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{{short description|Audible signaling device on a steam locomotive}} {{short description|Audible signaling device on a steam locomotive}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2022}}
]]] ]]]


A '''train whistle''' or '''air whistle''' (originally referred to as a '''steam trumpet''') is an audible signaling device on a ], used to warn that the train is approaching, and to communicate with rail workers. Modern diesel and electric locomotives primarily use a powerful ] instead of a whistle as an audible warning device. However, the word ''whistle'' continues to be used by railroaders in referring to such signaling practices as "whistling off" (sounding the horn when a train gets underway). A '''train whistle''' or '''air whistle''' (originally referred to as a '''train trumpet''' or '''air trumpet''') is an audible signaling device on a ] or ], used to warn that the train is approaching, and to communicate with rail workers. Modern diesel and ]s primarily use a powerful ] instead of a whistle as an audible warning device. However, the word ''whistle'' continues to be used by railroaders in referring to such signaling practices as "whistling off" (sounding the horn when a train gets underway).


The need for a whistle on a locomotive exists because trains move on fixed ] and thus are uniquely susceptible to ]. This susceptibility is exacerbated by a train's enormous weight and inertia, which make it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. Hence a means of warning others of the approach of a train from a distance is necessary. As train whistles are inexpensive compared to other warning devices, the use of loud and distinct whistles became the preferred solution for railway operators. The need for a whistle on a locomotive exists because trains move on fixed ] and thus are uniquely susceptible to ]. This susceptibility is exacerbated by a train's enormous weight and inertia, which make it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. Hence a means of warning others of the approach of a train from a distance is necessary. As train whistles are inexpensive compared to other warning devices, the use of loud and distinct whistles became the preferred solution for railway operators.


]s were almost always actuated with a ] (or sometimes a ]) that permitted proportional (]) action, so that some form of "expression" could be put into the sound. Many locomotive operators would have their own style of blowing the whistle, and it was often apparent who was operating the locomotive by the sound. Modern locomotives often make use of a push button switch to operate the air horn, eliminating any possibility of altering the horn's volume or pitch. ]s were almost always actuated with a ] (or sometimes a ]) that permitted proportional (]) action, so that some form of "expression" could be put into the sound. Many locomotive operators would have their own style of blowing the whistle, and it was often apparent who was operating the locomotive by the sound. Modern locomotives often make use of a push button switch to operate the air horn, eliminating any possibility of altering the horn's volume or pitch.

==History==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2020}}
⚫ ] EMU working on the ]. The whistles on the Class 483s were used by the previous ] units and even the ] locomotives and were fitted to the Class 483 units when the trains were rebuilt from ] in 1989. Like the Class 483, ] trains still use air whistles today, with modern stock still required to have them present.]]

John Holliday describes the history of train whistles as originating in 1832, when a stationmaster suggested, at the opening of the ], that the trains should have an audible signaling device. A local musical instrument builder was commissioned to provide a steam-powered whistle, then known as a "steam trumpet".

The article also describes a train collision with a cart, where the driver had blown a horn (steam whistles having not as yet been invented). One account states that Weatherburn, the engine driver, had "mouthblown his horn" at the crossing in an attempt to prevent the accident, but that no attention had been paid to this audible warning, perhaps because it had not been heard. Although nobody was injured, the accident was deemed serious enough to warrant George Stephenson's personal intervention. Stephenson subsequently called a meeting of directors and accepted the suggestion of the company manager, Ashlin Bagster, that a horn or whistle which could be activated by steam should be constructed and fixed to the locomotives. Stephenson later visited a musical instrument maker in Duke Street in Leicester, who, on Stephenson's instructions, constructed a "steam trumpet", which was tested in the presence of the Board of Directors ten days later.

Stephenson mounted the whistle on the top of the boiler's steam dome, which delivers dry steam to the cylinders for locomotion. The device was apparently about {{convert|18|in|mm}} high and had an ever-widening trumpet shape with a {{convert|6|in|mm|adj=on}} diameter at its top or mouth. The company went on to mount similar devices on its other locomotives.

There is another account that sets the invention of the steam whistle against the actual opening of the line in 1832, rather than associating it with a specific incident.


