What were the design considerations/ reason for having the engineer stand while operating the ÖNN 1020? Especially on long hilly terrain? Did the engineers hate this?
The idea behind why you used to work standing as a train driver was that it was assumed that the train driver would be able to concentrate better on the work than if you drove while sitting.
As Pennywise said, it was believed that the driver would be more focused if he operated the loco while standing. This mentality came from the old steam engines, where the driver wouldn't even have much time to sit, as the controls weren't all easily reachable from a sitting position. Also, steam engines ran much shorter distances before they needed refuling or were replaced by another engine, so the driver had many more opportunities for a quick break where he could sit. Germany began to electrify parts of its network in the 1920s and 30s. These were mostly lines in the South and East on the mountain lines, where the electric locos had the power advantage. But here the first problems would occur, as the electric locos could run much longer distances in one shift without needing any refuling stops. Drivers became tired of standing all day long and often put stools in the cabs to sit down while driving. After WWII, the mentality changed, and the new Einheitselektrolokomotiven of the DB were designed for a sitting driver. Of course, the older locomotives remained in service for many decades after this, and the cab couldn't be easily changed. The last 1020 retired from active service in 1995 (after more than 50 years in service).
Could be worse though: How about standing outside the cabin on a running board? Honestly, this might have been actually practical back in the day before remote controls as they're in use for decades now, but for health and safety it's a 2-axled nightmare.
Ahh that makes sense! Thank-you. Never thought about these were essentially being designed right after steam trains. I thought about that after driving the BR 365 for the first time, which seemed like some "modern" offspring of a steam train
The 365 is a bit of a different case, as it's a shunter. Shunters change their driving direction a lot, so it would be annoying if the driver would need to change the cab every time he changes directions. Therefore, they have a central cab in the middle of the loco. That's why they, even though they have seats, are also designed to be operated while standing, as the driver has to get off and on the loco often.
