Headshunt
Videos
A headshunt is a short length of track provided to release locomotives at terminal platforms, or to allow shunting to take place clear of main lines.
Platform track and run-round loop at Toyooka Station, Hyōgo, Japan, the terminus of the line from Miyazu
Melbourne University tram stop has three reversing headshunts in succession, between the two running lines.
Turntable and run round loop at Withernsea
Leeds Central station showing the release crossovers
Push–pull train
Videos
Push–pull is a configuration for locomotive-hauled passenger trains, usually having a locomotive on one end and an unpowered control car on another, connected via some form of remote control, such as
Headshunt
…when the majority of them were locomotive-hauled, the maneuver is now becoming rarer on public service railways. Increased use of multiple unit and push-pull passenger services avoids the requirement for dedicated track and the need for railway staff to detach and reattach the locomotive at track level…
Push–pull train in Austria (2004); note locomotive at the rear of the train.
Push–pull train in the Czech Republic (2016); note control car at the rear of the train.
Former Push–pull train of Deutsche Reichsbahn (control car out of function) after the unification of Germany
A modern driving van trailer in Ireland