Why is it that some freights have alternating engine placements?

Question

In the front of the trains I've noticed that some engines face forward (the first one obviously), then the next can be facing backwards...Woulldn't it be better for the engines to be in forward not reverse??

Answer 1

They are electric diesels, diesel engines run a generator that supplies electricty to the electric motors that run the wheels.  Anyway there is a headlight at either end and the engineer's seat swivels.

Answer 2

Thanks to the polarizer, it doesn't matter what direction the train is facing.  Polarity can be reversed, and the train can move in the other direction.  The generator powers traction motors.  The direction of the traction motors depends on the position of the polarizer, not which way the engine is facing.

Answer 3

Also, the reversed engine serves a purpose; as the train gets to its destination, and has to haul something back to where it came from, the engineer and conductor can simply hop into the rear-facing unit for the return trip, so that the engines don't have to be turned on a turntable, wye, or balloon track. This works just like a subway train.

Answer 4

By-the-way, if for some chance of fate they all face front, it's nicnamed "elephant style."

Amtrak trains in the southeast used to have all locomotive face forward because of the prevalence of hitting cars at road crossings.  The damaged unit could be set out, and the second is now facing the proper direction to lead the train.

This is also why the Norfolk and Western, and Southern designated the long hood as front.  The prevalence of grade crossing accidents.  The crew was better protected.

Answer 5

Unlike a car, it doesn't matter if a locomotive is in "FWD" or "REV"... The power and operation is equal in both directions.