Re: (erielack) Louvered FA2 diesels...

[A Samostie <quahog_@_sprint.ca>]

Dear Group,

James G Flynn wrote:
> 
>         Paul, and All,
> 
>         I'm guessing that the "head" (latrine for you army guys) was in
> the nose.  And the screening was added for ventilation.  I read somewhere
> that louvers seen on the PA's in later days was for that purpose. 

Perhaps it's an "urban legend," but it would make sense to move the head
up there -- easier for the crew to get to, and lots of unused space
inside
a PA nose!  Can anyone confirm this "once and for all"???? 

> Don't know why they removed them again though.  I hope they served their
> intended purpose because they sure didn't do anything for their looks.
> 
>         Jim Flynn
>         ELHS # 2598
>         jimbatt1_@_juno.com

As for aesthetics of the modifications...
I don't think the louvers on the sides of the PA noses did irreparable
harm
to their appearance.  I find the MU connection "ramp" above the
headlights
of the PAs and FAs (apparently used only on the Erie) takes some getting
used to.  Ann Arbor and Wabash installed MU receptacles flanking the
headlight, which ruined the appearance of that "nifty" Alco grille.

Other than the UP's ex-PA2 gas turbine control cabs, I think NKP takes
the
prize for "PA butchery" by cutting a notch for the bell in the corner of
the nose (although the bell does look kinda neat there, it messes up the
streamlined effect).  I hope that whatshisname in Oregon (who is an NKP
fan and plans to make "his" PA a NKP version) will leave the nose
intact.  

Cheers,
Alan <quahog_@_sprint.ca>

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