Even the caption on this pic questions the red flag…
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=670169
Would someone explain red flags on locos and maybe in this pic please?
TIA
[8D]
If you look closely on the caboose, you’ll see the same red flags. This was just a couple of weeks ago on the local run that was using a busy mainline to do some switching.
As far as I can remember that red flag means the locomotive is being moved under power BUT not controled by the lead unit.In other words no mu conections-a switching move.
A red flag on a caboose or on the coupler of a end car serves as a marker light for the end of a train…
In my opinion it means that somebody put a red flag there. From a rules standpoint it means nothing. They are obviously in the midst of a hostling move adding or removing a engine from a passenger train. There are no rules that require a flag be displayed for those circumstances.
Bottom line, it doesn’t mean anything, it serves no purpose, its just there.
Dave H.
Perhaps the unit had some sort of problem, and the red flag indicated it needed service (much like “red-tagging” equipment today).
Brad