Sunday, September 27, 2020

this looks odd, why wouldn't the stock headlights be enough? If they're supposed to be adequate in traffic, at highway speeds, (the pivotal issue in this question) why aren't the good enough on a railroad at slower speeds with no traffic?

https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5156036-Vintage-photos-Awesome!&p=86285802&viewfull=1#post86285802

3 comments:

  1. My guess is that if a train driver sees a small group of lights ahead of him, he'll assume it's a large railway locomotive a long distance away, not a small VW that's much closer. Moving the lights up and out makes it look at bit more like a locomotive, and therefore easier to judge the correct distance.

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  2. Probably one of two reasons(or both). That's a pressed bumper so no newer than 1958, which means 6v system - 50w low, 50w high. Lighting was barely adequate. Additionally, the factory headlights - depending on the market - have the lenses designed so the light is skewed off-center to prevent glare of on-coming traffic and towards the shoulder of the road. Those on the pillars look to be spots that should shoot far down the tracks - especially mounted up high - compared to the stock weak beams.

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    Replies
    1. I see you are a rich source of logic and astute observation sir! I applaud you!

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