==North American usage== ==North American usage==
North American steam locomotive whistles have different sounds from one another. They come in many forms, from tiny little single-note shriekers (called "banshees" on the ]) to larger plain whistles with deeper tones (a deep, plain train whistle is the "hooter" of the ], used on their A- and Y-class ]s). Even more well known were the multi-chime train whistles. Nathan of New York copied and improved ]'s boiler-tube chime whistle by casting the six chambers into a single bell, with open "steps" on top to save on casting. This whistle is still considered the "king of train whistles".{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} It is the most copied train whistle in the United States, and many railroads' shops cast their own version of it. ]n steam locomotive whistles have different sounds from one another. They come in many forms, from tiny little single-note shriekers to larger plain whistles with deeper tones (a deep, plain train whistle is the "hooter" of the ], used on their A- and Y-class ]s). Even more well known were the multi-chime train whistles. Nathan of New York copied and improved ]'s boiler-tube chime whistle by casting the six chambers into a single bell, with open "steps" on top to save on casting.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}}


Another very popular American train whistle was, again, a Nathan product. This was a five-note whistle, with a much shorter bell, and therefore, much higher in pitch. This whistle produced a bright G-major 6th chord (GBDEG) and, again, was heavily imitated, copies being made by many different railroads. Another very popular American train whistle was, again, a Nathan product. This was a five-note whistle, with a much shorter bell, and therefore, much higher in pitch. This whistle produced a bright G-major 6th chord (GBDEG) and, again, was heavily imitated, copies being made by many different railroads.


The most popular American chime train whistle was the three-note version. These were either commercially made (Crosby, Lunkenheimer, Star Brass, Hancock Inspirator Co. among others) or shop-made by the railroads themselves. Some famous and very melodious shop-made train whistles were Pennsy's passenger chimes and the ]'s step-top three chimes. But the most beloved of all three-chime train whistles to the public and railroaders alike were the deep-chorded "steamboat minor" long-bells.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} A well known commercially made chime was Hancock Inspirator Company's three-note step top. These found use on almost every American railroad. Some railroads copied these also, examples being found on the old ] and ]. The most popular American chime train whistle was the three-note version. These were either commercially made (Crosby, Lunkenheimer, Star Brass, Hancock Inspirator Co. among others) or shop-made by the railroads themselves. Some famous and very melodious shop-made train whistles were Pennsy's passenger chimes and the ]'s step-top three chimes. But the most beloved of all three-chime train whistles to the public and railroaders alike were the deep-chorded "steamboat minor" long-bells.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} A well known commercially made chime was Hancock Inspirator Company's three-note step top. These found use on almost every American railroad. Some railroads copied these also, examples being found on the old ], ] and ].

==UK usage==
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2021}}

In the United Kingdom, it is normal for diesel and electric multiple-units and locomotives to have two horns, of different pitches (rather like two-tone emergency road vehicles—police cars, etc.). This has given rise to drivers "playing" unofficial combinations of low and high notes. When passing through the local station in the Yorkshire town of ], drivers soon began to play the first line of the chorus of the folk song, "]" on their horns, using a series of short blasts: low, h-i-g-h high high, low, high, until the practice was stopped by authorities.

The first four notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony—played during World War II as the ] ''V'' (for Victory)—can be sounded on a train horn as three short notes and a longer one, often the last note on the lower-tone horn.

Early railways, before continuous brakes, had the communication chain or cord from the carriages connected to a "brake whistle" on the engine. This was usually of a lower note than the normal whistle used by the driver.


⚫ ] EMU working on the ]. The whistles on the Class 483s were used by the previous ] units and even the ] locomotives and were fitted to the Class 483 units when the trains were rebuilt from ] in 1989.]]
]]] ]]]

Engines of Britain's ] carried two whistles, one low- and one high-pitched. The high-pitched whistle was for warning of the trains approach and for giving shunting signals. The low-pitched whistle was for sending braking instructions to the crew on the train before the advent of ] and was retained for the same purpose for goods operations. Some whistle-signals required use of both whistles. Some Great Western "]"—from where the driver operated the steam engine's regulator and brakes, when the engine was propelling one or more autocoaches—still had a whistle connection with the engine's brake whistle, although a gong (much like a tram gong) was fitted at the front of each autocoach and was operated by the driver using a foot treadle.

