Trains.com

Yellow Front Ends No Longer Required

2885 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2014
  • 2 posts
Posted by DAVE RIGG on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 4:34 PM

As track worker in the UK the high intensity head lights as fitted to most rolling stock are a good thing. But also the glimpse of the yellow warning panel in certain lighting conditions is better

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by M636C on Monday, March 21, 2016 4:03 AM

Buslist

 

 
NorthWest

Well, classes that don't meet the TSI headlight standards still have to have yellow panels...

I'd like to see what these standards actually are, because I doubt that many classes actually meet them, particularly the older ones (DRS' modified Class 37s may be the exception).

 

 

 

the news item implies that little legacy equipment will meet the TSI headlight standard.

 

Very few of the older locomotives and railcars in the UK retain the front end lighting arrangements they were built with...

The most striking examples are preserved steam locomotives, which nearly all now operate with what are called "high intensity" headlights, which are often fitted in the casings of the old oil marker lamps.

Most vehicles built in the last twenty years, including all class 59 and class 66 locomotives have standard light packages  which include two marker lights, two high intensity headlights and two red tail lights.

Most major rebuilds of earlier equipment from earlier periods have incorporated these lights.

Any heritage vehicles can use the portable headlights used by preserved steam locomotives (although most of those would include yellow ends in that heritage.) The yellow ends were introduced in 1962, so 54 years ago....

M636C

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 1,097 posts
Posted by Buslist on Monday, March 21, 2016 12:44 AM

NorthWest

Well, classes that don't meet the TSI headlight standards still have to have yellow panels...

I'd like to see what these standards actually are, because I doubt that many classes actually meet them, particularly the older ones (DRS' modified Class 37s may be the exception).

 

the news item implies that little legacy equipment will meet the TSI headlight standard.

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • 3,231 posts
Posted by NorthWest on Monday, March 21, 2016 12:07 AM

Well, classes that don't meet the TSI headlight standards still have to have yellow panels...

I'd like to see what these standards actually are, because I doubt that many classes actually meet them, particularly the older ones (DRS' modified Class 37s may be the exception).

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by M636C on Sunday, March 20, 2016 5:06 AM

"Isn't that special? A place that doesn't think a locomotive needs a headlight believes that yellow paint will prevent crossing accidents. Guess Operation Lifesaver needs to get up to date on that."

I think the yellow ends were more aimed at additional warning to employees in lieu of the noise and smoke  of steam locomotives, so assisting people who would be already aware of the need to keep a look out. Level crossings (as they are known in the UK) accidents are less of a problem in Britain than in the USA,  since the crossings are much less common and are usually equipped with lights and barriers.

M636C

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • 707 posts
Posted by tdmidget on Sunday, March 20, 2016 12:14 AM

Buslist

A bit off topic but probably of interest so some folks here, it seems that on new rolling stock in the UK the ubiquitous yellow ends will become optional.

Isn't that special? A place that doesn't think a locomotive needs a headlight believes that yellow paint will prevent crossing accidents. Guess Operation Lifesaver needs to get up to date on that.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/yellow-front-ends-become-optional.html#.Vu3BpVgiaOc.mailto

 

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 1,097 posts
Yellow Front Ends No Longer Required
Posted by Buslist on Saturday, March 19, 2016 4:25 PM

A bit off topic but probably of interest so some folks here, it seems that on new rolling stock in the UK the ubiquitous yellow ends will become optional.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/yellow-front-ends-become-optional.html#.Vu3BpVgiaOc.mailto

Tags: UK , yellow ends

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy