when are ditch lights used?

[rambo1]

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

[jrbernier]

Ditch lights must be used if running 20 mph or more over a grade crossing. Pretty hard to go any distance without a grade crossing! Most railroad rules also require them in yard areas.
Jim

[BaltACD]

Ditch lights are normally activated by either blowing the horn or activating the engine bell.  They stay on for a period of time after either has been activated.  Some roads have them flash and other roads have them on steady when they are activated.

If a locomotive does not have both the ditch lights and head light operative the train is restricted to 20 MPH over road crossings.  One ditch light operating, for the purpose of this restriction is the same as two, but the non-functioning ditch light must be repaired at the first opportunity.

[jeffhergert]

The ditch lights are to be on any time the headlight is required to be on "bright."  They can be extinguished when the head light is dimmed per the rules.  Modern engines have the ditch lights tied into the main headlight switch.  (Some even have a "dim and ditch lights on" position.)  Older power that was retrofitted with them often have a separate switch to operate them. 

Those that are equipped to flash will begin doing so like Balt said.  Also on units equipped to flash, if the ditch lights are turned off, blowing the horn, etc will turn them on to flash for a period of time.  Those that are only equipped for constant on or off, do not turn on when blowing the horn.  At least not on the ones that I've seen. 

Jeff

[traisessive1]

Since you're from Canada ignore the posts above mine, except Jeff's.

Canadian Rail Operating Rules state the ditch lights must be used any time the head light is required to be on bright. 

17. Headlight

(a) The full power of the headlight in the direction of travel must be used approaching each public crossing at grade until the crossing is fully occupied.

(b) When moving on main track, the headlight must be displayed full power continuously to the front of every movement and except as required by (a), may be dimmed or extinguished when;

1. approaching or being approached by an opposing movement;
2. on a passenger carrying train, approaching a location where a stop is to be made to entrain or detrain passengers;
3. facing oncoming vehicles at night which may be affected on adjacent roadways; or
4. weather conditions cause the vision of the operating crew to be impaired.

(c) On non-main track except as required by (a), the headlight on a movement will be;

1. displayed at the front and rear of an engine while moving, except the light may be extinguished on the end coupled to cars;
2. displayed at the front while moving forward except when approaching or being approached by an opposing movement.

(d) If the headlight on a movement fails and repairs cannot be made, ditch lights will be used in lieu of the headlight and the movement may proceed.

(e) If all headlights and ditch lights have failed, such lights as are available must be used proceeding to the first point where repairs can be made. At public and private crossings at grade not protected by automatic warning devices, movements must not exceed 10 MPH unless the crossing is known to be clear of traffic and will remain clear until occupied.

19. Ditch Lights

A train must have ditch lights displayed continuously in the direction of travel when the headlight is required to be displayed full power.

If ditch light(s) fail en route, the movement may proceed to the next point where repairs can be made.

 

 

So yes, as hard as it is to believe, as per Canadian rules, if your lights don't work you can do track speed through a crossing that is equipped with warning devices. 

[CNsam]

rambo1

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

 

rambo1

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

 

rambo1

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

 

rambo1

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

 

rambo1

I noticed locomotives on the cn mainline have the ditch lights on. I thought they were entering the yard but went straight instead with the lights on.rambo1..

 

Ditch lighs are always on when headlight is in bright position.S Arendt

[traisessive1]

Unless the ditchlight switch or breaker is turned off.