Q: I have some questions about streamlined observation cars with rounded ends. What was the purpose/use of the large light located at the end of the roofline of these cars? Is it a white light for reverse moves, or is it a red light similar to a modern day Flashing Rear End Device? Could the color of the light be changed depending on the situation? Of course there are the two classification lights on the sides of the end, which I believe would have been red. — Mark J. Bushnell
A: On Operation columnist Jerry Dziedzic found the following information in the May 1, 1950 edition of the Uniform Code of Operating Rules:
18. Oscillating Red Rear End Lights. An oscillating red light displayed on rear of train is a signal for following trains on the same track to stop and for trains moving in same direction on adjacent track to move at restricted speed.
It must be displayed when train is stopped on or fouling main track, or when train is moving under circumstances in which it may be overtaken.
Display of this signal does not relieve flagman from performing as prescribed by Rule 99.
Jerry noted that Rule 19 follows and concerns markers. This makes a clear distinction between the oscillating red rear end lights and markers.
The type of light, placement, and arrangement varied from railroad to railroad. We don’t have room to cover the various examples of observation car lights in this column. In the photo above, Great Northern 2 roomette-buffet-lounge-observation car Appekunny Mountain features a red marker light and clear backup light in a large glass housing. The two lights were controlled independently.
On Milwaukee Road’s Rapids-series Skytop observation cars, a reversible Mars light was located below the windows on the end. Under regular operating conditions it was red. For backup moves the light was clear (white).
The lights on the sides of streamlined observation cars with rounded ends, often teardrop shaped, weren’t classification lights. Instead, they were marker lights, and would be red.
Want to add a working red rear end light to your observation car? Check out “Decoder-controlled passenger car lighting” in the May 2005 issue of Model Railroader.
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