The GG1's cab placement amidship was felt to be the safest position for the engine crew. Earlier box cab P5's were found to offer little protection for the crew in a collision. And so the body was reworked on subsequent P5's and rebuilds into a center cab affair, where it was felt the crew might stand a chance during an accident. The riveted carcass of the modified P5 was the inspiration for the new GG1 styling, and luckily, Lowey had enough influence with PRR to demand a butt welded body.
I suspect there was enough creature comforts inside the GG1 to delight any crew member who was used to being exposed to the eliments in most steamers of the period. Who wouldn't be happier with dirt, noise and heat brought down to manageable levels?
Bruce
