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.
Wow Warren is still with us. He is a wealth of knowledge for the Northern Pacific Railroad. I enjoy his fantastic photography and witty paraphrases. His work will always be remembered.
If any one would like to see a railroad town that is frozen in time, you have to go to Livingston Montana. A Beautiful area. Yellowstone is really a fun time. And if you are a railroad enthusiast visit this Museum....
The Yellowstone Gateway Museum
