A train just passed by my house and I noticed this and now I’d like to know why companies do this I’m assuming its just easier but I’m hoping it’s something more interesting
In: Engineering
The propulsion system of a train is fully symmetrical. So it does not have a front or back but works the same in both directions. The biggest issue with driving a train backwards is that the driver is not able to see forwards. But for the second locomotive in a train this is not an issue as it will be conntrolled from another locomotive anyway. The only difference is that when a train enters a yard they often disconnect all the locomotives. When they do this it helps to have a cabin at each end to move the train of locomotives around in the yard from either end. The locomotives may also be put on another train going the other direction and they do not want to turn the locomotives around.
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