Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Basically they didn't need them. Locos carried small marker lights in specific patterns so signalmen could spot them and recognise the train as a specific working, but there was no need for the train crew to be able to see anything except signals - in the steam era people riding the footplate after dark marvelled at how the crew knew where they were - they were navigating by the lineside signs (eg whistle, gradient, etc) and the signal positions that they had learned over a few weeks. Over here, all railways have to be fenced off by law, so there's not as many problems with animals, etc on the lines. More recent locos have both marker lights and high-intensity headlights fitted, presumably to increase visibility for both crew and track workers (diesel locos had their cab ends painted yellow for a similar reason - their decreased noise compared to steamers caused a few accidents with track workers not hearing them coming). Hope this is of help!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!