CNJ Caboose question

[ppbhist]

I need to know when the CNJ started using the round ball targets on the front and rear of the caboose cupola. Thanks for any help!

Jerry

[56-57]

http://www.gingerb.com/CNJ%20Mauch%20Ch ... 0Train.jpg

There's a pic from 1944, with the statue herald on the tender of the engine, but no orange disc on the cupola of that 2 year old steel hack yet.

http://www.gingerb.com/CNJ%20Mauch%20Ch ... ew%202.jpg

Nearly the same spot, 17 years later.. It's 1961 and two out of the three hacks pictured have the orange discs. I'd venture to guess the started putting them on in the late 50's.

Micah

[glennk419]

What was the purpose of the ball targets?

[56-57]

Visibilty.. The same reason a few years later conrail put red-and-white striped diagonal reflective patches on the end walls of their hacks.