Dowload Problems and Ditch lights

[KCJones]

Many of you have recently been having download problems with my models.
It appears that the main problem is that the server is set up to handle ONLY five downloads from each account at the same time.
So if one person is downloading FIVE files or FIVE people are downloading one file each the next person trying to download gets the error message.
The answer is - Try again later.
I didn't realise my stuff was so popular!! But then it was an update wasn't it!!! Have to put out a warning next time!!

I tend to do my downloading at about 7 am GMT when Europe is just waking up and the US is ging to sleep

Next time will not be too far away as I am updating the MP15DC again as I have almost fixed the ditch light problem and am taking the opportunity to use my piracy nag textures.

Now here is a question and I am sure I am going to open a can of worms.
When are ditch lights used? I know they are a warning signal. I have seen a video of a train approaching a crossing with them flashing. Is there an ocasion for having them both on at the same time? (not flashing)

Dick

[harryadkins]

Hi Dick,

In my area, the Norfolk Southern uses ditch lights only as trains approach a grade crossing. They come on automatically with the application of the horn and go off when the horn is released. Remember that US trains must must sound a particular pattern (_ _ o _) and it must sound through the crossing.

I've never seen ditch lights on that weren't flashing.

Thanks again for your good work.

Harry

P.S. I'm the one who can't get your Mogul and Prairie to display in Railworks.

[Kali]

I wondered the same thing about the lights, Dick: answers were here. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4345

Pretty sure the Canadian railroads use them as extra lights.

[KCJones]

Thanks for the input. It is I thought. Anything counts!!!! I did get someone send me a picture of a STEAM loco with ditch lights and wondering if I could model it for him!!!
Now the next question. "How long is a piece of string?"

[Jack4864]

About that long

[Jack4864]

Hey Dick!
The reason your stuff is so popular, is, because it is so awesome

[KCJones]

"Now the next question. "How long is a piece of string?"

Actually it is twice as long as it is to the middle. But about that long is not too bad. Though it could be this long depending on the circumstances. There again on the PRR it will be different to on the UP and on the CNR it will be shorter because of the long winters.

[Kali]

If the piece of string is a circle, where's the middle?

[PapaXpress]

You are all missing out on the benefits of string. Cut it in half and you now have two pieces of string!

[buzz456]

Happened to be down by the local UP line the other day and the ditch lights weren't blinking on any of the loco's I saw.
Buzz

String? what string.

[PapaXpress]

UP does not use flashing ditch lights. I don't think BNSF does either. The link to the other topic does call this out.

[KCJones]

Ha! This string is now developing into a thread. And being clever if a string is a circle start from the knot or if not from the splice (where the threads are).

[arizonachris]

I thought the string was spagetti, so I put sauce on it and ate it. Kinda chewy to.

Out here in So Cal, ditch lights don't flash. They want to see anyone sleeping next to the tracks. But they are on when headlights are on.

[Csxgp38-2]

Ditchlights are always on steady, per FRA requirements, they flash only on select railroads, Amtrak, CSX, NS, and some regionals and shortlines to name a few. They flash only when the horn is sounded or on select locomotives like the P42 Genesis, when a switch marked "Crossing Lights" is turned on.

[NS9030]

Non-flashing: CP, CN, UP, BNSF, KCS, FEC, and most shortlines.
Flashing: CSX, NS, GTW, AMTRAK and a few select others.

EDIT: SOME BNSF SD70MAC's have flashing ditch lights.