[SRman]

I have always treated locos with motor bogies (ie drive at one end) as running marginally better with the motor trailing - even so this can vary from model to model.

For DCC, I treat the radiator end as forwards. There are exceptions or variations to this rule. For some reason, Bachmann class 66s with DCC sound have the silencer end as forward by default and the radiator end as reverse.

The other awkward types are double ended ones with engines and radiators at both ends, eg Deltics, Westerns and Warships, and also class 53 Falcon. There may be others I have missed.

Ultimately, it doesn't really matter as long as you know whatever convention you decide to use.

 

[SRman]

QUOTE (ME 26-06 @ 3 Mar 2008, 09:46) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>On my diesel engines, the cab labelled #1 is "front".

Same with electrics.

But if I put a number 1 on the cab of (say) my Western, some of my 4mm scale passengers might get confused and think it's the first class section!

(pity we don't have a "tongue-in-cheek" smiley!)