We've all seen car crash tests, so here is a video of locomotive crash tests.  Turn your volume down if you don't wish to hear cheesy disco music

 

These locomotive crash tests were performed in the 1980s after a series of fatal (to the engineer) crashes.   The DOT wanted to see how different cab designs reacted in various crash scenarios.  They were also testing for something called "climbing"... that is when the impacting vehicle climbs up and over the impacted vehicle.  one of the results of these tests where the "safety cabs" we see on virtually all modern freight locomotives.  Apparently it made such a difference to the safety of the crew, that when older locomotives go in for a major rebuild, they have their cabs converted to the new style.  

 

 

 

A comfort cab loco:

 

A Spartan Cab loco

 

Good training.

 

I turned it UP.

No no... not UP, those are BNSF and NS.

pardon

UP:

 

 

BNSF:

 

 

NS:

Looks like the solution was to move the front of the cab to the 2nd 'axle' rather than above the first.

Not sure a whole study was necc. for that, but OK:

 

Edited December 15, 201510 yr by balthazar

Looks like the solution was to move the front of the cab to the 2nd 'axle' rather than above the first.

Not sure a whole study was necc. for that, but OK:

 

 

Huge differences in visibility.

And safety, in retrospect.

Cool stickers, bro.

Anyone need more of the "Here comes the Express!"