SP Unit 1526: Three Cars in Front and Three Cars Behind

Exhibit Q-13 shows an engine with three cars in front of it and three cars in back of it, although only two of the three cars can be seen in back of the engine in this picture. The picture was taken at the 7th Street Terminal. It is common practice to switch cars in this fashion in order to spot them at various industries along public streets. Under such conditions, however, it is essential to have a fireman on the left hand side of the cab to advise the engineer of the clearances and any other train and vehicular traffic that may be approaching. Just on the other side of this train to the left are two mainline tracks and two lead tracks which must be protected against by the fireman.