This may sound like and elementary question, but I am having a diffcult time with A and B ends of cars. What is the difference, and which end faces forward?
If you remember that the “B” end has the "B"rake wheel, this should help. A car may run in either direction, so no end is specifically the front.
Another key aspect of modelling things correctly is to be sure that the pointed end of the brake cylinder is facing the “B” end of the car. This would allow the brake linkage to be attached properly.