I need info on Proto 2000’s E7 with Mars Light. What do they mean by Mars Light. Is it a straight red light of white light, of is it a actual moving light.
Thanks in advance.
Phil
It not an actual Mars light but it does a decent job of representing one.
It’s a light on the front that is used as a gyrating warning light.
On a model of a locomotive, it’s a light on the front of the locomotive that “gyrates” to try & get the same affect as the light on a real locomotive.
I have one on my Proto PA.
Gordon
The mars light on BLI E-7 looks more realistic.
the box for the proto will tell you that the prototype loco may have (had) a mars light but I have not seen one come from lifelike
its a tricky wording on the box
K
Both E-units and PA’s have been produced by LifeLike/Proto2000 with “Mars” lights - it depends on the prototype being represented.
P2K does it by using 2 filaments off axis in a single lamp and switching between the two, it results in an acceptable effect.
Thanks guys. I had always wondered what it was, and now I know.
Phil
Are mars lights the same as ditch lights? Anybody know a good source for after market ones?
http://www.richmondcontrols.com
There is a website explaining the details. I’ll look for it and post it later.
In a simplified nutshell: Mars Lights were found in streamlined locomoitves and generally used on one of the nose headlight opening. They were motorized and moved in a figure 8 pattern. If you watch the old “Adventures of Superman” tv show of the 1950s (the later color version) you will see an SP passenger train hauled by E units coming towards the camera. Look carefully you’ll see the working Mars light.
Gyra-Lights are smaller. Usually located in the smaller overhead light housing on hood and later cowl units. Movement was in a wobbly, circular pattern.
BTW: Guys don’t forget that with DCC decoders like the Digitrax 163, you can get those ultra cool lighting effect including Mars and Gyra-Lite. My friend is going to help me with my P2K ACL E8. The effect is far more realistic than the factory P2K setup.[;)]
Ditch lights are something different, these are found near the corners of the pilot on the front of modern diesels. The Canadians started using these in the seventies, and they became required on US railroads in the eighties (or very early 90’s??)
When I converted my Life-Like E-units I just hardwired the decoders in and used the decoders mars light settings with two light bulbs, a lot easier than trying to wire it to use the Life-Like set-up, worked well.
BTW the Mars is Mars light is the same Mr. Mars of Mars candy fame.