Back in the days of steam, when ]s pushed long goods trains up steep gradients (or "banks"), the train would come to a halt at the bottom of the bank. The assisting engine—or "]"—would either be attached to the rear of the train, or just come up against the guard's brake van's buffers. Then the banker's driver would whistle—using a series of long blasts and shorts. This told both the signalman and the driver of the train engine that he was ready. The train engine's driver would reply in similar fashion and, with signals at clear, they would set off in unison. If the banker was coupled to the train, when it reached the top of the bank, the train would stop or come to a crawl for the banker to be uncoupled; if not, the banker's driver would just ease off the regulator, allowing the train to continue on its way, with, of course, a whistled "goodbye".


==Noise complaints from train whistles== ==Noise complaints from train whistles==
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The need to blare a train's whistle loudly to be heard by the driver of a vehicle approaching a ] has become a major disadvantage to the use of train whistles as a safety device and has caused much controversy among those living within earshot of the train's whistle. It has been documented that a train's whistle, when operating on ], driving an ], has been measured at a higher ] levels within the homes of nearby residents than within the cab of a vehicle sitting at the grade crossing.<ref name="FRA 1999–6439">{{cite web|title=Federal Railroad Administration |publisher=Federal Railroad Administration|url=http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/Default.asp}}</ref> The need to blare a train's whistle loudly to be heard by the driver of a vehicle approaching a ] has become a major disadvantage to the use of train whistles as a safety device and has caused much controversy among those living within earshot of the train's whistle. It has been documented that a train's whistle, when operating on ], driving an ], has been measured at a higher ] levels within the homes of nearby residents than within the cab of a vehicle sitting at the grade crossing.<ref name="FRA 1999–6439">{{cite web|title=Federal Railroad Administration |publisher=Federal Railroad Administration|url=http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/Default.asp}}</ref>


Given the tonal design of the train whistle, the sound level, how often trains pass through a given community, the number of grade crossings in proximity, and the time of day (night) of occurrence, community residents residing near crossing sometimes feel that train whistles have a serious detrimental effect on the ] despite the gain in safety that sounding the horn provides to motorists and pedestrians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96471&page=1|title=Ill. Residents Want Train Whistle Ban To Remain|date=2000-07-18|access-date=2011-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Rule Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/1773.shtml|title=FRA Train Horn Rule Fact Sheet|access-date=2011-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508232727/http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/1773.shtml|archive-date=2011-05-08}}</ref> However, one ] study has shown that the frequency of grade crossing accidents increases in areas where ''quiet zones'' are in effect.<ref name="FRA 1999–6439" /><ref name="FRA9-15">{{cite web |url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Safety/train_horn_rule/national_report_f9-15.pdf |title=Region |format=PDF |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509051713/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Safety/train_horn_rule/national_report_f9-15.pdf |archive-date=2009-05-09 }}</ref> The study fails to account for other factors that were also introduced at the same time which may have also accounted for the reduction in accidents during the same period the study measured.<ref name="FRA9-15" /> For instance, it was during the same period that locomotives began sporting the now crucially important tri-lamp headlight arrangement ("ditch lights") and reflector strips similar to those commonly found on highway tractor-trailers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/PubAffairs/NYT%20Response%20FRA%20Successes.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917223159/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/PubAffairs/NYT%20Response%20FRA%20Successes.pdf |archive-date=2008-09-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releasesold/48 |title=Federal Railroad Administration :Press Room |website=FRA.DOT.gov |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713162444/http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releasesold/48 |archive-date=2009-07-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/technical_working_group/twg_part_4.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917203501/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/technical_working_group/twg_part_4.pdf |archive-date=2008-09-17 }}</ref> Additionally, the measurements were based on accidents at grade-crossings, which are very low numbers overall to begin with. A grade-crossing that had two accidents during the comparison years, when contrasted with only one accident during the control period, would statistically yield a high percentage-wise improvement in safety, when in reality, it was the difference in only one accident for that grade-crossing. Given the tonal design of the train whistle, the sound level, how often trains pass through a given community, the number of grade crossings in proximity, and the time of day (night) of occurrence, community residents residing near crossing sometimes feel that train whistles have a serious detrimental effect on the ] despite the gain in safety that sounding the horn provides to motorists and pedestrians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96471&page=1|title=Ill. Residents Want Train Whistle Ban To Remain|website=] |date=2000-07-18|access-date=2011-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Rule Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/1773.shtml|title=FRA Train Horn Rule Fact Sheet|access-date=2011-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508232727/http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/1773.shtml|archive-date=2011-05-08}}</ref> However, one ] study has shown that the frequency of grade crossing accidents increases in areas where ''quiet zones'' are in effect.<ref name="FRA 1999–6439" /><ref name="FRA9-15">{{cite web |url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Safety/train_horn_rule/national_report_f9-15.pdf |title=Region |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509051713/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Safety/train_horn_rule/national_report_f9-15.pdf |archive-date=2009-05-09 }}</ref> The study fails to account for other factors that were also introduced at the same time which may have also accounted for the reduction in accidents during the same period the study measured.<ref name="FRA9-15" /> For instance, it was during the same period that locomotives began sporting the now crucially important tri-lamp headlight arrangement ("ditch lights") and reflector strips similar to those commonly found on highway tractor-trailers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/PubAffairs/NYT%20Response%20FRA%20Successes.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917223159/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/PubAffairs/NYT%20Response%20FRA%20Successes.pdf |archive-date=2008-09-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releasesold/48 |title=Federal Railroad Administration :Press Room |website=FRA.DOT.gov |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713162444/http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releasesold/48 |archive-date=2009-07-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/technical_working_group/twg_part_4.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917203501/http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/technical_working_group/twg_part_4.pdf |archive-date=2008-09-17 }}</ref> Additionally, the measurements were based on accidents at grade-crossings, which are very low numbers overall to begin with. A grade-crossing that had two accidents during the comparison years, when contrasted with only one accident during the control period, would statistically yield a high percentage-wise improvement in safety, when in reality, it was the difference in only one accident for that grade-crossing.


