Old HO Scale Searchlight Car

Did prototype railroads actually have anything like this? Or was it a silly invention by model train companies? Anyway, it's a very old metal car. The circular recepticles in front of the light make me think this was adapted from a TOFC car. The power pickups are springs attached to the metal axles, one on each truck. Not very reliable pickup, but after 50 years, this thing still works.