A slip coach, slip carriage or slip portion in Britain and Ireland, also known as a flying switch in North America, is one or more carriages designed to be uncoupled from the rear of a moving train. The detached portion continued under its own momentum following the main train until slowed by its own guard using the brakes, bringing the slip to a stop, usually at the next station. The coach or coaches were thus said to be slipped from the train without it having to stop. This allowed the train to serve intermediate stations, without unduly delaying the main train. The reverse process defied the ingenuity of inventors.
Slipping G.W.R. Mail coaches at Pylle Hill, Bedminster, Bristol, UK
Interior view of NER brake van No. 1840 with slipping mechanism on the front wall
Haywards Heath railway station
Haywards Heath railway station is on the Brighton Main Line in England, serving the town of Haywards Heath, West Sussex. It is 37 miles 59 chains (60.7 km) down the line from London Bridge via Redhill and is situated between Balcombe and Wivelsfield. It is managed by Southern.
Haywards Heath railway station
Northbound view of platform 2 in 2008
Northbound view of the station in 2008