Alright, so sometimes it looks ghastly, but some of the more recent steam restoration projects (T&NO 2-8-2 #745 comes first to mind) are sporting modern ditch lights. Are these operated in accordence with diesel-locomotive laws, such as alternate-flashing of the ditch lights at crossings? And if so, is the control just an off the shelf diesel type installed in the cab?

And while I'm pestering the industry with stupid questions, could anyone tell me a little bit about event recorders that have been installed on steam locomotives?

As always, thanks to everyone for cramming my little cranium with knowledge. :-)

Although some operators have equipped their steam locomotives with ditch lights, they're not required as per CFR 229.125. A Q&A memorandum from the FRA, which covers this very question, can be found at the following URL:

http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety ... /98_03.pdf

The question about steam locomotives comes up at the very end.

Incidentally, by equipping a steam locomotive with auxiliary lights when none are required, the operator makes it more difficult on themselves in one respect. That is, if equipped, both lights must be in operable condition prior to dispatching the train from a terminal. You can't leave with one burned out, even though the regulations didn't require you to put them on the locomotive. It's sort of a "If you don't have it, you can still use the locomotive ... but if it has it, it has to work before you can use it" type of arrangement. The FRA has a few of those Catch 22's in their codes ... such as with crew alerterness devices.

Also note, that an oscillating headlight is grandfathered into CFR 229.125. For example, IF steam locomotives had to conform to the rule, SP 4449's oscillating warning light would be considered as in compliance. However, if the light failed during a trip, it would be considered the same as both auxiliary lights becoming defective, and the train would have to operate at no more than 20MPH (head end only) over road crossings.

To answer your other question ... yes, ditch light flashers are off the shelf technology. IIRC, Pulse Electronics is one of the makers for alternately flashing auxiliary light control equipment.

Just for the record, ditch lights ARE required in Canada by Transport Canada on steam and diesel. That's why you seen them on CPR 2816 and ex CNR 6060