Train Lights

[T163R]

Hi

I was wondering why british trains had "day" headlights and "night" headlights.
What does it change to have the headlight on the right or the left side ?

 

[TDK]

Hi

I was wondering why british trains had "day" headlights and "night" headlights.
What does it change to have the headlight on the right or the left side ?

Headlights on trains are specifically there so workers on the track can see the train coming, the night headlight is also there to illuminate any retro reflective signs so therefore on the left. It is useful as if one fails you always have the other to use, if there was only one it would be 20mph until a portable headlight could be utilised.

 

[O L Leigh]

The day and night beam are angled differently. The day beam is angled across towards the cess where the night beam is angled to shine along the cess. As TDK says, this makes the night beam more effective in illuminating signs.

O L Leigh

 

[T163R]

Thanks for the explanations

 

[TGV]

On class 373 there are 3 running lights - one left, one right and the "cyclops" centre light above the windscreen. All are on if leading - there is no night setting.

 

[TDK]

On class 373 there are 3 running lights - one left, one right and the "cyclops" centre light above the windscreen. All are on if leading - there is no night setting.

I think the question was referring to Healights and not marker lights

 

[TGV]

I think the question was referring to Healights and not marker lights

Just - re-read it, and I agree. Oh well, now there's an additional bit of info if he wanted it. We have no "headlights" in that respect as it's either all clear lights on if leading, irrespective of time of day, or both red lights on if trailing. There is an emergency "alternate flashing" setting as well.

 

[westcoaster]

On a 377/5 iirc the cyclopse tells you if it is drawning power or not.

 

[ainsworth74]

Just out of curiosity why do modern trains such as 185s have these cyclops lights?

 

[Old Timer]

EU Inter-Operability Standards requirements.

 

[T163R]

Thanks for the explanations, guys !

 

[route101]

My favourite light is the red lanterns on the back of loco stock.

 

[TDK]

My favourite light is the red lanterns on the back of loco stock.

These are portable and there are 2 types we use, one is LED and the other is a lenz, they both flash.

 

[networkrail1]

portable Tail and headlights.

Flashing LED tail light :-http://www.dorman.co.uk/rail/traction-and-rolling-stock/led-portable-tail-light/index1.html


Static headlight:-http://www.dorman.co.uk/rail/traction-and-rolling-stock/portable-head-light/index.html


The above also comes in a flashing red light but cannot find a picture of it as it is now an out of date tail lamp.

 

[buses7675]

EU Inter-Operability Standards requirements.

Hi All,

Although a minor point, I wonder why the class 139 Parry People Movers don't have to have the extra top marker lamp like all other stock?

Is that as the line they are on is self enclosed and only on a 20mph limit anyway?

Cheers

buses7675

 

[Dennis]

Out of interest, whats the story behind WIPAC light clusters? 15-25 years ago these seemed mandatory, even being retrofitted to a Deltic.

However, new stock mostly has individually designed clusters (which no doubt cost a horrendous amount of money to replace compared with a standardised design).

 

[Southern Dvr]

On a 377/5 iirc the cyclopse tells you if it is drawning power or not.

The cyclops light being unlit means the unit is not healthy. As a driver going the other way you are 'supposed' to advise the signaller of the fact if you see a train without a cyclops on.

With 377s it usually means you have a traction package out.