The cab-forward locomotive design was first experimented with in Italy and adopted by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the United States. The purpose was to allow for smoke and gases to exhaust behind the cab so as not to asphyxiate the crew while moving through long tunnels. Here are a few views of these unique locomotives. The first two are circa 1911.
In this circa 1920 view, we see an oil-fired cab-forward locomotive equipped with a 'whale back' oil tender pulling the famous 'Overland Limited'. I assume the passengers were instructed to keep the windows and doors closed so they wouldn't get asphyxiated!
For more information on cab-forward locomotives, click here:
