Johnson Bar Latch

[milwiron]

Quick question: Should the latch handle on a Johnson bar be on the front towards the front of the engine or towards the back of the cab? I've seen both ways in both models and prototypically with "towards the back of the cab" seeming to be the most popular. Is on the back more prone to accidental bumping putting the engine in forward "gear"?
I honestly can't remember what I did on the CP173 I built so many years ago, I suspect it was towards the front of the engine.
I understand either will work just fine, curious what people prefer.
Thanks much,
Denny

[hoppercar]

I prefer it facing to the back....but it doesn't really matter, and with a strong enough spring to keep it latched in place, it's not going to get bumped into forward anyway

[kcameron]

I suspect in the prototype having the latch handle on the forward side was easier to operate with prototype sized hands. But for the model, I'm thinking more of fingers operating the handle so having the latch on the rear side would be easier if you operate it from behind the cab. I would say the choice would depend a lot on how you reach it. From ones I've used there is a clear easier and harder side to work from.