Train lights

[1] The most universal type of light is the headlight, which is included on the front of locomotives, and frequently on the rear as well.

[4] In the later 1830s, the first proper train headlight was built by two mechanics in New York: a box made of sheet metal and incorporating a reflector.

In 1883, a railroad company in France also experimented with electrical lights, but the first example to go into production was designed by an American inventor in 1897.

In 1915, the United States Congress passed a law mandating every train be equipped with an electric headlight, ending all debate about their utility.

[3] Twin-sealed beam headlights were also invented after the end of World War II, and they were designed in a way where two lightbulbs are installed in one headlamp.

These are primarily used to increase a trains visibility, with illumination of the track ahead being considered a secondary purpose.

[11] Many ditch lights are also designed to flash when a train sounds its horn, for additional visibility.

Early versions of ditch lights were introduced on railroads in North America in the 1960s by Canadian National Railway, and by the 1970s Transport Canada made them a requirement on locomotives.

The headlight on this train helps it stand out at night
This replica of Union Pacific No. 119 includes a typical 19th century locomotive headlight
Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 came with a twin-sealed beam headlight for most of its life.
British Rail Class 444036 has it day headlights on.
Classification lights on a train on the Chicago "L" . Here, they are used to indicate the line and destination of the train.
This Canadian National Railway EMD FP9 was not built with ditch lights, but has had them added later, as can be seen by the exposed wires
A door indicator light is located above this Amtrak conductor. An internal door indicator light can also be seen behind him. To his left are brake indicator lights.
The two lights above the coaches' letters are door indicator lights.