Ex BN SD40-2s w/nose lights?

[tunnel88]

A couple weeks ago i saw a pair of SD40-2s with obviously fresh nose headlights(the sheetmetal wasn't painted yet). Is this something new or is it just an odd occurence? Anybody know?

[Gats]

From what I understand, it is a program commenced after the BNSF merger. ATSF had been removing the headlights from the numberboards on their locos as they were shopped for some time. The same is being done now with BN units.
I don't know the reason behind this, but suspect it has something to do with clearer vision at night with the headlight out front rather than above the cab (no glare on the nose).
Anyone?

Gary.

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Gary A. Rose
The Unofficial TC&W page (http://www.pnc.com.au/~audiosat/)
N to the Nth degree!

[Alan]

I had often wondered why they are going to the trouble, and expense, to change the lights to the nose. Sounds like that could be a good reason.

Someone will know for sure http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

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[This message has been edited by Alan (edited 12 July 2000).]

[Mankind]

Like a previous poster mentioned, it has to go with reducing headlight glare, especially at night, and poor weather conditions. It's the same reason BNSF went with nose mounted headlights on their SD75I's.

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Have A Nice Day!

[tunnel88]

Interesting... Did anyone notice that UP was using the low headlights and on that SD70M order went with high ones?

Is there any site on the light thing, ie. which units have it and which don't?

[Gats]

No, didn't notice the UP high lights at all - probably distracted by that mess on the nose http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif
I would say it is not so much a problem for the shorter nose on the SD70/80/90 series, as with similar cabbed GE's. The Sd40/-2's had a lot way out front that could get into the incidental light spread, causing a glare problem.
Another thought could be for better visibility by others from afar with all the lighting placed closer together. Giving road users, who think they can 'make it' over the crossing in time, some additional warning?

Gary.

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Gary A. Rose
The Unofficial TC&W page (http://www.pnc.com.au/~audiosat/)
N to the Nth degree!

[Mankind]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tunnel88:
Interesting... Did anyone notice that UP was using the low headlights and on that SD70M order went with high ones?

Is there any site on the light thing, ie. which units have it and which don't?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I noticed UP moving the headlights up high.....and glare is still a problem. As for sites keeping track of BNSF headlight nose jobs, I don't know of any, since headlight relocation is something that probably happens too frequently to keep track of effectively....but hey, you never know, maybe some shop foreman out there keeping track! http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif


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Have A Nice Day!

[tunnel88]

But those are the only ones i've seen~ Maybe cause i'm still in pretty much pure BN territory.

[BN4EVR]

We BN fans call these SD40-2's (and other models too) "Lobotomized". ATSF began to move headlights to the nose in the early 1990's, before the merger. However, it seems as if it was a passing fad. The rebuilt 7300 class SD40's were delivered in H1 paint and headlights between the numberboards. Only time will tell which will prevail!

[Maxwell Plant]

I just wish they'ed make up their minds! First they moved them from the nose to the top because the light was too hot for the guys on the "Porch". Then they moved them back to the nose to get rid of the glare! I've decided to leave my models alone so I don't have to do too much "Chopping" on them.

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[Alan]

Anyone have any idea how much it costs to move a headlight from between the number boards to the nose? Multiply that with the number of locomotives to be done http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://Andersley.homestead.com)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)
Alan's European Gallery (http://eurogallery.homestead.com)
Alan's British Steam Gallery (http://britishsteamgallery.homestead.com)