Gregg & Steaming Jon
With all due respect, re-read the first line up to (tender first). As I inteperate it, it's about the engine! Now, when the cars are being pulled in either direction (north & south or east & west) with a locomotive & tender on one end or the other of the cars, the cars that are attached to the locomotive or tender( cars being pulled) are considered the "head end", whether the engine is facing forward or backward, and the opposite end is considered the "hind end". When the engine is pulling in a backwards motion (tender first), the engineer will give three short blasts (warning sound) as he is clear to leave the station or wherever he is , ex. (o o o). If the engine is facing forward (engine first) and he is clear to leave, he will give two short blasts (warning sound) ex. (o o ). His tender which is attached to a car, the car attached is considered the "head end" and the opposite end is considered the "hind end". Diesel loco's have the same example. The front of today's locomotives are usually marked with the letter "F" on the cab end. Everything changes when you push the train, but I'm going to stick with your subject. Again, I'm sure others will chime in!
Steam Forever
John
