Abstract: A railroad switch stand for actuating a rail switch between open and thrown positions includes, in one embodiment, an upstanding frame supporting a handwheel at approximately chest height for movement between a first position enabling manual rotation of an upstanding throw shaft to actuate a horizontal rail switch throw rod, and a second position enabling powered rotation of the throw shaft to open or throw the rail switch points. In alternative embodiments, low profile railroad switch stands are adapted for interconnection to a rail switch throw rod through fluid pressure or electric motor actuators and associated constant force spring actuators in a manner to apply a substantially constant force to the throw rod in maintaining the rail switch in open or thrown positions. The constant force spring actuators provide overload protection and automatic reset in the event a train runs through a rail switch lined against it.