Bill --
Top-mounted headlights were not that rare on the Q's steamers. They were
very common (dare I say 'standard'?) on moguls, ten-wheelers, the first
prairies (R-1s, R-2s) and most classes of six-wheel switcher. They also
appeared on quite a few Atlantics, Americans, consolidations (not just the
Lines West D-4s), and some other classes. Obviously, these were all
relatively small engines, so perhaps maximizing visability was a motive for
placing (or keeping) lamps as high as possible. It also appears that the
top-of-the-smokebox position was an early or intermediate feature (photos
show lots of 'box' headlights and cuckoo clocks up there). Some of these
headlights later were relocated to the upper front face; repositioning in
the other direction seems to have been more rare, but it did happen, as in
the case of those western consolidations you cite.
The above is based on a quick perusal of photos available to me (Otto
Perry, various Burlington Bulletins, Corbin & Kerka). I hope someone more
knowledgeable can tell you (us) the full story.
Jonathan
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