In Episode 45- Eric Explains EMD SD's and his experience with Running Long Hood Forward - LHF. Well, the LIRR did so, too!
First thing, my understanding is that running the locomotives LHF was a LIRR company preference, not a safety decision. According to copies of documents from ALCO, the short hood of the Century (C420s, 2000hp) (delivered 1963-1968) and Road Switcher (RS1-3, 1600hp) (delivered 1948-1955) series was touted as being equally protective in a head-end collision. I am not sure I completely buy into this, so it is possible that the LIRR did not either, but I was under the impression that the influx of steam-era guys in management and engine service influenced the decision to have the C420 set-up for LHF operation, as delivered from ALCO. Note: The left hand engineer seat added the problem of seeing the PRR style 8 light position signals installed on the right hand side of the ROW...
C420 #225 in the "wave" scheme running LHF at Pine Aire, NY c.1968
Here's RS3 #1555 passing Queens Village, NY 3/18/1962 Photo: Richard Adams Archive: Tim Darnell
By the early 1970's , the LIRR was looking to replace the first L1's (C420's), RS1's, Rs3's, and S1's. ALCO was not building engines in the US and the carrier was not buying MLW engines from Canada . The serious option considered was GE and the UB18's . However, when the new Master Mechanic came from the Milwaukee Road (which just ordered MP 15's), the order was placed for MP15's and the GP38's.
SW1001s and MP15ACs (delivered 1977, 1500hp generally ran long-hood forward, but would also run "glass out" as seen in the photo below!
LIRR #153 Smithtown, NY 6/07/2006
Eric's history discussion of the SD series was very interesting and informative, as is his excellent Warbonds channel (go have a look!), thank you.
Best,
Steve Lynch
Trainsarefun.com – LIRR History 26th Year http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrcontents.htm