Re: arc headlights and dynamos

Posted by Jim Courtney on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/arc-headlights-and-dynamos-tp15165p15167.html

This is one of the few 1st decade, head on views of the "arc" headlights on C&S narrow gauge locomotives:



C&S 9 with train at Dome Rock

To me, it looks like the vertical glass chimney of a kerosene lamp. And so do these two views:






The holes in the reflector of number 44's headlight seem to allow venting up the chimney, illumination of the two side number boards, and access for the burner/wick to come up from the bottom. (That's also a pretty clear look at the stubby wood pilot, for estimating dimensions).

So is it possible, that what we call the C&S "arc headlight" is just as decorative kerosene headlamp, and these housings were modified after the USSA 1915 requirement for electric headlamps? I can't find any photograph that suggests a power cable or conduit to the headlight prior to the addition of steam dynamos to the tops of the boilers.