Normal practice would be for the locomotive to be turned on a turntable so that it could be coupled to the other end of the train and run funnel first, as it had on its northward journey. However, this was not done, and 324 was coupled to run tender first, thus giving the driver and fireman no protection from the elements in their open cab.

The driver's visibility was severely curtailed by the conditions under which he was driving, with snow and coal dust blowing straight into his face with the engine running in reverse.

Reference:
Historical Triumphs and Disasters website. The Elliot Junction rail crash, 1906
http://historicaltriumphsanddisasters.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-elliot-junction-rail-crash-1906.html (accessed 14Nov20)