Diseals have ground lights but on Steam Engines I believe they are called working lights that are positioned over the gears. If I recall correctly I believe the Big Boy has them but was not sure about other UP Steam Engines if the had them. I have seen them modeled on New York Central Streamlined Steam Engines from MTH and Lionel, but I am assuming they existed on the real NY Central Streamlined Engines. Were these lights used on Steam Engines on other railroads?
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kjstrains posted:Diseals have ground lights but on Steam Engines I believe they are called working lights that are positioned over the gears.
Steam engines generally do NOT have "gears". However, most modern era (from the 1920s on) have a Ground Light mounted directly under the Engineer's cab in order for him to,,,,,,,,,,,,,see the ground. Watch the ground when starting a train, whether at night or in daylight, is pretty much how the Engineer makes a nice smooth start. Thus, the "Ground Light". Other railroads may have added additional lights, mounted under the side walkways, in order for crew members and/or maintenance personnel to see & inspect various side rod and lubricator components.
If I recall correctly I believe the Big Boy has them but was not sure about other UP Steam Engines if the had them.
Most all the big UP steam locomotives (FEFs, 4000s, Challengers, 4-12-2s, etc.) did have additional lights mounted under the side walkways, in addition to the standard "Ground Light" under the Engineer's side of the cab.
I have seen them modeled on New York Central Streamlined Steam Engines from MTH and Lionel, but I am assuming they existed on the real NY Central Streamlined Engines. Were these lights used on Steam Engines on other railroads?
Yes.
When the 2716 was in hands of the Southern, they installed a working light over each driver.
The purpose was to illuminate the areas that needed grease applied on the pins during maintenance stops at night.
While this was a great idea, it was poorly executed, as during operations, grease would be 'flung' up on the lights and cause a mess.
Thank you Hot Water for the information. I looked for information on "Ground Lights" on Steam Engines but could not find anything.
Bryan, interesting info about the 2716 with the Southern Excursions.
Pere Marquette 1225 has LED service lights
If you're upgrading a TMCC locomotive with my Chuff-Generator, you too can have functional automatic ground lights. 
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