Doug:
So why [do you think they] were used in the prairies (Winnipeg - Calgary; Wpg -
Edmonton; Edmonton - Ft McLeod and E&W) for example? No tunnels; no icicles;
no PR... Snowdrifts? Think about the precise origin of your information,
beyond the mere fact that whoever it was was in T&E crew svc. Personal
perception and minimal likely encounters at public crossings at grade [yet], in
1955.
On the CRI&P Northern Region we didn't have any tunnels anywhere either, nor
any icicle problems; but with temperatures often dropping down close to those
encountered on CP, used as many if not more gyrolights. (Remaining lines
[Chicago - Joliet] still using them today.) As on lines of our northern
competitors -- CBQ MILW CNW CGW M&StL WAB (DWP) -- all of which used gyro
lights too, on all psgr trains. Icicles on signal pwr and telegraph lines, and
overpasses if ever any, isn't of consequence to trains.
VRP
--- In cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Doug Cummings" <DougCummings@...> wrote:
When I asked about these lights back in the 1950's the answer I was given
was that it was to aid the engine crew in detecting icicles. And could this
have been useful, yes indeed, if they saw a large low icicle that might
strike their front windshield they would have enough time to get out of the
way. I have seen icicles big enough to cause a lot of damage if a locomotive
hit them. In the ensuing 50 years or so I have not heard anyone else say
otherwise, until a few days ago right here. This is what I was told then and
this is what I believe to be true. If you disagree with me, fine, we can
agree to disagree. I am not going to chance my opinion based on hearsay. And
so far that is all the comments are, hear say. No facts. Yes, UP had two
locomotives with lights as you state but they were short lived and the
circumstances were vastly different.
It is your opinion that they are warning lights and a p.r. stunt. You say
this is likely correct as it is the simplest explanation. Is it? That is not
what I was told, and I was given that explanation by railroaders, engine
service employees of the CPR. And again I make the case and ask the question
that if they were warning light why were they not used on other trains?
