What are / is there FRA regulations governing ditch lights for steam engines on mainline excursion trips / service – Portland, Oregon’s SP 4449? UP’s 844?
I’ve been wondering the same thing for a while… I believe that diesels without ditch lights are restricted to 20 mph at crossings - but clearly these steam engines go much faster. So are they exempted from that rule?
Historic equipment built before a certain date is exempted. I’m sure one of our regulars has the rule bookmarked and can share…
(h) Any locomotive subject to Part 229, that was built before
December 31, 1948, and that is not used regularly in commuter or
intercity passenger service, shall be considered historic equipment and
excepted from the requirements of paragraphs (d) through (h) of this
section.
Sec. 230.86 Required illumination.
(a) General provisions. Each steam locomotive used between sunset
and sunrise shall be equipped with an operable headlight that provides
illumination sufficient for a steam locomotive engineer in the cab to
see, in a clear atmosphere, a dark object as large as a man of average
size standing at least 800 feet ahead and in front of such headlight. If
a steam locomotive is regularly required to run backward for any portion
of its trip other than to pick up a detached portion of its train or to
make terminal movements, it shall also be equipped on its rear end with
an operable headlight that is capable of providing the illumination
described in this paragraph (a).
(b) Dimming device. Such headlights shall be provided with a device
whereby the light from same may be diminished in yards and at stations
or when meeting trains.
(c) Where multiple locomotives utilized. When two or more
locomotives are used in the same train, the leading locomotive only will
be required to display a headlight.