E7 quick Question

[BARFlyer]

HI, would like to know if any E7's had a rear "reverse" light, or any light on back of cab, like you see on many FA units?? I cant find any pics of the very back of any E7. Thanks!

[NorthWest]

Hello,

The E7 at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has a back-up light just above the rear vestibule.

[daveklepper]

You mean jusf above the (rear) train door.   E-units did not have vestibules.   I do not know of any diesel locomotive that was not also some kiind of doodlebug that had a vestibule.  A passenger car vestibule is an enclosed platform, as opposed to an open platform.    The door, with or without diaphragm, at the end of any car body, locomotive or passenger car, is the "train door."

Further information on E,, F, FA, etc "backup lights" would be appreciated.

[DSO17]

     Google "ingalls shipbuilding locomotive" to find pictures of a diesel locomotive with a vestibule.

     The B&O had portable twin sealed beam lights that could be hung in the end doorway of cab units for backup moves.

[K4sPRR]

daveklepper

Further information on E,, F, FA, etc "backup lights" would be appreciated

Hi Dave,

  The installation of back up lights on the PRR started in 1949 when four of their of original order of F units had been retrofitted on the A unit.  They were assigned to the Grand Rapids Division and installed as a safety feature for back up moves.   In October of 1950 authorization was given to have them installed on all classes of cab units, as the railroad eliminated the requirement of running cab units double ended, the exception being the Baldwin centipedes (by design they had to run double ended).  Much of this change was complete by 1953.  They were to be installed at center above the diaphragm surrounding the train door.  Subsequent orders of cab units in 1951 had the back up lights installed by the manufacturer.

  Many of the earlier cab units had a receptacle installed so they could plug in a portable back up light, this was a practice on several roads during the early years of the cab units.  As you probably know some sort of backing safety was required, steam locomotives had a back up light installed on the tenders.

[Rocket Troop]

There is a good picture of a Canadian Pacific E8 at http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=298273&nseq=15 clearly showing a single light. Duncan

[NorthWest]

Hi Dave,

Yes, I meant diaphragm. Oops...Train door is a better term for it.

I have a picture of the rear of the E7 I mentioned, but can't find it. I'll try to post it when I do.