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You will, of course, know that the majority of the railway system in this country works on a single line.
So there are no accidents the railways divides the single line into sections and only one train is permitted on one section at a time. Each train is given, by radio, a track warrant that gives that train permission to be on that section. That means that collisions are almost impossible. So I wonder why each train has a flashing red light on the rear of the last carriage on the train? There should not be another train anywhere near that train so does it really need a red flashing light?
Perhaps someone can tell me why that is necessary. I'd be interested to know the reason why.
Thread: A question for the train enthusiasts.
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I've no idea why that is, but taking a guess, perhaps its in case a jigger is needed on the line at night for whatever reason so the light is to warn of where the train is.
Perhaps a train driver would be able to tell you.
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Thread: A question for the train enthusiasts.
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my first thought was it would be useful in the stations when there are trains in close proximity, shunting going on, that sort of thing, especially at night, although I imagine the yards are probably well lit up
Thread: A question for the train enthusiasts.
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It's one way to indicate which way it is travelling, which may seem obvious...but so too with cars - no white lights to the rear, and there are rules for reversing lamps. You may have noticed headlamps on trains too - why ? It's daylight, there are no other vehicles on it's track, why are those headlamps on ? So we know which way it's travelling...if there is a loco on the end of a train, it will show red lamps, showing which direction it is moving. Obviously this is only for stupid people...right ?
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Thread: A question for the train enthusiasts.
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Who needs to see them, they are on their own tracks with no other vehicles are coming the other way. Level crossings, yes, sound the horn and flashing lights...but in the middle of nowhere, why do they need headlights ? See your first post....
You will also notice these days they have 3 headlights....since 1990 all cars in NZ have highstop lights....a triangle. On my motorcycle I have two fog lights down low, a triangle again.
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Thread: A question for the train enthusiasts.