Cab forward or long nose

Interestingly, at the end of the high short hood era for most railroads' locomotive purchases, a wreck occurred involving a GP7 with its long hood leading.  In August, 1958, there was a head-on collision on the Erie, between two commuter trains, each moving at about 20 MPH.  One had a PA1 and 5 cars, and the other had a GP7, running long hood forward, pulling 4 cars.

The PA over-rode the front end of the geep and shoved all the way to the diesel engine, about 20 feet.  The first coach behind the geep over-rode the locomotive and crushed the short hood.

You would think that there would have been fatalities aboard the geep, but it was the other way around -- the Engineer and Fireman of the Alco PA1 died.  It isn't quite as cut and dry as one might think from that basic information.  The Engineer and Fireman and a Road Foreman of Engines were aboard the PA.  The Engineer, who was running the engine and the Fireman, who was in the center seat, both ran into the engine room when they saw that there was going to be a collision, and were tossed into the machinery.  The Road Foreman, in the Fireman's seat, rode it out and was merely injured. The Engineer and the Fireman on the GP7 remained in their cab and sustained injuries but lived, even though their locomotive telescoped at both ends.  One would think that, if the GP7 had been running with the short hood in the front, the big Alco would have crushed the short hood and the cab, as it pushed 20 feet onto the geep.

You never know . . .

This topic actually reminded me of the unique Norfolk Southern unit train Lionel cataloged back in 1992. The Dash 8 heading the trailer train was shown in the catalog heading the train long hood leading, complete with engineer figure in the cab facing that way. Even the matching powered unit made 2 years later was done the same way.

Jim R. posted:

For Jushavnfun, here’s one I’m happy to tease you with. Either way, it’s the same thing:

Like George Carlin said Otto forwards and backwards  it's Otto

No quote cause the exact phrase is x rated.

juniata guy posted:

I always run mine according to the prototype railroad’s individual practices.

 

Ditto

Sometimes, ya gotta go with the way the locomotive is facing:

Rusty

I like the look of long hood forward.  Given the roads I model I'm limited to a CNW RS-1.   My primary focus, the UP, Had some RSC-2's that ran on the Tintic branch.  I'd love it if I could get an accurate model of those in early D.S. numbering with long hood forward, six wheel trucks, added number boards, and market lights.  Naturally I'd have to kitbash one myself somehow because I doubt a proper one will ever be manufactured.........

Number 90, thank you so much for that information.  It was exciting to read and I had a smile on my face thinkng about it all.

I always thoroughly enjoy your posts and the experience and information you bring, but that one was very special.  Made my morning.

For What It's Worth.....When I started in engine service on the B&O in the late 1970's, with few exceptions, most of the B&O's first generation GP/SD units were all long hood forward (a very few were short hood forward and some had been equipped with dual control stands for passenger service). It was just the way it was and I felt very comfortable operating them (remember there were 4 and 5 men on a crew and always someone in position to protect the fireman's side either on the ground or in the cab depending on the activity).  I never gave it a second thought. The Chessie's other first generation C&O and WM geeps were all short hood forward as I recall and it always felt a little "unnatural" to me when operating those units. Can't really explain why except it must have something to do with what you are accustomed to. Oddly enough operating second generation GP/SD low hood, short hood forward units felt just as comfortable as climbing behind the wheel of your automobile. The exception was the C&O GE U-series locomotives. Not only were they difficult to mount and get in and out of, but their low short hoods always gave me an uncomfortable feeling of operating from the front catwalk (along with a few other less than preferable traits).  Long story short (please excuse the pun) I guess it is what your are familiar with that dictates your personal preference.

C.J.