I really like ditch lights. The triangle pattern is clearly distinguishable from anything else, and from the cab it lights up the track better - a great asset at 10 mph on mile after mile of questionable track.

The last SP units with "gyralights" where a solid state version that alternately flashed the two lights. The haedlight casing aimed one towards the left and the other towards the right, no reason they couldn't still do it today except it does not meet the FRA requirement for an "auxiliary headlight", so you would still need ditchlights.

BN tried a $4.99 strobe setup for a while - totally worthless in daylight and not too noticable at night. The solid state 4 bulb beacons seemed to be most effective at low speeds at night as far as providing additional warning at grade crossings.

The stupidest thing I've seen so far are ditch lights that flash just because you turned the bell on - even with all headlights and ditchlights off. What a way to blind a poor switchman! At least BN was smart enough to wire their strobes through the speedometer to only work above 5 mph.