When did Amtrak install the brake light indicators on their passenger cars?
Thanks
Tim
They've never installed them on any car, have they? Just bought cars that have them?
The first Amfleet cars must have had them -- probably the Metroliner MUs too?
Those aren't brake lights - they are end of train (EOT) indicators. It's a pretty standard rule that passenger trains must display an illumunated red marker on the end of the train (unless the train is trailed by a locomotive, in which case it can be a headlight on dim).
Not sure how long that rule has been in place generally, but its been in the NORAC rule book at least since I started in 2006.
Tim56 When did Amtrak install the brake light indicators on their passenger cars? Thanks Are you referring to the lights near the doors on SuperLiners? Tim
Are you referring to the lights near the doors on SuperLiners?
adkrr64 Those aren't brake lights - they are end of train (EOT) indicators. It's a pretty standard rule that passenger trains must display an illumunated red marker on the end of the train (unless the train is trailed by a locomotive, in which case it can be a headlight on dim). Not sure how long that rule has been in place generally, but its been in the NORAC rule book at least since I started in 2006.
I don't think he's refering to EOTs. Many Amtrak cars have red and green lights on the side. The red light illuminate when the brakes are set and the green illuminate when they are released. I think it is so the conductor can look down the side of the train and see that all of the brakes have released before departing. You can see them on some of the cars in this video: https://youtu.be/g4syD9KKadY?t=344
CSX Robert adkrr64 Those aren't brake lights - they are end of train (EOT) indicators. It's a pretty standard rule that passenger trains must display an illumunated red marker on the end of the train (unless the train is trailed by a locomotive, in which case it can be a headlight on dim). Not sure how long that rule has been in place generally, but its been in the NORAC rule book at least since I started in 2006. I don't think he's refering to EOTs. Many Amtrak cars have red and green lights on the side. The red light illuminate when the brakes are set and the green illuminate when they are released. I think it is so the conductor can look down the side of the train and see that all of the brakes have released before departing. You can see them on some of the cars in this video: https://youtu.be/g4syD9KKadY?t=344
I always thought those were for the doors.
The question is, when did they install turn signals?
rdamon always thought those were for the doors.
I don't remember now who set me straight, but I think it was on this forum.
(I still am amused that the 'beeper' for the open doors was sourced from the same place that made the McDonalds 'fries are ready' signal ... made me salivate a bit every time I heard it...)
Metra's gallery coaches have the red lights, but strictly as door indicators. The multiple indicators on Amfleet sound more like the lights on the side of CTA's rapid transit cars.
Older streamlined passenger cars had little plungers that popped out when the brakes were set. It's to aid during stationary brake tests, as would lights in place of the plungers. These cars have disc brakes and need some other kind of indicator to verify that the brakes have applied and released.
Jeff
jeffhergertOlder streamlined passenger cars had little plungers that popped out when the brakes were set. It's to aid during stationary brake tests, as would lights in place of the plungers. These cars have disc brakes and need some other kind of indicator to verify that the brakes have applied and released. Jeff
Inspecting disc brake application - to actually see the pads contacting the rotor would require some level of a contortionist to look between the wheels. Which leads to the question - is disc brake pad inspection/replacement normally performed with the inspection personnel in a below track pit?
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
For the indicators on the side of the car, near the door:
green indicates brakes released
yellow indicates brakes applied
IF there's a red, it indicates emergency application.
Superliners apparently don't have the red.
Ed
Yes, the green, yellow & red by the doors
I've seen them on other passenger equipment and some subway cars too. For instance, at least one series of DC Metro cars has them. They're not door indicator lights because they'll stay lit after the doors are closed and don't go out until the brakes are released.
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