Can a loco that is double ended be described as left hand drive? Surely it would be right hand drive for 50% of the time?
Briefly, the boiler (not boilers) has a common steam space over the two fireboxes. The reason for two fireboxes was that the prototype had a single firebox but it was quickly realised that the uneven pull of two smokeboxes caused draughting issues. Because the boiler is continuous from one smokebox to the other the driver occupies one side with the associated controls (reverser, brake, regulators etc) and the fireman the other with corresponding items (bunkers, injectors, fireholes etc.).
I'm sure someone with experience of these locos can give more info.
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