@PRRronbh posted:Bruk, Hot water as an actual Railroader in 100% correct. And by the way he is a fantastic modeler. He Models the very best track weathering for steam/ steam-diesel era.
But in our toy train world not practical and do not believe a remote controlled system could be made that would let us deploy a white and/or green flag set at will. So as said I prefer using clear (white light) for the front end class lights. Even in a well lighted train room they are somewhat subdued and in the dark well they be indicating an "Extra." Years ago Lionel impressed me with a GG1 that had clear class/marker lens. Depending on the direction of the Motor's travel they would illuminate white or red.
Now as a majority MTH runner, MTH's DCS system has a soft key (for some locos) feature that that allows turning the class/marker lights out.
One question for Hot Water if he will jump back in. Prototypically are marker lights illuminated day and/or night when a consist is coupled up to the rear of a locomotive???????
If you are referring to a double header steam locomotive consist, no the class lights on the second or third locomotives are turned off. This also applies to an MU'ed consist of diesel units, where all the lights, i.e. class lights, cab lights, headlights, walkway lights, and ground lights, are (or should be) turned off on each trailing unit. Having all those extra lights turned off really helps crew visibility to the rear at night.
Ron
