Dan65train posted:Wouldn't the middle sand traps be used for either forward or reverse? First and middle going forward. Middle and third going in reverse.
The sand lines deposit the sand very, very close to the wheel tread/rail juncture. So even if the middle lines did double-duty, there would be some compromise--there would still be several inches of wheel travel before the driver could bite into the sand, depending on the lines' location, thereby negating its purpose.