I have been looking at the Miniatronics Railyard Spotlights. I have never seen a real yard light tower, but these seem like the light is huge. Are these accurate representations of actual lighting used in RR yards? Does anyone have info on where I could find some pics of real lighting at yards?
Thanks!
The reflectors are bigger than what you would find in real life. I have some of the Minatronics single and dual towers. They end up looking pretty good on the layout but as you point out, the reflectors are a little large. The towers themselves seem to be sized peoperly.
They just used their existing spotlight, which was way too big, and mounted it on a tower. Too bad because the tower actually looks really good but those giant spotlights ruin the effect for me.
I happen to have some photos from a real yard. These pictures were taken at the NS Ernest Norris in Irondale, AL outside of Birmingham, AL.
Sorry the pictures aren’t the best, but the wweather was not the greatest and I could not get real close.
Craig
I have a few yard light pics that might help you.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Prototype%20Train%20Photos/Captured2006-8-500003.jpg
Those are two good pictures, Phillip. The size of the round lights on tower is much more in keeping with prototype size of the older yard lights I’ve seen. If you’re modeling the modern era, new towers like the one with antennas are very typical. There are less towers with more powerful sodium vapor lights and a lot of railroads make a few extra bucks renting out space for cell phone antennas.
Another option are the NJ International lights. They appear more prototypical but are harder to find. Walthers alomst always has them backordered.
Jim, you’re right in that the round lights are from an older era. I shot those two towers to illustrate the differences in them. Both are quite large and are meant to cover a large area with light. The first tower is in Anderson, Indiana and the second is in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I spotted the first one as Anderson. I have seen it many times as I drive into South Anderson Yard frequently.
Thanks for the help. Those NJ International do look much better. Now I just have to find some.
10-4 on that, them towers look MUCH better. Anyone know where to get 'em?