Dual Headlights on EMD E units??

[Anonymous]

OK i have my BLI CB&Q E7's on order and I'm curious about the dual headlights. I am guessing that the upper light would be a mars style light and the lower light the headlight. Is this correct? If it's not where could I find out?

Also, if it is a mars light, how can I model one? Since this model is DCC could the mars light be programed into the decoder also??

Also, were the mars lights only used in emergencies?
Thanks

[ndbprr]

I could be wrong on this and somebody who models the Q will know better but it could be either a mars light or a flashing red light. The mars light was clear and rotated from side to side and up and down in a random pattern for better attention getting properties. I'm not sure about the red light but the mars light started with the Zephyrs if I'm not mistaken. On models there is a cirucit that avries the voltage to the bulb giving the appearance of a mars light through varying light intensities.

[Anonymous]

Mars lights were used in Emergencies (like the red ones on the UP FEF-3s) and in regular operation (like the CB&Q Zephyers and the SP GS4s). I don't know if a rotating version of this could be done on an HO model, or can? It'd be pretty cool, but it would blind you [;)]! But like ndbprr said, there are some models that use various light intensities.

[Anonymous]

Or, it could just be two headlights, an upper and lower, like the Fs on the N.P.

[Anonymous]

I volunteer at a railway museum with a UP E8. The top light has two bulbs, which rotate, but are not red. I have a hunch that there is a red lens which comes into position if the train is put into emergency, which I have seen on some PA's (at least in train-simulator). I hope this helps.

See you around the forums,
Daniel

[AntonioFP45]

Wes454,[:)]

Good news. If your locomotive doesn't have a functioning Mars light, you can get an "electronic" Mars light kit that looks incredibly realistic. [;)] A very good friend of mine installed one on his Southern Pacific GS4. He demonstrated it for me. The "figure 8 wobbling" effect blew my mind away! [swg][tup]

Check out: www.RichmondControls.com

I'm going to be purchasing gyra light kits and passenger car lighting kits from this company.[:D][8D][8)][:p][:D]

[Anonymous]

AntonioFP45 thanks for the link!
Very interesting site! I think I'll have to try the mars light from them! Its pretty amazing what technology will let them accompli***oday!

I would be very interested in knowing how your installation goes on the gyra light...please post your findings....

[AntonioFP45]

Glad that the info was helpful Wes454!

Some of the items may be expensive, but as I've suggested to fellow modelers: If your hobby shop is willing to stock them ask about LAYAWAY as many shops still do this.

I'm currently in the repainting/detailing process on the locomotive shells. After installing the DCC decoders, I'll install the gyra light kits. I'll post the results right away!

I'm also excited about being able to install decent lighting in my HO Rivorossi streamlined passenger cars.

From what I understand, all of these lighting kits from Richmond Controls are not too difficult to install as long as you take your time and work in a relaxed mood.

Peace out, Amigo! [:D][8)][swg][tup]

[cacole]

Proto 2000 models of the E-8 locomotives had a gyrating headlight as standard, along with the regular headlight. The gyrating headlight effect was achieved by using a dual-filament bulb and alternating between the two filaments. The BLI model should have the same type of light and it will already be connected to the decoder as one of the functions, and should even work when running on DC.

[Anonymous]

OK so I just checked BLI's website, and now I feel like the fool! In the list of features it states "Operating Mars light where applicable"

Thanks for the help anyway though...

[AntonioFP45]

No need to feel like a fool as I'm sure some of us (me included!) were not aware or have forgotten as there are so many good models available, it's easy to forget "What features does _____ offer."