Re: D&RGW Lighting questions

Thanks for all the inputs on this subject. So now it has been definitely ascertained that the D&RGW headlights had a separate light for illumination of the number boards. What sparked my curiosity was I “stumbled” across a MMI 1/48 scale C-19 which apparently was being sequestered for delivery on Dec. 25th...….now being that there have been so many product recalls due to lead paint etc. I felt it was my duty to inspect said model which of course required some “test run in” . It was at this time the illuminated number boards became noticeable and sparked my question. As an aside I note the tender coal bunker is completely devoid of any coal load, which will not be a problem for me to fill with my stockpile of coal lumps from previous year’s Christmas stocking stuffers... LOL

Now for a couple of follow-ups regarding prototype and model practice for illuminated lights.

Specifically regarding the D&RGW Rulebook of 1938 (thanks Dave) we see:

Train Signals

Rule 17

“The headlight will be displayed to the front of every train by night. It must be dimmed or concealed when a train turns out to meet another and is clear of main track, or is standing to meet a train at end of two or more tracks, or a junction. It must be dimmed while standing at stations where yard engines are employed, or approaching train order signals at open offices. When an engine, not equipped with a back-up headlight, is running backward, a white light must be displayed by night on the rear of the tender.”


So I would assume then that the headlight and the light for number boards are operated on different circuits so that the number boards would stay illuminated when the headlight is turned off. Further did the D&RGW/RGS dim headlights per rule 17 or were they just turned off?

Rod



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/08/2007 06:08PM by rod.