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Ditch Lights...

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  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 10 posts
Ditch Lights...
Posted by Lark on Sunday, April 24, 2011 10:41 PM

What are / is there FRA regulations governing ditch lights for steam engines on mainline excursion trips / service -- Portland, Oregon's SP 4449?  UP's 844?

Tags: California
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • 673 posts
Posted by Sawtooth500 on Monday, April 25, 2011 3:12 AM

I've been wondering the same thing for a while... I believe that diesels without ditch lights are restricted to 20 mph at crossings - but clearly these steam engines go much faster. So are they exempted from that rule?

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Monday, April 25, 2011 3:15 PM

Historic equipment built before a certain date is exempted.  I'm sure one of our regulars has the rule bookmarked and can share..

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

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • 4 posts
Posted by steamertex on Monday, April 25, 2011 6:46 PM
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Brewster, NY
  • 648 posts
Posted by Dutchrailnut on Monday, April 25, 2011 8:16 PM

(h) Any locomotive subject to Part 229, that was built before
December 31, 1948, and that is not used regularly in commuter or
intercity passenger service, shall be considered historic equipment and
excepted from the requirements of paragraphs (d) through (h) of this
section.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • 8 posts
Posted by sr6498 on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 6:55 AM

Sec. 230.86  Required illumination.

    (a) General provisions. Each steam locomotive used between sunset
and sunrise shall be equipped with an operable headlight that provides
illumination sufficient for a steam locomotive engineer in the cab to
see, in a clear atmosphere, a dark object as large as a man of average
size standing at least 800 feet ahead and in front of such headlight. If
a steam locomotive is regularly required to run backward for any portion
of its trip other than to pick up a detached portion of its train or to
make terminal movements, it shall also be equipped on its rear end with
an operable headlight that is capable of providing the illumination
described in this paragraph (a).
    (b) Dimming device. Such headlights shall be provided with a device
whereby the light from same may be diminished in yards and at stations
or when meeting trains.
    (c) Where multiple locomotives utilized. When two or more
locomotives are used in the same train, the leading locomotive only will
be required to display a headlight.

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