Train headlamps...is there any consistent standard?

[BRX]

I would have added this onto this thread: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=24730
but it's been closed for some reason.

1. In that thread there is talk of "night" and "day" lamps, and mention that often only one lamp is used. But most trains I see have either 2 or 3 lamps on the front. Has something changed?

2. Recently I've noticed that some units (Networkers and maybe some Electrostars?) have a little white LED light above the destination screen at the top of the windscreen. Is this new or have I just not noticed it before?

 

[es373]

Day markers are usually dimmer with both bulbs at the same voltage.... Night markers have 2 bulbs at one voltage and another bulb at a different voltage thus making the higher voltage bulb brighter... I think that's right anyway

 

[michael769]

It is exactly as described in post 2 of the thread you link.

The third lamp is the "cyclops" light mentioned in the post. This is the high level central light found on more modern trains and is lit in both light and day mode. In the newest trains this may be an LED cluster (as may the the other lights).

Older sets lack the cyclops light.

 

[Hydro]

There are loads of permutations of train lights depending on when the stock was introduced and what regulations were introduced when it was in service. Generally you have two headlamps with two marker lamps adjacent. The train will run with white day/night (differing brightness IIRC) markers at the front, and the cess side headlamp illuminated at night, and the 6ft side illuminated during the day. The rear can display two reds or a flashing tail lamp. New build stock comply to new Euro standards and will normally have a top centre light also.

 

[BRX]

What about the "cyclops" light on Networkers...has that always been there or is it a recent addition?

 

[MCR247]

What about the "cyclops" light on Networkers...has that always been there or is it a recent addition?

There isn't one...?

All electrostars have always had them

 

[ess]

So what is the cyclops light for?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Probably the worst headlamps are those on the SWT 455s as they cast a particularly intense light in an arc as far as 70° sideways; driving at night on a road adjacent to a railway ( eg the one by the up Epsom curve at Raynes Park ) is positively dangerous when there is a 455 coming past. It is just impossible to avoid getting dazzled.

Why aren't they shielded into a narrower arc like most other train headlights are?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

So what is the cyclops light for?

EU requirement on all new build stock from a certain date which I can't remember. apparently the normal headlight is no longer enough.

 

[ess]

Ah I was thinking about the two lights on the destination board. 365s have them too. What are they for?

 

[BRX]

There isn't one...?

The networkers that I see coming past my house have a white light immediately above the destination screen in the windscreen.

 

[ainsworth74]

The networkers that I see coming past my house have a white light immediately above the destination screen in the windscreen.

Well I've looked at a bunch of Networker pictures and non of them have a Cyclops headlight. The closest I could find was this but whatever it is it isn't a Cyclops as they look like this.

 

[BRX]

Well I've looked at a bunch of Networker pictures and non of them have a Cyclops headlight. The closest I could find was this

Yup that's the thing. What's it for?

 

[jon0844]

To show the system works, but the driver forgot/didn't bother to set it up?!

I'm pretty sure the 365 ones no longer have any light on, but can't say for sure despite the number of these trains I see flying by every day! Perhaps the light only comes on when the system isn't set up?

 

[BRX]

I've seen the white light shining both when the destination screen is in operation and when it's not.

 

[millemille]

The lights above the PIS on the front of Networker's are to indicate whether the unit is regen brake enabled and whether a drivers key is on and any of the safety systems are isolated.

 

[ess]

The lights above the PIS on the front of Networker's are to indicate whether the unit is regen brake enabled and whether a drivers key is on and any of the safety systems are isolated.

This probably explains why there are two lights on 365s but what does "regen brake enabled" mean and also "whether a drivers key is on and any of the safety systems are isolated" thanks

 

[ainsworth74]

This probably explains why there are two lights on 365s but what does "regen brake enabled" mean and also "whether a drivers key is on and any of the safety systems are isolated" thanks

It shows if the regenerative braking is enabled, if the driver has put their key into the unit (basically the train version of your car key) and has unlocked the control desk. As for isolated safety systems this includes things like AWS, TPWS and various other bit and pieces.

 

[pendolino]

So what is the cyclops light for?

It's just another headlight, but from the driver's point of view it also serves as a useful indication as to the unit going into loadshed.

 

[466.networkers]

It shows if the regenerative braking is enabled, if the driver has put their key into the unit (basically the train version of your car key) and has unlocked the control desk. As for isolated safety systems this includes things like AWS, TPWS and various other bit and pieces.

Not regenerative, but rheostatic - basically means if the light is on you can't hear the motors decelerating upon braking.

Scratch that - as this photo of Class 466042 which had rheostatic braking enabled shows the light just about visible.

 

[es373]

Jesus H Christ.........

You cannot tell the difference of Rheo and Regen by the noise of the TM's!

How many times has this been covered in this forum now?! LOL!