The DV&W has some special lighting rules for both native and foreign road power.  This was a safety issue that was addressed when the DV&W purchased some abandoned railroad right-of-ways, anticipating significant deadheading until shipments were coordinated at all points along the railroad. 

All diesels are to always show red lights to the rear of the loco or end loco if MU'd and foreign diesels must show green classification lights on the front of the loco.  Steam varies somewhat, but most show either red markers to the rear or a red on fireman's side and green on engineer side of the loco or tender, depending upon type of lighting equipment on the loco or tender.  Steam locos do not need to show classification lights on the front unless running as "extras" or "section following".   The rear markers are to remain on, even when running in reverse unless the rear unit is facing forward in reverse (such as A/A configurations.)  This applies to both steam and diesel power.

These lighting rules apply whether the loco is pulling a consist or running by itself.

Western Pacific Steam running forward.

Western Pacific Steam in Reverse.

Front Classification Lights on Santa Fe Diesel.

Front Classification Lights on Union Pacific Diesel.

Rear Markers and Reverse Light on rear of F7 Diesel

Rear Markers on rear of F7 Diesel

Copyright © 2005 Raymond H. von Bober

Red Markers on parked GP38-2 Diesel