Headlights & Cab Lights

Motorized rail vehicles have powerful headlights, helping drivers see ahead in the dark. They also sometimes have taillights, making the vehicle more visible from behind.

Typically, because rail vehicles can travel in two directions, they have both headlights and taillights on either end. The driver can usually configure the light type and intensity on both ends individually, using the switches found in vehicle cabs.

In terms of lighting, a train is considered as a single entity. As such it’s suggested to have headlights enabled at the very front, and taillights at the very end, with no lighting in-between, where they may be obstructed.

For example, if a locomotive is hauling cars behind it, its rear taillights should be disabled.

For vehicles that don’t have integrated taillights, such as a car at the end of a train or a steam locomotive, the driver should install the end-of-train (EOT) lantern.

In daylight the headlights are suggested to be set to the dim "running" position in the direction of movement, whereas in nighttime and in tunnels they are supposed to be in the "low beam" or "high beam" positions, depending on the visibility outside. Using high beams in populated areas is discouraged.

The taillights are suggested to be set to an intensity equaling the headlights, or the closest equivalent.

It is possible to enable headlights in both directions, which is practical when shunting.

In case of necessity, for example if headlights are broken due to body damage, or the leading vehicle doesn’t have integrated headlights, a flashlight can be used to illuminate the way and make the vehicle visible.

Vehicles typically also feature settings to illuminate the gauges or cabs. On others, a lantern must be used.

See also: EOT Lantern, Shunting, Flashlight, Time of Day, Weather, Reverser, Lantern, Electricity, Breakers