Kenneth,
Headlight control is trainlined within a locomotive consist meaning
that the rear headlight can be turned on and off from the lead cab
(assuming that control switches in each unit have been set up
properly). The number boards, however, are only controllable within
the individual unit. Under normal operation, rear face number boards
are not normally illuminated. Only the lead unit front facing number
boards should be turned on. However, I am sure there are many
instances when the rear number boards of a consist were illuminated
because someone overlooked them in setting the consist up for
service. I am sure you can also find instances when even the rear
headlight is on (bright or dim) because the consist again was
properly set up.
Keep in mind that on real locomotives, these are manual functions.
There are no automatic reversing headlights in the real world as
there are models. So, the set up and operation of all lights is
subject to rules and the care of the people operating the equipment.
In that respect, the use of DCC CVs to control lights is probably
more realistic. As a matter of information, within the cab of
prototype locomotives, there is a headlight switch which also
controls the dim and bright functions. There is a separate headlight
MU switch, usually located on the back wall of the cab, to set up
which rear head light is intended to be on. There is another switch
to control the number board lights and there is a switch to control
the class lamps lights. On most diesels, the class lamps have three
positions besides off, white for "Extra", green for "second section
following" and red for a reverse movement. The color had to be set
individually at each class lamp, usually from inside the locomotive
hood or carbody. On GP, SD and switcher locomotives, there are
separate front and rear number board and class light switches. In
most cases, if a road consist is making a switching move such as
setting out a car, the headlight on the rear unit which would now be
leading would be on bright and the normal front headlight would be
reduced to dim until the consist again reversed direction.
Bill Barber
Gravois Mills, MO
On Dec 1, 2009, at 4:35 AM, CBQ@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> F unit number boards
> Posted by: "Kenneth Martin" kmartin537@surewest.net kmartin537
> Mon Nov 30, 2009 2:49 pm (PST)
>
>
>
> I finally bought a set of F-7 A-B-A units and put in DCC. There are
> separate functions for Headlight, Mars and Number boards. I know the
> headlight, & mars light are directional but do not know about the
> number
> boards. Would the number boards be lit on the trailing A unit or
> should
> they be lit at all times?
>
> Ken Martin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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