DIESEL CLASS 20 HEADLIGHT CODES

[brammie]

I am at the point of installing head lighting in my two Hornby Class 20 TTS Diesel locos. I intend to run the pair permanently in "consist", at the front of some twenty plus coal (loaded) waggons, on the main line of my layout (Clackwick). I would be very grateful for advice concerning the head lighting codes relevant at that time - mid '50s.

[Bigmet]

Facing the loco the usual code would be one lamp above the left hand buffer (BR train classification J) and the mineral wagons can be loaded or empty.

The first EE type 1s in service were a pilot batch of just 20 introduced from 1957 (they are not going to become class 20s for ten years!). These were actually the first diesels procured for service testing by BR as part of the 1955 modernisation scheme. Initially based in the London area for trip freight (smoke reduction by replacing steam locos) rather than out on main line hauls at that time, to the best of my knowledge.

In the mid 50s what was hauling coal on the mainline were steam locos, 0-6-0 and 2-6-0 for smaller loads, and typically the many types of eight coupleds, and the WD and first of the 9F 2-10-0s on heavier long distance hauls. I believe BR put almost as many new steam locos into service 1955 - 60 as it did diesels!

[luckymucklebackit]

Here is a photo of a loco correctly showing the indication

http://www.rail-online.co.uk/img/s/v-3/p518104153-4.jpg

If I remember correctly, all the lights remained lit, when the upper half of the disc was folded down it obscured the lamp and ensured that the correct code was displayed

Jim

[Bigmet]

That's a single disc (lamp) over the right buffer. Correct post 1961 for an unfitted freight, the single disc (lamp) over left buffer having been eliminated.

In the 1950s it would also be legitimate for this class of traffic, but specifically identified the train as stopping, rather than through unfitted traffic which would carry the single disc (lamp) above the left buffer.

[6C]

In addition to above - don't think the EE Class 1/Class 20 - ran in multiple until @1968-70.

I run a single 20 - on trip and test trains as a single unit

[6C]

Looking at the front of the leading loco - it would be a single lamp on the left-hand side of the buffer-beam - with a diesel with discs the same positioning applies:
J |.__| Mineral or empty wagon train. - the J stands for Class J.

[Pennine MC]

In addition to above - don't think the EE Class 1/Class 20 - ran in multiple until @1968-70.

They did; all the smaller Pilot Scheme types routinely ran in multiple (quite sensible really, to try out their designed capability). What had happened by 1968 is that their intended work was evaporating, hence there was a policy of using them *more often* in pairs; almost to the exclusion of solo turns given that there were plenty of Type 2s with cabs both ends

[brammie]

Well, talk about walking into something with your eyes closed! In keeping with my tradition of exercising significant licence on my layout (of necessity, mainly due to ignorance), I thought it would be nice to see a pair of Lima bodied, Hornby chassied, sound fitted Class 20s, pulling a heavy load around the Clackwick outside loop. Pictured below are the respective end-on views of the two bodies into which I would like install head/tail lighting. If successful, I can at least say that one thing, if nothing else, is realistic! Pure self indulgence on my part .................

[brammie]

Thanks folks, I am a wiser man for that. Single light, lower left it will be.

[brammie]

Poised to install Class 20 headlighting, I feel inclined to use white LEDs but 30ma grain of rice bulbs offer easier installation. Would be grateful for for/against advice. Thanks.

[luckymucklebackit]

Be careful with GOW bulbs, they can get very hot and melt plastic!

Jim

[Roger (RJ)]

Be careful with GOW bulbs, they can get very hot and melt plastic!

Jim

Agreed. LEDs are the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

[brammie]

Point taken folks, thanks.