Why do trains some times have all their headlights on and some times they don't?

Question

Why do trains some times have all their headlights on and some times they don't?

Answer 1

give it to john he got it from the book its the LAW

Answer 2

Headlight

    17. The headlight must be displayed to the front of every train by day and by night.

    It must be dimmed by night providing train is not approaching public crossing at grade:

(1)   While passing through yard where yard engines are employed;



(2)   Approaching stations at which stops are to be made or where trains are receiving or discharging passengers;



(3)   Approaching train order signals displayed to indicate orders, junctions, terminals, meetings points and when stopped;



(4)   On two or more tracks when approaching train in opposite direction;



(5)   Approaching fixed signal when the view is improved thereby.



    Note. In Automatic Block Signal Territory, the headlight may be extinguished when the train is standing to be met or passed by another train.

    17-A. Unless otherwise provided, engines equipped with oscillating white headlight will display such light by night and when weather conditions obscure visibility by day. The white oscillating headlight will be extinguished when the headlight is dimmed, or extinguished.

    When the headlight becomes inoperative, the oscillating white headlight will be displayed in fixed position. Should both headlights (or the headlight of a train not equipped with oscillating white headlight) become inoperative, a white light will be displayed on front of the engine, speed reduced where necessary, the bell rung continuously while moving, and the Train Dispatcher notified.

    17-B. When a engine is running backward, a white light must be displayed by night on the leading end.

    17-C. An oscillating red light or an emergency red light displayed on front or rear of train is a signal for trains and engines apporaching on all tracks to stop and not pass until certain that track is clear.

    When conditions require, this red light must be displayed manually. The red light does not relieve crews from providing flag protection.

    18. Engines in yard service will display the headlight to the front and rear by day and night.

    When not provided with a headlight at the rear, a white light must be displayed at night. White classification lights instead of headlights may be used for this purpose.

    Note. Headlight on end coupled to cars may be dimmed or extinguished.

Answer 3

If they're moving, they'll have them on.  

Train headlights are VERY bright, so when they're approaching or passing another train, they'll set em to "dim" so they don't blind the other crew.

The "dim" setting is quite dim -- a lot dimmer than the low/high on auto headlights.  So if on "dim" it might seem that they're off.  They illuminate fairly at night, though.

Answer 4

maybe because its day time and night time

Answer 5

The same reason why drivers turn on their lights.