Conversely, there are those who do not object to the train whistle, as they believe it provides an important safety feature.<ref>There were over 3000 wide ranging public comments regarding quiet zone rule. 70 FR 21844, </ref> Some people even like the sound of the whistle, as it calls to mind a nostalgic era, as with the riverboats and their steam whistles and ]. However, no real studies have been performed by unbiased official entities to measure the real effects such noise has on a community.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090908/NEWS0107/909080387/1001/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01 |title=Seeking Silent Nights |newspaper=The Bulletin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605101820/http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090908/NEWS0107/909080387/1001/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01 |date=2009-09-08 |archive-date=2011-06-05 |access-date=2020-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Gilbert |url=http://www.opprairie.com/Articles-c-2009-09-22-199938.112113_Quiet_zone_gains_steam.html |title=Quiet zone gains steam |website=OpPrairie.com |date=2009-09-22 |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725144240/http://www.opprairie.com/Articles-c-2009-09-22-199938.112113_Quiet_zone_gains_steam.html |archive-date=2012-07-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessnorth.com/kuws.asp?RID=3063 |title=News From 91.3 KUWS |website=BusinessNorth.com |access-date=2009-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Frankfort Station Staff |url=http://www.frankfortstation.com/Articles-c-2009-09-21-199887.112113_Frankfort_Hosts_Quiet_Zone_Open_House.html |title=Frankfort Hosts Quiet Zone Open House |website=FrankfortStation.com |date=2009-09-21 |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725142611/http://www.frankfortstation.com/Articles-c-2009-09-21-199887.112113_Frankfort_Hosts_Quiet_Zone_Open_House.html |archive-date=2012-07-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sanclementetimes.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1897&cntnt01dateformat=%25B%20%25d%2C%20%25Y&cntnt01returnid=99 |title=Local News You Can Use |newspaper=San Clemente Times |access-date=2009-11-03}}</ref> Conversely, there are those who do not object to the train whistle, as they believe it provides an important safety feature.<ref>There were over 3000 wide ranging public comments regarding quiet zone rule. 70 FR 21844, </ref> Some people even like the sound of the whistle, as it calls to mind a nostalgic era, as with the riverboats and their steam whistles and ]. However, no real studies have been performed by unbiased official entities to measure the real effects such noise has on a community.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090908/NEWS0107/909080387/1001/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01 |title=Seeking Silent Nights |newspaper=The Bulletin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605101820/http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090908/NEWS0107/909080387/1001/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01 |date=2009-09-08 |archive-date=2011-06-05 |access-date=2020-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Gilbert |url=http://www.opprairie.com/Articles-c-2009-09-22-199938.112113_Quiet_zone_gains_steam.html |title=Quiet zone gains steam |website=OpPrairie.com |date=2009-09-22 |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725144240/http://www.opprairie.com/Articles-c-2009-09-22-199938.112113_Quiet_zone_gains_steam.html |archive-date=2012-07-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessnorth.com/kuws.asp?RID=3063 |title=News From 91.3 KUWS |website=BusinessNorth.com |access-date=2009-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Frankfort Station Staff |url=http://www.frankfortstation.com/Articles-c-2009-09-21-199887.112113_Frankfort_Hosts_Quiet_Zone_Open_House.html |title=Frankfort Hosts Quiet Zone Open House |website=FrankfortStation.com |date=2009-09-21 |access-date=2009-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725142611/http://www.frankfortstation.com/Articles-c-2009-09-21-199887.112113_Frankfort_Hosts_Quiet_Zone_Open_House.html |archive-date=2012-07-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sanclementetimes.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1897&cntnt01dateformat=%25B%20%25d%2C%20%25Y&cntnt01returnid=99 |title=Local News You Can Use |newspaper=San Clemente Times |access-date=2009-11-03 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


