Okay I understand that certain railroads ran some motive long hood forward or short hood forward. If I am trying to model consists/lashups are there any operational considerations to take into account I mean I watch a real lashup and see a Gp40 running with the front pointing the rear of the train and maybe a Dash 8 nose pointing front. Or 3 4400 all pointing cab forward. Just curious Why? what are the reasons?
Locomotive consists are assembled any which way. The only reason a certain locomotive is up front is because it must be "Lead Qualified". The rest just fall into place however they are stationed at the time. If a turning facility is available, the lead unit would be turned to face in the "foreward" position. At one time, the weakest loco was to be put in the lead position. This was so the engineer could monitor the systems and not "burn up" the unit during heavy operation. The theory was that if the engineer was sitting on a locomotive with higher ratings, he would not be able to ascertain any of the weaker trailing units were being overworked until it was too late!(When the alarm bells would start ringing!!) With modernized safety systems onboard, this doesn't occur much anymore.
Would you believe that CSX ran a really heavy mixed merchandise through here today with a GP-30 Slug on the point and its Mama and another 10 assorted power right behind, all smoking, i.e. under power. The also-rans were anywhere from a shiny Dash-9 AC to a couple of really dirty 40-2's. Talk about a mixed Bag! By the way, the also-rans were pointing every which way...well, actualy only forwards or backwards.
Crews, of course, prefer that the engine with the nicest cab interior lead. This usually means that older engines trail when they run with Dash 9s, SD70s, and so on. Wasn't that the problem with BN's cabless B30-7s? They couldn't lead, obviously. They were often put behind 6-axle engines such as SD40s. Having just as much horsepower but fewer axles, the Dash 7 was at risk of burning out its electrical system. CSX usually lets the slug lead its mate; the ride is quieter for the crew.
I'm sure I've seen reference somewhere that when locos are deadheading in the consist one of them may be put on the point to give the crew a quiet run. Or maybe it was where helpers were added for the whole run, but only needed for part, the crew would shut down the lead unit when the help wasn't needed. Or maybe both Aarrggh! My memory
Actually, IC crews preferred SD40-2s over SD70s. The reason I say that is on the PENTREX IC north video there was a train w/ a SD40-2 on the point and 2 SD70s behind it. The narrorator even said crews seem to prefer the 40-2.
More on the "weakest loco in the lead": Conrail had a rule (which nobody bothered to follow) that, if SD80MACs were with other engines in a consist, they had to be in back.
