I've noticed that the Gyro lights on DRGW's SD45's were different colors. Some are Orange, Some are Silver, And some Black. Does anyone know why? (click on colors for examples!)
That would be when they went in for servicing. Some times, they painted the housings and sometimes they didn't. http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=276698&nseq=5 This is a shot of 5324, note the silver noes light. http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=270517&nseq=8 This shows an orange nose light http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=279561&nseq=1 This shows 5331 with silver, and GP30 3028, with black http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=278995&nseq=3 And here's the 5333 with black. So, you have to check photos and era to get "right". I think that any way you decide to do it would be OK too. Just my $.02. Paul
It prolly has something to do with where they were serviced. Burnham shops in Denver may have had a local practice of painting them one way, while Roper shops in SLC may have had a differing practice. Could also be whatever mood the paint shop forces were in that day.
Well, #5333 notice it has a reverse color nose herald, which was a repaint so likely the gyra light was painted black as per later practices which the servicing was at that time. I believe all the SD45's were delivered with orange gyra lights. Silver is probably a gyra light replaced and not painted.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=279570&nseq=3 Here's a shot with the lead unit 5332 with the orange nose light, and the following unit, 5317 with the black nose light...could be orders from the factory or ust shop whims. Paul H. Liddiard
While the question is fine, I'm always amazed (not) by the lack of practical answers given to these sorts of queries and huffing and puffing about "standards" and "designs" etc. Standards and compliance requirements are divided into many categories. Creating, manufacturing, maintaining or operating anything of a functional nature is always going to be subjective. Case in point- who hasn't tried running normal petrol in a two stoke lawnmower when the proper supply ran out? Who hasn't used an extension cable for your computer modem when the 'Instructions' say to connect it directly to the jack (2m cable)? Expediency and practicality is what gets the order of the day. Have the parts- yes? Correct shape/ design/ color- no? Just get it installed and operational. Next time round (maintenance review?) we'll paint it! Simple, effective and cost efficient. The way the real world works! cheers dave
