Why is it when u see two engines on one train the second one is facing backwards?

Question

Why is it when u see two engines on one train the second one is facing backwards?

Answer 1

so that the train can go backwards without buckling the cars.

Answer 2

Locomotive engines are able to pull the train with equal power in either direction, forward or back. The purpose for have engines "back to back" is when a train reaches its destination, there may not be a turn table available to turn the engine to make the engine "short hood forward" or a wye track in which the same could be accomplished. Even though a locomotive is capable of pulling in either direction, the engineers and conductors forward visability is greatly increased when they are able to operate with the "short hood forward" that means the safety of the public and the crew is also increased.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

As others have said the primary reason is to simply save time so that when there is more than one locomotive pulling a train, each time the group of locomotives are used, one's cab is always facing to the front for better visibility (or in railroad lingo, short hood forward).  While running such a setup is usually done today, it's not always the case.  For instance, ,a railroad no longer in operation, the old Southern Railway, was quite famous for always running its locomotives long hood forward (i.e., "backwards," if you will).

Of note, locomotives are capable of operating bi-directionally so it really does not matter which direction they are facing (long or short hood forward), which is a big reason why such a setup can be utilized.

Answer 4

It is so that if you need to use that power on another train, or the other end of the same train, you do not need to spin the power to run short hood forward.  

It is for conveniance (it's easier to see what's ahead of you) but primararily for safety (you NEED to see what's ahead of you).

Answer 5

they don't want the second engine to look at the fist engine's buthole. the enginer's get very upset if there train is g*y.

Answer 6

Its not always that way, sometimes they are both facing front, depends on the operational needs of the day.

It is very convenient when you are on a branchline and there is no way to turn your power around.

You just change operating ends, run around your train on a siding and away you go, right back where where you just came from and you dont have to be backing up the whole way.

Incidentally, the most common way of turning your power (or cars) when online is using a "wye" or three legged triangle, sketch it out on paper, it seems strange but is very simple and works well, if the "tail track" on the wye is long enough you can turn a whole train.

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As far as the mechanics of the engines are concerned, there is absolutely no difference.

The only thing that makes a locomotive either forward or backwards is the operating compartment for the people inside, the locos dont care a bit.

LOL, Dennie's ans, yes, g*y trains suck.

Answer 7

It's a factory option - you can order them from GE to be shipped back-to-back, or elephant-parade style (like the elephants at the circus, nose to tail.)  From time to time, they make a mistake and ship them nose to nose.

Just kidding.  

Configuring a two-unit set back-to-back allows one of the locomotives to be run forward from one terminal to another, without having to turn the lead unit on a turntable, balloon track or wye track.

Answer 8

because no more round houses.

this is so you will also have front propulsion when you cut the train and need to redirect the equipmetn.

Answer 9

Ist off, if there are 2 locomotives on the head end of a train, the 2nd one isn't always facing backwards. Diesel-electric locomotives can run facing forward or backward at the same speed. The most likely reason that you can see locomotives facing forward & backward in a consist is because it is alot more work to switch all the locomotives around to face the same way than it is to just leave the locomotives facing whatever direction they are currently facing, & just make sure that the lead locomotive is facing forward.

Answer 10

engines can move in both directions as they use diesel electric motors.  The diesel powers generators that supply power to the electric motors.  The engines can face either direction.  They don't like "turning" engines unless they have to as it takes time and has to go into a "round house" for this to occur.  Only the lead engine faces forward for lighting and placement of the train engineer.  Hope this helps.