Having grown up alongside the CB&Q trackside in Riverside, IL
(1937-1952-(1985) ,whether I really wished to, or not I was forced to
observe daily, usually several times, the passage of each and every
Zephyr, in addition to just about every other train. I never recall
the red light on any of the Zephyr observations (ditto the EB and
NCL) being on routinely, except just once; and that was when one of
the wb trains was stopped (for what?) with the observation just
clearing the DesPlaines Rd. crossing in downtown Riverside. At that
time, the red light was on, and was oscillating.
I do know that on other roads using red Mars or Gyralites, the common
usage was only when there was a brake application. Whether only
"emergency" or "routine", I do not know, but more probably the former.
As an aside, to have the mighty Zephyr (probably the Denver ---) stop
in Riverside was an absolute Revelation to me, and bicycle in hand, I
stood there in awe. It was not there long, however. After whistling
off (the head end probably out on the Des Plaines River bridge) the
light went out, and the train glided away.
Denny
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Denny S. Anspach, MD
Sacramento, CA
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