Quiet zones are created in municipalities where citizens of the community complain of the noise pollution from the increasing number of trains which decreases their quality of life. In order to be approved for quiet zones, extensive safety and traffic studies must be conducted. Municipalities and the owners of the tracks must work together to ensure all federal regulations are being met. Quiet zones require improvements which would include installing standard or conventional automatic warning devices such as gates with lights if not already installed Medians must be installed at the railroad crossings to ensure vehicles do not proceed into the opposite lane to go around the gates.<ref name="Rule Fact Sheet" /> Once all safety measures are completed train whistles will be silenced at the railroad crossings. Quiet zones are created in municipalities where citizens of the community complain of the noise pollution from the increasing number of trains which decreases their quality of life. In order to be approved for quiet zones, extensive safety and traffic studies must be conducted. Municipalities and the owners of the tracks must work together to ensure all federal regulations are being met. Quiet zones require improvements which would include installing standard or conventional automatic warning devices such as gates with lights if not already installed. Medians must be installed at the railroad crossings to ensure vehicles do not proceed into the opposite lane to go around the gates.<ref name="Rule Fact Sheet" /> Once all safety measures are completed train whistles will be silenced at the railroad crossings.


==Whistle code== ==Whistle code==
Train whistles are used to communicate with other railroad workers on a train or in the yard. Specific combinations of long and short whistles have specific meanings. They are used to pass instructions, as a safety signal, and to warn of impending movements of a train. Despite the advent of modern radio communication, many of these whistle signals are still used today. (See also ].) Train whistles are used to communicate with other railroad workers on a train or in the yard. Specific combinations of long and short whistles have specific meanings. They are used to pass instructions, as a safety signal, and to warn of impending movements of a train. Despite the advent of modern radio communication, many of these whistle signals are still used today. (See also ].)


Signals illustrated below are for North American railroads, "'''·'''" for short sounds, and "'''–'''" for longer sounds. Signals below are American practice: {{morse|dot|noindent=yes}} represents short sounds, and {{morse|dash|noindent=yes}} for longer ones.


