Amtak F40PH

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I was wondering what the the two white lights and one big red light are for next to the numberboards of Amtraks F40’s?

2

The two white lights are Xenon Strobes and the red light only comes on when the train goes into emergency. It’s a mars light
Ch

3

Thanks. Now are the strobes on top of the cab or the lights on either side of the numberboards? Either way, what are thier purposes?

4

the strobes are on top of the cab and are an addtional means of making the locomotive/train more visable especially at nite.
Ch

5

Thanks again.
But now what are the lights on either side of the number boards?

6

Possibly marker lights.

7

…and what is the purpose of marker lights?

8

marker lights are used as a means of communicating type of train so to speak. On the Santa Fe, flags served the same purpose. Green indicating extra sections of a specific train ie: Santa Fe would run certain trains in sections. For example the Santa Fe would seperate the Super Chief and El Cap during peak seasons with one train carrying green flags or the marker lights would be lit green indicating second section or an extra. White wuold mean regular train. not quite sure what red meant.
Ch

9

ahhh, I see. So, for the most part, these lights were probably not used a whole lot on Amtrak, as I don’t imagine there are a lot of extra section trains. Or, would that aply to the two sections of, say, the Empire Builder?

Thanks for the info.