| Posted by Dana M. on March 14, 2019 | |
Interesting photo Daniel, and I must say, that there are a LOT of signals in this "signal forest"! I would like to know about those three white circles on the locomotive - they look almost like a "problem" with the photo like someone "photoshopped" them onto the photo. Again, just curious about them. Still an interesting photo.
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Headcodes are an indication of an engine or train's class or importance by means of a position of lamps shown on the front of an engine, or white discs during the day. The headcode system allows the signalmen to identify and regulate trains and determine their routes.
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@ Dana: In the region where this locomotive circulated (Southern Region), a white disc was shown during daylight hours, and a white lamp during darkness, to designate the following routes/special workings to the signal box and other staff.
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| Posted by JohnR on March 15, 2019 | |
The white discs are made of metal; white lamps were used at night. Mainly used by the Southern Railway and it's contstituents, though other pre-grouping companies. They were used to indicate the destination including route and/or train type.
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| Posted by Dana M. on March 15, 2019 | |
Thank you all for the comments and explanation! So they are markers to designate the "importance" or "classification" of the train! Like the classification lights on U.S. steam/diesel locomotives! That makes sense! When I first saw this photo, it looked like there might have been a problem with the photo!
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