Strobe lights in Roanoke, VA, yard

[Anonymous]

hI! THOSE LIGHTS YOU SAW WERE PROBALLY ON THE BLUE FLAG PROTECTION AT NIGHT THEY TAKE THESE BLUE STOBE LIGHTS AND HANG EM ON THE BLUE FLAG POSTS FOR OTHERS CREWS TO SEE.

[Anonymous]

Hey folks -

For those that don't know me from the Model Railroader General Discussion forum, I am a pilot for both the military and a corporation.

I flew for the corporation last night, and did a little railfanning from the air.

Last night's flight took me to Roanoke, VA, and on the way out of there I departed runway 24 and made a lazy turn to the east so I could get a glimpse of the former Norfolk Western (now Norfolk Southern) yard and engine terminal. I was amazed to see that there was still a turntable there, and there were TONS of locomotives sitting there to be worked on. Anyhow, as I was looking down into what was a relatively dark yard, I saw dozens and dozens of what could only be described as blue/white strobe lights. It looked like fireflies had invaded the yard! I was wondering if anyone with some knowledge of the prototype can tell me what those lights were and what they are used for. Thanks in advance!

Chris