{| class="toccolours" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! style="background:#ccc;"| Sequence ! Sequence
! style="background:#ccc;"| Meaning ! Meaning
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''Succession of short sounds'''
⚫ | Acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for
⚫ | Used when an emergency exists, or if persons or livestock are on the track.
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''–'''
| When train is stopped. The air brakes are applied and pressure is equalized. | When train is stopped: backing up, or acknowledgment of a hand signal to back up; when moving: stop at next station
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''– –'''
⚫ | Request for a signal to be given, or repeated if not understood
⚫ | Train releases brakes and proceeds.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''· ·'''
| When train is stopped: air brakes are applied and pressure is equalized
⚫ | Acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''· · ·'''
⚫ | Train releases brakes and proceeds
| When train is stopped: means backing up, or acknowledgment of a hand signal to back up; when moving: stop at next station.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dash|dash|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''· · · ·'''
⚫ | Flagman return from the west or south
⚫ | Request for a signal to be given or repeated if not understood.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dash|dash|dash|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''– · ·'''
⚫ | Flagman return from the east or north
⚫ | Warning that a second section of a timetabled train is following.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''– · · ·'''
⚫ | Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes
⚫ | Instruction for flagman to protect rear of train.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''– – – –'''
⚫ | Warning that a second section of a timetabled train is following
⚫ | Flagman return from the west or south.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''– – – – –'''
⚫ | Instruction for flagman to protect rear of train
⚫ | Flagman return from the east or north.
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dash|dot|noindent=yes}}{{morse|ldash|noindent=yes}}
| '''– – · –'''
| Train is approaching public grade crossing(s). This is known as ''Rule 14L'' in almost all railroad operating rules. (mostly heard in the United States and Canada and sometimes Australia.) | Train is approaching public grade crossing(s), known as ''Rule 14L'' in almost all ]; also used in Australia
|- |-
| '''– ·''' | '''Series of short blasts'''
⚫ | An emergency exists, or if persons or livestock are on the track
⚫ | Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.
|} |}
⚫ Not all railroads use exactly the same whistle signals or assign the same meanings. Some railroads will use their own variations of the above. A few of the signals are obsolete because the workers they were used to communicate with (such as ]) are now obsolete.


===Other whistle codes=== ===Other whistle codes===
⚫ In ] these signals are used:
⚫ Not all railroads use exactly the same whistle signals or assign the same meanings. Some railroads will use their own variations of the above. A few of the signals are obsolete because the workers they were used to communicate with (such as flagman) are now obsolete.

⚫ In ], for example, the following whistle signals are used:


{| class="toccolours" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! style="background:#ccc;"| Sequence ! Sequence
! style="background:#ccc;"| Meaning ! Meaning
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''·'''
| Stand by or general acknowledgement. | Stand by or general acknowledgement
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''· ·'''
| Apply or increase manual brakes. | Apply or increase manual brakes
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''· · ·'''
| Apply manual brakes to stop the train as soon as possible. | Apply manual brakes to stop the train as soon as possible
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''–'''
| Approaching railroad station or blind curve. | Approaching railroad station or blind curve
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''- ·'''
| Decrease manual brakes. When repeated, decrease brakes fully. | Decrease manual brakes; when repeated, fully release brakes
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''– · ·'''
| Prepared for change of tracks, crossing or other situations that necessitates a gentle approach. | Prepared for change of tracks, crossing or other situations that requires a gentle approach
|- |-
| '''Multiple short''' | '''Multiple short'''
| Danger. | Danger
|} |}


In ], the following are some of the signals used: These are some of the signals used in ]:


{| class="toccolours" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! style="background:#ccc;"| Sequence ! Sequence
! style="background:#ccc;"| Meaning ! Meaning
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''·'''
| Engine is starting forwards. | Engine is starting forwards
|- |-
| {{morse|dot|dot|noindent=yes}}
| '''· ·'''
| Engine is about to run backwards | Engine is about to move backwards
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dot||noindent=yes}}
| '''– ·'''
| Warning, used before arriving to a crossing. | Warning, used approaching a crossing
|- |-
| {{morse|dash|dash|dash|noindent=yes}}
| '''– – –'''
| Danger. | Danger
|} |}


Latest revision as of 23:36, 9 January 2025

Audible signaling device on a steam locomotive
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One of two (front and rear) whistles on steam locomotive 60163 Tornado

A train whistle or air whistle (originally referred to as a train trumpet or air trumpet) is an audible signaling device on a steam or gas locomotive, used to warn that the train is approaching, and to communicate with rail workers. Modern diesel and electric locomotives primarily use a powerful air horn instead of a whistle as an audible warning device. However, the word whistle continues to be used by railroaders in referring to such signaling practices as "whistling off" (sounding the horn when a train gets underway).

