AboutChris Holliday Expertise Questions related to contemporary passenger rail vehicles and their technology, including subway, light rail, commuter and intercity rolling stock. Includes all vehicle systems and features along with integration of the vehicles into the general railroad system.
Experience I have over 22 years of experience in the passenger rail vehicle business as both an engineering manager at a car builder and as a provider of engineering services to commuter railroads and transit agencies in the US. I have worked to apply the latest technologies to passanger rail equipment. I have worked with leaders in our industry to develop and establish Standards and Recommended practices.
Expert: Chris Holliday Date: 6/3/2005 Subject: railroad lanterns
Question My husband was given an old railroad lantern and we have tried to find out something about it. No one seems to have seen one before. It is a Dietz # 60. Are you familiar with it or know someone who is? I appreciate your help.
Jean Peddie
Answer Old Railroad lanterns are really neat to have!
I do not know much about them except that the ones with engravings or stencils from old railroads are worth a bit more than those without.
The red globes were used for marker lamps at the back of trains and to mark track switches. They stopped using them on railroads in the 40's and 50's as battery lanterns became more common.
My best suggestion for further research is to google railroad lamps and have fun.
