I am sure this has been asked before but why do BCR locos have 2 sets of ditch lights? I assume it helps see but does one set flash with the horn while one says the same? And do they both go on with one switch in the cab? Thanks in advance
Don’t know about cab switches, but they’re both constant. One set’s normal ditch lights, mandated by the government, and the other’s the kind they like - Can see around corners better.
I believe the second set were called rock lights. I’m wondering if they originated after the derailment into Seton Lake in Feb 1980.
I’ve heard them also refered to as corner lights. They’re aimed so the beams cross and shine around corners. I had a brand new CN ES44DC heading north out of Squamish on Wednesday evening and you sure do notice the difference with the CN units that only have the ditch lights.