Trains Question: Why do freight trains with two or more locomotives often have at least one turned backwards? Answer: A key element here is the fact that locomotives are bi-directional: they can move and pull a load just as well no matter which end is pointed forward. The other factor is that it isn't easy to turn one of them around and it's time consuming. So why bother? Of course the first locomotive at the front of the train will always face forward. Anything else would look stupid. And any engineer willing to run a train while facing the rear is probably operating with a loose caboose.