Recently (yesterday) I acquired an old Con-Cor/Kato N U50 in SP paint. Needs a little work, but pretty much in good shape. I'm planning on converting it to DCC, and would like to add some more lights to it (LED's). What I need to know is what was SP's standard operating procedure with these? I'm confidant I can get the marker lights to work, but I can't find any pics (or videos) showing the SP units with these lit. I'm pretty sure none ever had the roof beacons that UP did, but some pics do show another light mounted on the roof (looks to be red), but again, nothing with it lit. All the video reviews I can find of the newer Athearn Genesis units are for UP units, and I don't know if this is 100% accurate for SP procedures.
Ah, a Kato built loco, however, the Southern Pacific was not the greatest fan of them. They had aluminum wiring that caused issues. The typical SP useage of these was sitting in Taylor Yard. They lasted until 1977, all were scrapped. The door of one of the SP units is currently at the Orange Empire Railway Museum. Also, never seen one in the lead
Oh that is a nice photo, but also illustrates my question exactly! The marker lights aren't lit, but look like they would be red. This one also has the extra light on top, which is also not lit and looks like a red light. How were these used? Grade crossing? Rear-end helper? Confusing people 40 years in the future?
As far as the light on top. I was told they were a gyra light that came on showing Red when the train or loco had an emergency application of the brakes.
That sure looks like a publicity shot, with the U50 and DD35. I wouldn't be surprised if crews weren't fond of them being in the lead. As with the drivers of cabover semi-trucks, I'm sure they felt like they'd be 'the first ones there at the accident'.
