Why do locos with a headlight on the nose have 2 numberboards on the cab, angled outwards, instead of one straight-on[?] Would it be something to do with night vision from the sides? If so, why not have them mounted like on the FT, with a third on the front?
Matthew Hicks
Why does some locomotives have numberboards on the rear of it? It is not like it would travel backwards for long periods of time.
Matthew,
The number boards are usually the same, whether the headlight is placed between them or lower on the nose. It’s just easier for the locomotive builder that way. Boards angled outward are much easier to see from the side, where most people needing to know the number are located. The train crew of an opposing train will either be in the cab of a loco in the siding or trackside checking for dragging equipment. These are the people who need to check loco numbers which might be specified in a train order. You would normally be instructed to “wait for train XXX with loco YYYY and then proceed”, so you have to check that loco YYYY has passed, or you might be seeing a different train.
Santa Fe had forward facing numbers on the PA-1s, and some E units, but gave the idea up later.
On branch lines locomotives might travel backwards half the time! If there are no wyes or even turntables, the unit must be able to display numbers and headlights to the rear. Even UP paint numbers on the rear of their units, presumably so they can run backwards in an emergency.
Peter
The numbers are painted on the rear so if you approach the engine from that direction you can tell which one it is.
There is no rule that requires an engine number on the leading end of an engine.
Dave H.
They actually do travel backwards, especially with older models. When was the last time you saw an AC4400CW leading a 300000 car freight train backwards?
Trainboy
Never say never - they’ll run in both directions equally well. Just because the engineer might not be as comfortable doesn’t mean they can’t run engine long hood forward.
300000 cars? Now THAT’S a long train running. And we wonder why people run the gates…
Wide body’s will normally only operate in ‘reverse’ direction as a controlling engine for switching type moves. Most wide bodys are not equipped with ditch lights on the ‘rear’ end of the locomotive and without ditch lights they would have onerous restrictions when operating over highway crossings at grade.
The socalled Safety Cab and the latest ‘desk top’ operating controls make it very difficult for an engineer to effectively and safely operate the locomotive in ‘reverse’ direction for more than switching moves.
In DTC or Track Warrent territory there is an absolute need for trains to accurately identify the trains they are meeting, this identification is done by engine number and the engine numbers need to be easily read, no matter in which direction the locomotive is operating.
Hi group my name is Rodney and I am a locomotive engineer. According to GCOR rule 5.11. Trains will be identified by initals and engine number, adding the direction when required. When an engine consists of more than one unit or when two or more engines are coupled, the number of the one unit only will be illuminated as the identifying number. When practica, use the leading unit.
Sounds just to common sense for RRs but quite practical. [:o)][:D][:p]
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Originally posted by dehusman
I’m sure NS would do it… [:o)]