The need for a whistle on a locomotive exists because trains move on fixed rails and thus are uniquely susceptible to collision. This susceptibility is exacerbated by a train's enormous weight and inertia, which make it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. Hence a means of warning others of the approach of a train from a distance is necessary. As train whistles are inexpensive compared to other warning devices, the use of loud and distinct whistles became the preferred solution for railway operators.

Steam whistles were almost always actuated with a pull cord (or sometimes a lever) that permitted proportional (tracker) action, so that some form of "expression" could be put into the sound. Many locomotive operators would have their own style of blowing the whistle, and it was often apparent who was operating the locomotive by the sound. Modern locomotives often make use of a push button switch to operate the air horn, eliminating any possibility of altering the horn's volume or pitch.

North American usage

North American steam locomotive whistles have different sounds from one another. They come in many forms, from tiny little single-note shriekers to larger plain whistles with deeper tones (a deep, plain train whistle is the "hooter" of the Norfolk & Western, used on their A- and Y-class Mallet locomotives). Even more well known were the multi-chime train whistles. Nathan of New York copied and improved Casey Jones's boiler-tube chime whistle by casting the six chambers into a single bell, with open "steps" on top to save on casting.

Another very popular American train whistle was, again, a Nathan product. This was a five-note whistle, with a much shorter bell, and therefore, much higher in pitch. This whistle produced a bright G-major 6th chord (GBDEG) and, again, was heavily imitated, copies being made by many different railroads.

The most popular American chime train whistle was the three-note version. These were either commercially made (Crosby, Lunkenheimer, Star Brass, Hancock Inspirator Co. among others) or shop-made by the railroads themselves. Some famous and very melodious shop-made train whistles were Pennsy's passenger chimes and the Baltimore and Ohio's step-top three chimes. But the most beloved of all three-chime train whistles to the public and railroaders alike were the deep-chorded "steamboat minor" long-bells. A well known commercially made chime was Hancock Inspirator Company's three-note step top. These found use on almost every American railroad. Some railroads copied these also, examples being found on the old St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, Southern Railway (U.S.) and Illinois Central.

An air whistle mounted on a British Rail Class 483 EMU working on the Island Line. The whistles on the Class 483s were used by the previous Class 485 and 486 units and even the Class 71 locomotives and were fitted to the Class 483 units when the trains were rebuilt from 1938 tube stock in 1989.
GWR twin whistles, seen on 7827 Lydham Manor

Noise complaints from train whistles

It is not uncommon for the sound of a train's whistle to propagate for miles; yet vehicle operators still have a difficult time hearing the warning signal due to the vehicle's soundproofing and ambient noise within the cab (such as engine, road, radio, and conversation noises).

The need to blare a train's whistle loudly to be heard by the driver of a vehicle approaching a grade crossing has become a major disadvantage to the use of train whistles as a safety device and has caused much controversy among those living within earshot of the train's whistle. It has been documented that a train's whistle, when operating on compressed air, driving an exponential horn, has been measured at a higher decibel levels within the homes of nearby residents than within the cab of a vehicle sitting at the grade crossing.

Given the tonal design of the train whistle, the sound level, how often trains pass through a given community, the number of grade crossings in proximity, and the time of day (night) of occurrence, community residents residing near crossing sometimes feel that train whistles have a serious detrimental effect on the quality of life despite the gain in safety that sounding the horn provides to motorists and pedestrians. However, one Federal Railroad Administration study has shown that the frequency of grade crossing accidents increases in areas where quiet zones are in effect. The study fails to account for other factors that were also introduced at the same time which may have also accounted for the reduction in accidents during the same period the study measured. For instance, it was during the same period that locomotives began sporting the now crucially important tri-lamp headlight arrangement ("ditch lights") and reflector strips similar to those commonly found on highway tractor-trailers. Additionally, the measurements were based on accidents at grade-crossings, which are very low numbers overall to begin with. A grade-crossing that had two accidents during the comparison years, when contrasted with only one accident during the control period, would statistically yield a high percentage-wise improvement in safety, when in reality, it was the difference in only one accident for that grade-crossing.

