SP5103 Wrote:
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>snip<

> 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,

Known as an Oscitrol light. Manufactured by Mercor.

IC/ICG was the biggest user. Besides SP, they were also used by Amtrak, FEC, Santa Fe on a small group of SD40-2s starting with the 5058) and L&NW.

>snip<

> 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.

A "gee, we didn't think of that" problem is that they had a fairly high rate of bulb failure. Maintenance facilities had to keep a stash of bulbs on hand. Then someone had to climb up on the roof (potential for injury, resulting in a claim or an FRA reporting). If all four bulbs weren't working and the unit was involved in an accident or grade crossing collision, a smart lawyer might pick up on it and... ka-ching!

> 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!

Not just groundmen. It was a problem when meeting or passing trains, too.