I'm reading the on-line SCL Modeler issue #9 (Vol 3, #3, 3Q2009) published by the Seaboard/Atlantic Coast Line HS. This issue has a very nice article in it on Mars Lights and Pyle Gyralites, both of which the Frisco used. It also describes the installation of a white over red Gyralite in a Seaboard locomotive. One interesting bit of trivia is revealed - the origin of the name "Mars Light". It was not from the inventor (a Chicago fireman), or from the name of the company (Mars Light Company), or from the planet Mars (which is what I thought), but instead was named in honor of Mr. Frank Mars, the founder and CEO of the Mars Candy Company. Mars Candy put up much of the financing during the early years of the Mars Light Co, so the invention, and the company, was named after him. Sweet! Ken
Ken, I nominate you for Best frisco.org Pun of the Week. All amusement aside, that is rather interesting information. I wonder if Frank Mars was also a railfan? Best Regards,
