Diesel horn orientation on FT

[jblackwelljr]

My Stewart FT came with a few detailed parts that needed to be attached. Among these were the 2 horns. So, I attached them. Then I saw some prototype pictures where the horns are mounted in opposite directions - 1 forward, 1 backward. Then I saw some where they both face forward. Would I be politically incorrect to leave them as they are, or should I turn one (and does it matter which one)?

Believe it or not, this has been bugging me ever since I did it. My goodness, in a few short months I’ve gone from “I think I’ll nail down some track and run a choo-choo train” to “No, son, in November of 1937 the Pennsy switched from Fels Naptha to Ivory in all their restrooms.” Is this normal behavior?

[David_Telesha]

First things first you're perfectly normal. Welcome to the world of modeling!

Second it depends on the RR, and exact unit.

Most had 1 forward (engineer side) and one backward (fireman side).

However I have pics of NH FA-1's with the standard mentioned above, opposite the above, and both forward! This was done after shopping and what not and just happened.

[SSW9389]

Jim you can get away with almost anything these days as long as the prototype police are not knocking your door down. If you model a particular prototype, then yes get a picture to model from and there you are. If you have your own line you can do what you want.

[wjstix]

Which railroad are they decorated for?? I believe with the early single-chime "blat" airhorns the standard design was one facing forward, one backward, but each railroad had their own way of doing things.

BTW you are normal - for a model railroader !! Can't comment on how we match up with the 'real world'.

[(-D]

[jblackwelljr]

I’m modeling the RDG and PRR (transition era)– right now working on the RDG. I’ve looked at the Reading RR Technical & Historical Society Diesel Roster pictures and I think they’re front/back, but it’s really hard for my “eagle eyes” to determine for sure. I’m not too concerned – they can be re-oriented if anybody complains. Now about that soap………

[GN-Rick]

Absolutely normal behavior. A good goal in model railroading-as in life-is to
improve yourself. Increasing knowledge, ability are all steps on that road.
I sure got that way about my own prototype.