Thanks everyone for the very useful information. I think I'll try to incorporate an Armstrong turntable if I can, because I like seeing turntables in operation, but if not then at least a run-around so that the engine can run tender first at the right end at least!
Although it wasn't unheard of for a steam engine to work backwards on a branch line that didn't have a turntable or other turning facility at the end of the line, it was much less common than it would be for a line served by a diesel. In fact, many of the early diesel purchases were specifically for serving a branchline so that a turntable could be eliminated. (For example, EMD's BL-1 and BL-2 engines, BL stood for "Branch Line", and were an attempt to modify the FT diesel to serve branch lines, switch yards etc.)
mlehmanOn many roads, engines assigned to service that included reverse running would often be equipped with rear headlights, sometimes even a pilot, on the rear of the tender. Tenders would sometimes have coal pocket extensions that were narrow enough that the engineer could see past them easily when backing.
As a fun fact some times the head brakeman would ride on the tender deck and watch things and signal the engineer if there was a need.
I've seen photos of cabooses with headlights mounted on the roof and combines that had a headlight mounted either off center or center..I suppose the brakeman would ride on the platform protecting the shove.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
And also how much money the financiers of the rail line were willing to spend.
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Mike Kieran
Port Able Railway
I just do what the majority of the voices in my head vote on.
Bob,
In New England, there was a bit more of a tendency to use Forney's or other style tank engines, so your regional flavor is working in your favor if you want to use that as a solution for motive power.
On many roads, engines assigned to service that included reverse running would often be equipped with rear headlights, sometimes even a pilot, on the rear of the tender. Tenders would sometimes have coal pocket extensions that were narrow enough that the engineer could see past them easily when backing.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Bob,It would depend on the branch some had a wye,some a armstrong turntable and others nothing.
A branch could have been built as a second thought to appease the local or state government or may have started life as a locally backed short line to give a community rail access and this short line was bought by a larger road and could have all the trimmings line a one or two stall engine house,turntable a water tank and coal tipple..
Another thing is as traffic died on the branch railroads would take track out of service since there was no traffic left beyond a small town or mile post, some times a flood would damage or destroy a bridge and the railroad elected not to repair or replace the bridge.
So,it wasn't uncommon for a steam engine to return tender first on some branch lines..
Hi - hoping to tap in to the wealth of knowledge here to help plan my 1920's New England layout.
I wonder what was most common practice on small branch lines when a local would run to the end of the line and have to return. Would all branch lines have turning facilities, or did locos make return runs tender-first as routine? I won't have room for a turning loop or a wye on my shelf layout, but a small turntable would fit. Would that have been the norm in such cases?
Thanks,
Bob