Conversely, there are those who do not object to the train whistle, as they believe it provides an important safety feature. Some people even like the sound of the whistle, as it calls to mind a nostalgic era, as with the riverboats and their steam whistles and calliopes. However, no real studies have been performed by unbiased official entities to measure the real effects such noise has on a community.

Quiet zones are created in municipalities where citizens of the community complain of the noise pollution from the increasing number of trains which decreases their quality of life. In order to be approved for quiet zones, extensive safety and traffic studies must be conducted. Municipalities and the owners of the tracks must work together to ensure all federal regulations are being met. Quiet zones require improvements which would include installing standard or conventional automatic warning devices such as gates with lights if not already installed. Medians must be installed at the railroad crossings to ensure vehicles do not proceed into the opposite lane to go around the gates. Once all safety measures are completed train whistles will be silenced at the railroad crossings.

Whistle code

Train whistles are used to communicate with other railroad workers on a train or in the yard. Specific combinations of long and short whistles have specific meanings. They are used to pass instructions, as a safety signal, and to warn of impending movements of a train. Despite the advent of modern radio communication, many of these whistle signals are still used today. (See also Train horn § Common horn signals.)

Signals below are American practice: ▄  represents short sounds, and ▄▄▄  for longer ones.

Sequence Meaning
▄ ▄  Acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for
▄ ▄ ▄  When train is stopped: backing up, or acknowledgment of a hand signal to back up; when moving: stop at next station
▄ ▄ ▄ ▄  Request for a signal to be given, or repeated if not understood
▄▄▄  When train is stopped: air brakes are applied and pressure is equalized
▄▄▄ ▄▄▄  Train releases brakes and proceeds
▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄  Flagman return from the west or south
▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄  Flagman return from the east or north
▄▄▄ ▄  Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes
▄▄▄ ▄ ▄  Warning that a second section of a timetabled train is following
▄▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄  Instruction for flagman to protect rear of train
▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄ ▄▄▄▄  Train is approaching public grade crossing(s), known as Rule 14L in almost all railroad operating rules; also used in Australia
Series of short blasts An emergency exists, or if persons or livestock are on the track

Not all railroads use exactly the same whistle signals or assign the same meanings. Some railroads will use their own variations of the above. A few of the signals are obsolete because the workers they were used to communicate with (such as flagman) are now obsolete.

Other whistle codes

In Norway these signals are used:

Sequence Meaning
▄  Stand by or general acknowledgement
▄ ▄  Apply or increase manual brakes
▄ ▄ ▄  Apply manual brakes to stop the train as soon as possible
▄▄▄  Approaching railroad station or blind curve
▄▄▄ ▄  Decrease manual brakes; when repeated, fully release brakes
▄▄▄ ▄ ▄  Prepared for change of tracks, crossing or other situations that requires a gentle approach
Multiple short Danger

These are some of the signals used in Finland:

Sequence Meaning
▄  Engine is starting forwards
▄ ▄  Engine is about to move backwards
▄▄▄ ▄  Warning, used approaching a crossing
▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄  Danger

See also

References

  1. ^ "Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA 1999–6439, Notice No. 18]". Federal Railroad Administration.
  2. "Ill. Residents Want Train Whistle Ban To Remain". ABC News. 2000-07-18. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  3. ^ "FRA Train Horn Rule Fact Sheet". Archived from the original on 2011-05-08. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  4. ^ "Region" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-05-09. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  5. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2008-06-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Federal Railroad Administration :Press Room". FRA.DOT.gov. Archived from the original on 2009-07-13. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  7. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2008-06-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. There were over 3000 wide ranging public comments regarding quiet zone rule. 70 FR 21844,
  9. "Seeking Silent Nights". The Bulletin. 2009-09-08. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
  10. Gilbert, Michael (2009-09-22). "Quiet zone gains steam". OpPrairie.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  11. "News From 91.3 KUWS". BusinessNorth.com. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  12. Frankfort Station Staff (2009-09-21). "Frankfort Hosts Quiet Zone Open House". FrankfortStation.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  13. "Local News You Can Use". San Clemente Times. Retrieved 2009-11-03.

External links

Whistles and whistling
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