B3 Via Av U Posted September 10, 2014 Share #1 Posted September 10, 2014 Do any of you think that the headlights on all new car orders should be a projector (polyellipsodial) lamp instead of a tungsten-halogen lamp? It would light up the tracks better (and they don't blind oncoming T/Os) and they generally look better. It's funny how the tail marker on the R160 is of a more advanced nature than the headlight. Also, some train lights questions: 1. Why is it that on a lot of old SMEEs (like the R40/R42 for example) the taillights aren't lit when outdoors? Below is an example: 2. Do operators ever shut off the headlights so as not to blind an oncoming T/O? If so, how? Really OT but what does the R160 reverser key look like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quill Depot Posted September 10, 2014 Share #2 Posted September 10, 2014 Newer trains have daytime running lights on, for an example look on a highway and see the older cars with no lights on at day, and the newer ones with running lights. The whole point is to make it easier for oncoming cars/trains to see the train at day. Also your better off with blinding headlights then no headlights at all. For another comparison, what do you think is more safe at night, hi-beams or no lights at all. No idea about reverser keys or shutting off the headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemak3r Posted September 11, 2014 Share #3 Posted September 11, 2014 Projectors or HID's (in car terms) seems like a nice idea for trains. But honestly their lights actually light up the tunnels pretty fine seeing that there are lights in the tunnels as it is. Not bright but still there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realizm Posted September 11, 2014 Share #4 Posted September 11, 2014 Memory is foggy on this so I could be wrong but the R179s may feature a new type of headlights. Unsure if they will be specifically projector lights or not. Edit: Rephrasing my original response on operations from the few times I was at the RFW, I dont recall T/Os shutting off headlights in a middle of an operation if there is another T/O dead on. Say if the consist hits a switch and crosses the path of another set of cars also ready to move (But of course held on a red signal) and is in revenue service as far as I can remember the headlights stay on. As for headlights in daylight regardless of fleet type they will stay on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodside7878 Posted September 11, 2014 Share #5 Posted September 11, 2014 Maybe using ultra bright white LED since its brighter and uses less energy to operate like around 3 to 5 volts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realizm Posted September 11, 2014 Share #6 Posted September 11, 2014 Maybe using ultra bright white LED since its brighter and uses less energy to operate like around 3 to 5 volts Makes sense since in a recent publication that I cant find at the moment shows the MTAs commitment at going green by various means which includes saving on energy costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elantra06 Posted September 11, 2014 Share #7 Posted September 11, 2014 There are no daytime running lights. Sealed beams are allways on when the reverser is set to forward. Tailights are always lit unless the reverser is set to forward. On the older equipment (SMEE) the taillights may be dim that's why they don't appear to be lit in daylight but they are on. R160's/R142's do not have reverser "key's". They have a console key. The reverser is a switch built into the console. On an R62/R62A if I'm sitting at a red signal or on a relay track I'll center my reverser as to not blind on coming T/O's as a courtesy. On a R142 and up equipment the sealed beams stay on all the time. Sealed beams will turn off if it's in reverse (when uncoupling) or your console key is removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realizm Posted September 11, 2014 Share #8 Posted September 11, 2014 Well, learning something new every day. Now I know for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubwayGuy Posted September 11, 2014 Share #9 Posted September 11, 2014 R160's do have a reverser, even though it's not a key. Placing the reverser in neutral will turn out the sealed beams. R142/A do not have a neutral position, so the sealed beams stay lit as long as the console key is in. Placing the reverser of any tech train in the reverse position will cause the sealed beams at the rear of the train to illuminate, which is not acceptable by rule. On all SMEE equipment sealed beams are controlled by the reverser and the relevant circuit breaker for the car class, which you're not going to get out of me on a public message board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B3 Via Av U Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share #10 Posted September 15, 2014 Maybe the R179s and R211s should have a low-power DRL and a night/tunnel headlamp, that way power isn't being wasted on a powerful lamp that has no use until a tunnel is entered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Rider Posted September 16, 2014 Share #11 Posted September 16, 2014 Two things #1, it's 600 volts of DC current. It's not like two headlight bulbs are an issue. #2 the TA buys power in bulk, it's a greater waste if they Don't use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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