It's been a rough ride, but I did learn from this thread. I too have wondered about visibility issues, if any, for engineers and firemen on steam locomotives.
As far as visibility, curves would be easier , I suppose, but on straightaways, especially with large (long) engines, I'd think your field of vision must be restricted to areas relatively far away down the track. I'm sure I'd understand much better if I ever actually sat in one of the seats for awhile. It helps, I guess, knowing that you're riding in something that's larger and heavier than most anything you would hit!
