what are these lights for

[BOATDCTR]

What are the red lights below the side window,in front of the 8 for? I have seen many ns dash 8's and dash9's with them.

 

[nikos1]

Marker lights, holdovers from the Conrail era, used to signal extra train movements or if an engine is being used as a rear end helper, im sure someone else can explain better though.
Many CSX and NS units still have them though some have been plated over, they are rarely used but sometimes if you can find friendly crew you can ask them to turn them on for pictures.

 

[Phil_C]

Hello BOATDCTR

In the days of the timetable-and-train-order system flags and classification lights were used to identify the different types of trains. Flags were used during the day and classification lights were used at night.

The classification lights were used in three different colors:

• White markers indicated that the train was an “extra” and not shown in the timetable.
• Green markers indicated a regularly scheduled train that was being followed by a second section. If there was more than one additional section all the sections except the last would be lit with green markers.
• Red markers were used to indicate the end of a train. If a locomotive was being used as a helper at the end of a train its markers would be red.
  

Later on Conrail used the red light solely as markers as nikos1 stated. On some locomotives you will see three separate lights. Some smaller roads still use these lights as markers.

Regards

Phil

 

[BOATDCTR]

I have found photos of the front ones illuminated but not the sides, has anyone seen the sides illuminated. Why would they have 4 markers?

 

[Mouse84]

The lights under the windows are LSL lights, to indicate if the LSL is cut in or out.

I'm surprised that the markers on that unit weren't removed and covered over when they repainted that unit. NS doesn't use marker lights and most have been removed from the old Conrail units.

 

[BOATDCTR]

Thank you so much for the reply! That has been bugging me for awhile. Its nice to know.

 

[Captain_Collins]

The lights under the windows are LSL lights, to indicate if the LSL is cut in or out.

I'm surprised that the markers on that unit weren't removed and covered over when they repainted that unit. NS doesn't use marker lights and most have been removed from the old Conrail units.

What does LSL stand for?

 

[BOATDCTR]

LOCOMOTIVE SPEED LIMITER. i HAVE SINCE FOUND THIS

http://home.flash.net/~cymartin/crossxroads/69brakes.htm

 

[Captain_Collins]

LOCOMOTIVE SPEED LIMITER. i HAVE SINCE FOUND THIS

http://home.flash.net/~cymartin/crossxroads/69brakes.htm

Thanks!