Correct postion of a Lionel Alco B unit (no nose)

In the real world directional orientation does not matter. Diesel electric locomotives are bi-directional and don't care which way they are oriented.

Daniel,

Often there is actually an end designated "front".  On the most detailed, i.e. scale and real-world, versions of 'B' Units there's usually a little hint.  (You may not see it on your traditional model because these models are frequently not as detailed.)

By they way this topic has come up before, in the last six months, and was discussed at length at the time.  I can't find the thread presently however,  Try a search.

Note: UP 949 is actually an "A" Unit, but 963B which is a "B" has, to the best of my recollection, an F on it's front end as well.  I just don't have a photo handy.  I'll keep looking for one.

Mike

When it came to B-units in the real world, nobody cared which way the unit was facing. Whichever way it was facing, it got put into a motive power consist and was dispatched. About the only thing the "F" did was to tell the mechanical forces which way the prime mover and main generator were situated inside the car body.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to put a B-unit into a locomotive consist.

Thanks Rich!

Also, for the curious minds, here's UP 963B with the F marking

Even GG1s which are truly bi-directional have a "F" on them.  It is found on the side with the steam generator.

Ok thanks now..... how about Lionel think they cared or had a way they showcased them or had them in drawings, a certain way or where they also drawn or photograph either way.. (lol)? thanks daniel

@GG1 4877 posted:

Even GG1s which are truly bi-directional have a "F" on them.  It is found on the side with the steam generator.

Lets all remember that the "F", to designate the "FRONT",  on all locomotives other than steam, was/is required by federal law.

Found this.  While not specifically the road name you have, it appears Lionel's intention was to have the B unit with the Big roof fan "forward" towards the lead A unit.    Based on the Manual cover.

And keep in mind, should you ever get a powered B-unit, if there is no “F” on the shell, be sure that it is moving in the same direction as the powered A-unit at startup.

EscapeRocks thats what  I thought ..

because "IF" it had a nose back to back the vents would  match  the A A unit with two of the same nose engines ...(evan though real life ran them both ways) its just I see so many art work  , and "old" pictures of them running the way I had them..  .

Im just not sure if lionel evan cared or worried about showing the correct way and where happy just to see them sold anyway someone wanted..  daniel

@Hot Water posted:

Lets all remember that the "F", to designate the "FRONT",  on all locomotives other than steam, was/is required by federal law.

I was trying to remember when that became federal law.  I was thinking mid 30's?  Was it a requirement by the ICC?

@GG1 4877 posted:

I was trying to remember when that became federal law.  I was thinking mid 30's?  Was it a requirement by the ICC?

Yes, i.e. the ICC, which is now the FRA (Federal Railroad Administration).