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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sandpatch" data-source="post: 413399" data-attributes="member: 10543">It's mostly just the way that they come off the ready track at the engine terminal.  No need to turn them.  Most roads operate with the cab leading for good visibility for the crew, but the direction on the trailing units doesn't matter.  Diesel locomotives are happy to run in either direction.  Some roads (like the Southern Railway) once preferred long end first for crew protection at grade crossings.When you see that many units coupled together, it's often to balance power -- the road had more trains in one direction, so they have to run some back the other way.  In such a case, they often leave some idling or shut down.</blockquote>