which are out of control on steep slopes. Trap points are used to protect main railway lines from unauthorised vehicles moving onto them from sidings or branch lines. Either of these track arrangements may lead the vehicles into a sand drag or safety siding, track arrangements which are used to safely stop them after they have left the main tracks.
An insulated track circuit interrupter fitted to trap points
Double trap points protecting the South Wales Main Line at the exit of Stoke Gifford Rail Yard near Bristol Parkway railway station
Double trap points with much longer rails, at Castle Cary railway station