Alco RS question

[sirenwerks]

Does anyone know why Alco added the wider three-pane window to one side of the RS3 cab, rather than continue the symetrical two-pane design on both sides of the cab like on the RS2? And did that design aspet appear on all phases of the RS3?

[Doug G.]

Some RS-2s and RS-1s had/have three windows on the fireman's side too. As to why, I don't know. Could the three windows all be slid open for one big opening or not? If not, the two windows on the engineers side may have been there to allow the engineer to lean out more to see the train and they may have reasoned the fireman didn't have to do that and just needed a smaller opening for ventilation.

Just speculating, of course.

Doug

[sirenwerks]

I noticed that too, later while looking at photos and not the drawings.  It makes me wonder if the three-part window may not have been onL RS3s.  I may have to break down and enter the labyrinth of the Alco forum...

[Spikre]

 
  believe the 3 Pane window was to Assist Switching moves.
  maybe the RS-3s that didn't have it were Passenger service engines ?
  N&W RS-11s had 3 pane windows also,but N&W had Alco put almost
  every Freight Service Option in most of their RS-11 fleet.
  recall that these locos were called "Road Switchers"
  some Baldwin units had it, and the NYC Lima Road Switcher Fleet had
  them also.
  2 Extra Fixed cab Side windows seemed to Originate at GE, but some EMDs
  had them also.
       Spikre
         
     

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think it was a builder option, and might have had something to do with having a third crew member in the cab. I think there was a jump seat near that extra window for a brakeman.