Dual head lights - are both always on?

[Homer Jay]

Hi folks, I am about to upgrade my models with proper LED lights and sound - but I want to do it correctly. Here is a question, that I couldn't answer so far, but I hope one of you can:

Most locomotives have dual head lights (two lights, mostly side by side) - are both lights always on at the same time, or are there occasions where only one light is on and the other is off?

Cheers,
Markus

 

[santafewillie]

are both lights always on at the same time

Yes.

 

[trailrider]

If you mean that both bulbs are in the same housing, they are dual beam, and yes, they would both be on unless one burned out. They might be side-by-side or one above the other. If there are two lights in separate housings, generally one above the other, then the upper one might be a Mars light or other oscillating light. They may or may not both be on, but the lower one would be on, depending on the road's particular rules.

 

[J.Albert]

With two headlights, both on at once and controlled from the same switch in the cab... if one burns out enroute, you still have the other.

Particularly important at night.