Train headlights

[Inversnecky]

Just a query about headlights.

I had read that the night light arrangement is to keep the bright light away from oncoming drivers (presumably to avoid dazzling).

But this begs the question as to why have a different arrangement for day time at all, with the light on the other side?

Is there any reason both sides can’t be used?

 

[scotraildriver]

By using only 1 headlight at a time you always have a spare in the event of a blown bulb or fault. There's nothing to stop you using the night headlamp in daytime if required and vice versa. Some of Scotrail's 156s can have both on at the same time (the ones originally used on the far North Lines) and the 385s have both on as well.

 

[Tomnick]

Just a query about headlights.

I had read that the night light arrangement is to keep the bright light away from oncoming drivers (presumably to avoid dazzling).

But this begs the question as to why have a different arrangement for day time at all, with the light on the other side?

Is there any reason both sides can’t be used?

The 'night' headlight is angled away from oncoming trains and instead should light up reflective lineside signs. The 'day' headlight should be more visible from a distance, for the benefit (and safety) of crossing users and track workers.

Newer trains do tend to use both headlights - not sure on the details of any day/night arrangement or how it should be used - and I find they're often horrendous from the point of view of a driver coming the other way at night (or in a tunnel), especially when trying to focus on stopping at a signal or a station.

 

[ComUtoR]

.Newer trains do tend to use both headlights - not sure on the details of any day/night arrangement or how it should be used -

We have "dipped" and "main" Following on from your opening paragraph... It's the Main beam for the day and dipped for the night. It's very counter intuitive and because they are so bright, people just leave them on dipped all the time.

and I find they're often horrendous from the point of view of a driver coming the other way at night (or in a tunnel),

Just close your eyes. It's not like you have to steer.

 

[Juniper Driver]

We have "dipped" and "main" Following on from your opening paragraph... It's the Main beam for the day and dipped for the night. It's very counter intuitive and because they are so bright, people just leave them on dipped all the time.


Just close your eyes. It's not like you have to steer.

Ashford is a great trick for this one coming up from Staines while the down train is there being dazzled when stopping at the station.