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Chris Tolley[_2_] · May 1st 10, 07:42 PM posted to uk.railway,uk.transport.london

wrote:

On Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:23:04 +0100, Chris Tolley
(ukonline really) wrote:

Neil Williams wrote:

On Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:02:17 +0200, Johannes Picht
wrote:

AFAIK, the only networks on the continent requiring a specific front end
color are the Netherlands (white or yellow) and Italy (red).

In the UK, black is permitted (and usual) for steam locomotives. I
assume that's because of grandfather rights, but perhaps also because
you'd hear them a mile off anyway!

Red, shurely. But the stuff coming out of the chimney is a visual clue
too. Indeed, as a first order approximation, I've always assumed that
the yellow end is a replacement for the plume of smoke/steam.

But I am fairly sure that in some situations a Steam loco will be
emitting little smoke or steam. Going down a gradient with the fire
burning cleanly the exhaust can be fairly transparent And that will be
just the time that little noise is produced either.

This is true, but back in the day, trains were all noisier in general.
On those days when I am out watching the Pendolinos go by, I am
constantly impressed by how quiet they are.

--
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(57 010 at Sytch Lane (Slindon), 31 Jan 2005)