Understand Engine Headcodes
The Engine Shed at the GCR
Headcode lamps were introduced in about 1850 and originally consisted of a number of white painted oil lamps which were mounted on brackets fitted to the buffer beam and smokebox door of the loco. These codes showed the type of train, express or slow, goods or passenger, and were introduced to help the signalman and other railway staff. The lamps were carried on a set of four brackets or more fitted to the locomotive buffer beam and boiler door. Most codes required only two lamps to be fitted.
Each railway company had its own headcodes. But where trains crossed between networks a common approach was required. By1923 a standardised system was used for trains crossing between networks. However, some trains that only operated within a network retained internal headcodes.
In 1947, British Railways was formed, and it continued to use the same headcode system. However, internal regional variations still persisted. The Western Region and Southern Regions of British Railways used head lamps and numerical codes to provide more information.
In 1960, of British Railways used numerical codes to provide more information whilst the Southern Regions used white discs. These codes were displayed on a metal plate placed on the front of a locomotive in addition to displaying headlamps.
In 1968, after steam locomotives had ceased operating on British Rail, the use of head code lamps ended. However the use of the four character headcodes displayed on locomotives continued until 1976 when this practice ended.
Today the four character headcode system is still used on the national network although it is no longer displayed. It is used in timetables and online systems to identify a train.
HeadLamp Codes used at GCR
Headcodes Used
Class 1
Express Passenger Train. Demonstration T.P.O. Train making apparatus drop, Breakdown Van train going to clear line or Light Engine going to assist failed train.
Officers Special train not requiring to stop in section.
Special test train authorised by General Manager to run at a speed in excess of 25mph.
Class 2
Ordinary Passenger Train, Breakdown Van train NOT going to clear line.
“Drive a Train” experience trains.
Class 3
Parcels train composed of coaching stock. T.P.O train not running as Class 1.
Empty coaching stock train.
Class 6
Freight train or ballast train, fully fitted with the automatic brake throughout.
Class 7
Freight train or ballast train, partially fitted with the automatic brake operative on not less than one third of the vehicles.
Class 8
Freight train or ballast train not running under class 6 or 7.
Self-Propelled on track machines not working in section.
Class 9
Mineral wagon train.
Freight train, Officer’s Special train or Engineer’s train requiring to stop in section.
Class 0
Light Engine or light engines coupled (up to 4) including “Drive a Loco” experience locomotives.
Light engine and not more than two brake vans.
