Looking at stock photos of recent MTH releases, I’ve seen the diesel configured for long hood forward, yet the bell is situated on the short hood. Would this be a possible configuration in 1:1 scale?
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It always depends upon the specific railroad you are modeling, but it is possible. In many cases, but not always hood unit diesel electrics that were configured for long hood forward operation had dual controls for bi-directional operation. This was the case with CNJ GP7Ps which generally ran long hood forward, but the bell was typically found on the short hood.
What railroad and locomotive type are you looking for information on?
Jonathan, thank you for your reply. I’m not looking for anything specific. Just happened to notice this while perusing some of MTH’s new offerings, GP35 specifically, and thought it odd the the bell was on the short hood, when the engine cab figure was facing the long hood.
To plead the case for accuracy, there is nothing "ornamental" about a locomotive bell's purpose. They function as warning signals to others near and on the right of way, typically on a slow-moving engine or train.
I was referring only to the world of toy trains when I wrote “ornamental bell”. I am aware they’re fully functional in the real world.
