I'm curious as to what purpose Dog Houses served, what sort of equipment was inside them, and also if anyone has any photos of the interior of a Dog House.

Thanks,

Joe

Dog houses gave a conductor or brakeman shelter whil watching the train for shifting loads or hot-boxes. They usually had flares, torpedoes, flags and lanterns.

Martin

To add to "Loggerhogger's" post:

In the 'old days' many long freight trains had a 5 man crew: Engineer & Fireman in the locomotive.....Conductor in the caboose......rear brakeman in the caboose.......head brakeman in the engine. The doghouse gave the head brakeman a place to observe the train (usually facing backwards). Some roads like the B&O modified their loco cabs for an additional seat for the head brakeman.

Passenger trains had their crews on board the cars and didn't warrant a caboose nor a "doghouse". Thus the doghouse was primarily for freight operations.

Some younger readers of RyPN might not know what is being talked about here. Dog houses were small enclosures on the tenders of steam locomotives. A photo of one would be nice.

Les

You mean like this?



Frisco 1630 at IRM has had it's dog house restored stince it arrived at the museum, but I couldn't find a photo.

Does anyone have a photo of the interior of a Dog House?

Of course 6167 etc. have 4 seats in the cab - 2 seat boxes for the Engineer and Fireman and 2 jump seats on the rear of the cab. The Fireman's side door had a window that could be lowered and had an arm rest, while the Engineer's Side door does not have a window (funny how many models get that wrong), there was also a safety chain at each door to keep the guy from falling out if he was sitting in a jump seat with the door open.

Joe

Andy and Dennis -

Thanks for furnishing the photos. Two very good examples.

Les

Here's the interior of B&LE 643's doghouse. Pretty spartan inside, though there is a steam heat radiator against the rear wall.

Tim -

Thanks for the photo. Pretty interesting. Makes me wonder how many locomotives are running today with doghouses on their tenders. Also makes me wonder if anyone has ever considered selling the seat in the doghouse to paying riders. Would you pay a premium for a seat in one of the D&RGW narrow gauge Mikes for instance? (Yes, I know it is late and pass my bedtime and I'm not thinking very clearly right now!)

Les

I don't think so, Les. After all, they use ta have ta PAY people to ride in there.

Same with steam locomotive cabs, but we've seen where that's gone. :)

Here are a few more of the dog house on 643