Alco PA head lights

[Anonymous]

Can somebody help out with what lights were fitted to SP Pa1's. Top was ????
Bottom light was ???

Also rear lighting for Curved end passenger cars.

As I am tring to light a Daylight Passenger train

Regards Sandee

[Anonymous]

Sandee--

There are lots of SP fans out here, many of whom are better informed than I am, but I'll get you a start. I suspect you'll get more authoritative answers from others.

The upper headlight on PA and other cab-type diesels was an oscillating white light.

The lower light was the principal headlight, which could be illuminated on a "bright" or "dim" setting. (Note that the PA1s of SP subsidiary Cotton Belt, No. 300 and 301--later SP No. 6067 and 6068--had only a single headlight, in the upper location.)

SP observation cars originally were equipped with built-in marker lights on the sides of the cars, and a single, large light at the rear centerline. I can't tell from photos alone whether this was strictly a red light, or whether it was also capable of white illumination (to serve as a back-up light for reverse moves). (See also the discussion of observation car lights elsewhere in the forum.)

Around 1959 the observation cars were modified, with removal of the side-mounted marker lights, and installation of a 5-light "array" on the rear of the cars above the rear door. A large oscillating red light, on the car's centerline, was at the center of the "array." Pairs of smaller marker lights were mounted on either side of this light, with the 2 green lights at the top positions, and 2 red lights at the lower positions.

Hope this helps.

--John

[Anonymous]

Thanks John for info you have given me a start now all I have to do is start to work out how I will pull it all together.

Sandee