Always a fan of the oscillating headlight on a fast train.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9fQmhAU7hs
CSX's only GP40WH-2. Not sure if I believe that maintaining the Gryalite is cheaper than attaching ditch lights, but it sure is fun to watch.
The Gyralight doesn't seem to 'flash' as fast as the ditch lights ? Also, the changes in brightness seem less noticeable than the complete on-off of the ditch lights. And, there are 2 ditch lights, but only 1 Gyralight.
Looks like that train found some track geometry that needs inspecting and work, too, over the turnout at about 0:34 . . .
- PDN.
The GP40WH-2s are grandfathered out of the ditch light rules by the FRA because of the moving light (Gryalight). Those have moving parts though which is why they tended to be eliminated on first and second generation power that had them.
Paul_D_North_Jr The Gyralight doesn't seem to 'flash' as fast as the ditch lights ? Also, the changes in brightness seem less noticeable than the complete on-off of the ditch lights. And, there are 2 ditch lights, but only 1 Gyralight.
Don't forget that the vast majority of locomotives do not have flashing ditch lights. While CSX, NS and Amtrak have embraced them, CP, CN, BNSF and UP have largely opted to stick with solid-beam ditchlights.
At the end of the day, it's more about depth perception by having three lights versus one, plus the additional areas lit up for the crews by the ditch lights.
The fire service likes the GyraLite's cousin, the Mars Light. You'll see them on a lot of fire trucks.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
NorthWest CSX's only GP40WH-2. Not sure if I believe that maintaining the Gryalite is cheaper than attaching ditch lights, but it sure is fun to watch.
First time it breaks, it will probably be plated over and ditchlights installed.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Just saw this train today, July 31st, about 5:30pm running south through Ft.Branch,IN heading towards Evansville being pulled by a standard GP40-2
Ralph
zugmannFirst time it breaks, it will probably be plated over and ditchlights installed.
Never know - the crew that maintains it may have a stash of parts they've managed to collect from other GyraLights that were removed...
tree68 zugmann First time it breaks, it will probably be plated over and ditchlights installed. Never know - the crew that maintains it may have a stash of parts they've managed to collect from other GyraLights that were removed...
zugmann First time it breaks, it will probably be plated over and ditchlights installed.
CSX has never had a supply of Gyraligts from other locomotives.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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