hclark6345 posted:What is the purpose of the dog house ?
A cleaner, quieter environment for the Headend Brakeman.
Does a crewman ride back there,
Yes, the Headend Brakeman.
and if so, why ?
The "Dog House" is much cleaner & quieter than riding in the cab, plus the Brakeman is then up high and facing rearward, in order to inspect the train. Plus, thus railroads operating in norther, i.e. cold climates, even provided steam heat coils in the "Dog House".