I'm trying to model a #5105-5201 (staggered steps and square box next to the DB blister) in Proto:87, and I was wondering when they got rid of the classification lights? It looks like a pain to get rid of them on the model, but I was hoping to stick with a modern day model with ditch lights. Are there any that had both ditch lights and classification lights at the same time?
Jon, The best advice I can give you is to check photos for the specific unit #. I checked my "archives" and found a lot of variances. It appears that the units kept their classification lights when repainted into NS although some had lights on one end only (!?) I guess it depends on when the ditch lights were added as to whether or not the class lights were present. Harold
Thanks Harold. I've not seen one with both ditch and classification lights yet, but if I don't come across one, I suppose I'll be trying to find a way to strip the classification lights off an HO Cannon & Co hood end.
Jon: NS started removing the classification lights on its locomotives in the mid-80's. Not every unit has had them removed, but the ones that still have them these days are rare (except for the former Conrail units). To model the blanked over classification light holes, you can do a couple different things. If you have any Cannon & Company Dash 2 hood ends or low short hood kits, take a look at the parts they give you with them and you will find that they have classification blanks that you can use to modeled the blanked over lights. Detail Associates also offers classification light blanks, part #1020: Detail Associates classification light blanks With either option, you just have to drill an appropriate size hole and insert the blanks from inside the locomotive body. Chris Toth
