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What is the purpose of those little lights on the sides of Superliner cars? They change from green to amber and back to green. Are they break indicators or something else? I've noticed that Superliner I's must have had three of these lights. Compared to Superliner II's, the I's look like one of the lights were taken off. Did Superliner I's have a red light? Does anyone know if the Walthers Superliners have the correct three lights on their Superliner I's?
Superliner I with two but looks like one was removed.
Superliner II with just two lights.
Eric Member # 674
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SW Chief, I believe that the lights are indicators for the engineers in the cab, and the conductor. When the train is in the station, the lights will turn amber, indicating to the engineer and train crew that passengers are boarding/unboarding. I'm not sure if they're connected with the brakes in any way, but the car attendants have buttons in the vestibule that change the light indications. When the lights turn green after boarding (amber), the engineer will know that boarding is complete, and will await the highball from the conductor. I'm not sure if there was a red light, but it looks like it from the picture. I will check my Walthers Superliner I, and get back to you on whether or not there are 3 lights. Hope this helps! Happy holidays, Eric
Eric Member # 674
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My Walthers Superliner I Coach does not have a third indicator light on it, but they are so small on the model that you have to inspect it to notice!
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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I was under the impression they were simply brake indicators. It certainly appeared that way a couple of months ago when I watched the Sunset Ltd move forward a few cars at Alpine, TX. The lights changed colour (can't remember which way around) when the train started to move (not all at once, but all within a few seconds), and changed back again when the train braked to a stop.
Geoff M.
Eric Member # 674
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Perhaps the lights act as train crew alerters and brake indicators...
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 12-27-2001).]
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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Just stepped off Train 4 within the past 12 hours...
From looking at my sleepers (in both directions), once upon a time there were three indicators. Cannot tell you when the third was removed, but you can see the brazing line...
As far as what they appear to indicate, sure looked like amber represented open door or dutch door, and green represented the car all closed up.
Just my $0.02. YMMV
John
------------------ The City of Saint Louis (UP, 1967) is still my standard for passenger operations
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Superliner I with two but looks like one was removed.
Superliner II with just two lights.