A viewer to my web site is asking me to identify a locomotive headlight he acquired from a seller in Maybrook, New York. It is a "Golden Glow" headlight manufactured by the Electric Services Supply Company, Type F.C.B.1412, with the latest patent given as 1921. The headlight has number 4253 (whether original or not, I don't know). I have ruled out both the PRR I-1 2-10-0 and B&O Q-1 2-8-2 classes, both of which had engines with that number, because photos show that their headlights (and tender backup lights) were cylindrical, unlike the one in question. I also considered a snow plow or MU equipment headlight, or some other type of equipment, but so far haven't found a match (e.g., among DL&W MoW equipment or PRR or DL&W MU equipment). The owner wondered about the railroads that once clustered around Maybrook, but to me a high number like 4253 suggests a larger railroad. Perhaps one of the knowledgeable experts in this forum can point me in the right direction for the source of this headlight.

I found a pic of a NYC 4244, looks like an oil headlamp, 1915 photo, I presume in time they swapped for an electric. I'll give you a nearly thumbs up on being a NYC 4-4-0, perhaps a little more researching in order

It's a New Haven MU headlight, from one of the 1927-31 vintage round-roof heavyweight cars (about 102 of those cars, so 204 of these MU headlights). Same case and style as used on NYNH&H steam power; NYNH&H had no steam power numbered this high.

VRR's "NH 3025" carries two of these MU headlights. When the old MUs went to scrap about 1970-74, many of these headlights were "obtained" by area collectors.

Howard P.

Thanks, I have relayed the information to the person who contacted me. With your information, I found a photo of an MU car in the 4200 range on George Elwood's site. (For some reason I overlooked searching NH MUs.) RyPN comes through again!

.

Kelly -

I'm wondering if this type hinge might allow the lens to be pushed all the way up and back to "lay" on the headlight so that you wouldn't have to hold it open while changing or cleaning.

Les

Howard:
The headlights on Valley Railroad No.3025 are indeed off NYNH&H steam locomotives.
The front headlight came off 4-8-2 No.3556 and the headlight on the tender from 4-6-2 No.1319. Both were purchased off eBay.
The bell too is off a NYNH&H loco, No.3020 as I recall.
For a while we had a NYNH&H whistle on it but now it has the 6 chime Hancock that it came to us with.
Be well,
J.David

While the VRR NH 3025 headlights are from NYNH&H steam locomotives, the New haven used the same ESSCo (Electric Service Supply Co) trade name "Golden Glow" headlights on steam power and the MU cars, along with many classes of electric locomotives.

An early-production 80-tonner at VRR also has two of these headlights.

The top hinge is a prominent feature in photos of NYNH&H steam power with these headlights.

Howard P.

Hey, wait, maybe it came off of THIS locomotive!



(In other news, freshly restored by United Railway Historical Society of NJ....)

oh fine......







now were screwed up...




PSPfun....8-P

That is a Sunbeam, probably the last version made. It appears very much like the Pyle-National of the same time period (post 1925). The hinges are the telltale on headlights, notice how the number board hinges are two, and are located at the extreme outside edges of the number board door? That is a Sunbeam trait. Only Sunbeam ever wrote "Golden Glow" on its headlights.

These must be more rare than the P-N, because this is the late (last?) model Sunbeam that I've seen not mounted on a locomotive.

I wonder if the lenses and reflectors interchange with the late P-N? I suspect they do.


Nice light.

I didn't post the picture of the "label" on the original headlight at the top of this thread, but here it is in case anyone's interested.

The tag photo is a key detail. Thanks for posting it.