Catch points are trailing in direction of travel. Trap points are facing in direction of travel. Generally 'Catch points' we used on running lines to protect following trains should a coupling break or to stop in emergency runaway wagons. 'Trap points' are integrated into the signalling set up to protect junctions, single lines. Whilst there are still 'catch points' on the system they have been largely eliminated in track modernisation schemes due to the fact loose coupled have been done away with.
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