My Stewart FT came with a few detailed parts that needed to be attached. Among these were the 2 horns. So, I attached them. Then I saw some prototype pictures where the horns are mounted in opposite directions - 1 forward, 1 backward. Then I saw some where they both face forward. Would I be politically incorrect to leave them as they are, or should I turn one (and does it matter which one)?
Believe it or not, this has been bugging me ever since I did it. My goodness, in a few short months I’ve gone from “I think I’ll nail down some track and run a choo-choo train” to “No, son, in November of 1937 the Pennsy switched from Fels Naptha to Ivory in all their restrooms.” Is this normal behavior?
First things first you’re perfectly normal. Welcome to the world of modeling!
Second it depends on the RR, and exact unit.
Most had 1 forward (engineer side) and one backward (fireman side).
However I have pics of NH FA-1’s with the standard mentioned above, opposite the above, and both forward! This was done after shopping and what not and just happened.
Jim you can get away with almost anything these days as long as the prototype police are not knocking your door down. If you model a particular prototype, then yes get a picture to model from and there you are. If you have your own line you can do what you want.
Which railroad are they decorated for?? I believe with the early single-chime “blat” airhorns the standard design was one facing forward, one backward, but each railroad had their own way of doing things.
BTW you are normal - for a model railroader !! Can’t comment on how we match up with the ‘real world’.
I’m modeling the RDG and PRR (transition era)– right now working on the RDG. I’ve looked at the Reading RR Technical & Historical Society Diesel Roster pictures and I think they’re front/back, but it’s really hard for my “eagle eyes” to determine for sure. I’m not too concerned – they can be re-oriented if anybody complains. Now about that soap………
Absolutely normal behavior. A good goal in model railroading-as in life-is to
improve yourself. Increasing knowledge, ability are all steps on that road.
I sure got that way about my own prototype.