.

The trick would be to fit something like an HID setup into the single bulb reflector; then you could have the best of both worlds! You might have a little difficulty finding a 32V version though. I'm sure there's an electronics whiz out there that could whip one up from parts on ebay.

Wait a minute. Didn't anyone mention this little upgrade?

I believe the Brits went with LED lighting on the A1, with an axle alternator under the tank charging batteries. While I agree with Kelly about the aesthetics, single bulb and reflector vs. the twin sealed beams, the operating conditions at Strasburg are far different than running over some of the NS mains, which we all know, of course. Being able to grab a 'diesel' bulb off the shelf at some outlying shop has advantages, too, just like having a 'standard' 26 air brake system.

(First time I have EVER disagreed with Strasburg or any of their guys, BTW-)

The look of the single bulb is timeless. This is however 21st Century Steam w/ a stoker, feedwater heater, and almost all new firebox. In the interest of safety and easy lamp replacement, a dual sealed beam light is a bright idea. There are going to be a lot of people near the track when 4501 runs, and anything that can keep it a little safer helps.

These guys have done an incredible job of making a 21 Century mainline steam engine out of the hulk they started with! A tip of the hat to Mr. Ray and Crew!

Alan

Being able to grab a 'diesel' bulb off the shelf at some outlying shop has advantages

Yes, it does though I think it's going to be rather dim on 32V. Seriously, you don't think they can take a few spares with them for whatever bulbs they use?

Steve

The dual beam, while not historically accurate, will certainly be an improvement. However, I would think in the interest of REALLY good ROW illumination that ditch lights would be appropriate. I'm thinking too, about a pressure switch tied into the audible warning device so they might flash when approaching the crossings, etc. If we're gonna go modern....

ETA

How bout a remote controlled 4501??

Having rewired a few Alco cab units, I can state that there were resistors between the headlight switches and the bulbs, to bring the voltage down to 32, or even less for 'dim'.

Perhaps we're thinking of ditch lights? Some use 32V bulbs, some are 75V; I've seen the fixtures on various units stenciled with the correct voltage, so that 32V bulbs don't become flashbulbs in a 75V circuit.

I think the line of thinking here is that if one bulb fails you're still good to go as you still have at least one bulb illuminated. You don't have to stop immediately to change the bulb. It could wait until the next stop to change the bulb instead of tying up a potentially busy mainline if even for a few minutes.

True. Also, even though most trips occur during daylight hours, there will still be times when trips or ferry moves stretch into the night, or encounter heavy rain or fog. In those cases a 250w incandescent doesn't hold a candle (pardon the pun) to a twin sealed beam.

What ever TVRM chooses works for me. Their locomotive and their decisions what ever they decide. I thank the crews for the work and updates. Haven't seen her hot and alive since 1973 and look forward to her running again. I can get past the choices of green or black paint, one bulb or two. Make her steam white, smoke black and the smell of a steam locomotive and I will be happy. Call me easy to please. Thanks for the updates.

Regards, John.

AMEN!

John, I could not have said it better!

Alan

I'm sure God's Master Mechanic--Steam Engines would prefer green! (No religious offense intended for you more sensitive souls.)

Steve