Skip to main content

Reply to "What is the purpose of the tender doghouse"

On the NP, the doghouse was for the forward brakeman when one was required. It provided better visibility of the train.  The NP doghouses were equipped with a heater (i.e. radiator) that was supplied with steam from the locomotive.  (I would also think there was a brake valve to dump the air and set emergency brakes, similar to that in a caboose cupola, but I do not know that for a fact...) 

 

Eminent NP conductor Mr. Warren McGee once remarked to us at an NPRHA convention that the doghouses on the W-3 class tenders "were a pretty good place to take a nap..." 

By the way, Warren is still with us and in assisted-living in Livingston, MT. He turns 101 years old on September 7.  

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
×