@Madockawando posted:I would think that the crew would prefer the better visual range of short hood forward rather than the "protection" of long hood forward. Given the violence and momentum of a railroad collision, I have a had time seeing how the long hood really gives you significantly better protection.
The long-hood forward did offer more protection at road crossings , but made it more difficult to see the signals.
I can remember some of the old-heads telling me that the steam era Engineers would fuss ( at least those with the N&W ) when boarding a train that was dual control stand , but turned short hood lead.
I have run trains both ways , especially those ordered by the Southern that was short hood ( high hood ) , single control stand . They were rather difficult to see the signals .
The newer cab designs are a much safer design and afford more protection designed into it .
