.

A flashing or oscillating red light displayed from the locomotive is used to warn that:

1. The train is stopped and adjacent tracks may be fouled.

2. Head end protection is required.

3. Conditions exist that endanger movement.

Approaching trains on the same or adjacent tracks are to stop, and remain stopped until it is determined that it is safe to move.

Item 3 in passenger service could apply in situations where the train is being serviced in a station from facilities located between tracks and servicing personnel are present, or where passengers are present crossing tracks.

PC

To add a bit of perspective to PC's information, keep in mind that was in the days before radio communication was common, so something like the red mars light could provide some useful protection against oncoming trains when information was limited to trainorders, signals, and what you could see ahead. If I remember correctly, on the SP the red mars lights were actuated by an emergency application of the brakes.

JBWX

I need to find my older editions of GCOR, but there was a rule stipulating that on double track if it was suspected the other main was fouled, a red fusee was held out the cab window providing warning to an opposing crew.

That would make sense, reading GCOR rule 5.6 (unattended fusee) "backwards", if a fusee is within the 1st (farthest) rail of an adjacent track, the stop rule would be applicable to the track on which the train is moving. Holding it out the cab window of a locomotive on an adjacent track would effectively be within the placement zone described.

PC

Amtrak AEM7 electrics, and I believe subsequent locos and the F40PHs, etc. sported a red light atop its headlight assembly, which flashed a red strobe light indication if a train went into emergency. I've had the luck (good or bad) to twice see Amtrak trains stopped on the Corridor with red lights on the AEM7 flashing.

JBWest is correct re: SP engines going into emergency activate the red Mars light, at least on the 1959 ex SP GP9 we have at PSRM in Campo, CA. Of course, the light can be activated manually also.

Modern radio communication has essentially eliminated this need. A few years ago I was taking Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, between Sacramento and San Jose, and we suddenly slowed way down. The conductor explained that an opposing freight had experienced an undesired emergency brake application when stopping after he went into the hole so we could pass. The freight radioed that information, which required our train to proceed at restricted speed until clear of the freight.

In the old days, the Mars light would have activated on the freight, and we would have been required to stop.

I was thinking it could also have further viewing dictance than your white light.

765's mars is still about in safe storage, it was decided to give it its as delivered look. It has a new front plate so does not have a hole to mount the mars.
In its original restoration tho it was restored and works and tested on the engine.

Is this rule still in effect on any railroads?

I can think of at least two large steamers that wore the RED Mars lights into the modern mainline excursion era. Anyone know if they have been used in the modern era for their designed purpose?

Bob

Bob -

I seem to recall one photo run with CB&Q O5B #5632 where they turned on the red mars light for the runby. I do know one thing for sure; you could see that red a LONG way off!

Les