EMD switcher question...

[Blutorse4792]

What made EMD decide to switch from the big rounded windows to the smaller, squared off ones?
I've also noticed that many railroads started to paint over the arches or cover them with metal.

Was it a safety issue?

 

[JIb228]

While I dont know for sure, Id say it was coast effective. A square piece of glass is cheaper to make then a rounded one.

 

[JohnnyC1]

Especially when it come to repairing/replacing broken/cracked glass.
John

 

[magickmaker]

They're also a safety issue. The squarer windows are easier to make in safety glass, where as the rounded ones could break at the curve points.

As to railroads painting over the "arches" that's more just a cosmetic thing.

 

[jadebullet]

They most likely switched for standardization purposes. That way they could use one size glass plane for various cabs.