Train horns in North America: Difference between revisions

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	] locomotive equipped with a Leslie model S3L air horn. These particular horns have been nicknamed 'Conrail Horns' by fans.]]
	'''Train horns''' are audible warning devices found on most diesel and electric ]s. They most commonly are used for internal communication between train staff, i.e. during ] operations, and for warning purposes to members of the public who are near on on the rail line, for example on a ].

	==History and background==

	As diesel locomotives began to replace steam on many ]s, it was realized that the new locomotives were unable to utilize the ]s then in use. Early ] locomotives were initially fitted with truck horns, but these were found to be unsuitable, and so the air horn design was modified for railroad use.

	==Operation==

	Classic train horns are operated by compressed air, typically 130-145 ] (9-10 ]), and fed from a locomotive main air ]. On American locomotives built prior to the early ], they are actuated by a manual lever or pull-cord. Current American locomotives, as well as European models built since the mid-], make use of pushbutton controls.

	The basic operation of a train horn, or most any air horn for that matter, is that the air flow throughout
	the horn causes ], producing sound waves. Oscillation in a train horn is accomplished via a ]. When air is applied to the horn, the diaphragm begins to vibrate. Since the position of the diaphragm at any given moment during the vibration will allow more or less air through the horn, the constant oscillation of the diaphragm causes "waves" of air which in turn produce audible sound.

	The configuration and dimensions of the bell ("''bell''" being the correct term for the trumpet assembly) determine the frequency produced (measured in ]), and hence, the ].

	Many early three and five-note train horns were designed to play basic musical ].

	==Manufacturers==
	=== North America ===

	There have been six major manufacturers of air horns for railroad use in North America. Of these, only Airchime, Ltd. and Leslie Controls, Inc. remain today.

	====Gustin Bacon Mfg. Co.====
	''The Gustin Bacon Mfg. Co.'' of ] offered airhorns for use on railroad equipment prior to the ].

	====The American Strombos Co.====
	]
	''The American Strombos Co.'' of ] (later to become
	known as Buell) sold modified truck
	horns for rail use. They were often
	installed on small locomotives and
	]s ''(for example the ])''.

	====Westinghouse Air Brake Co.====

	''Westinghouse'' (under their '']'' subsidiary) was the first to offer airhorns specifically for railroad equipment, going
	as far back as the ]. Their model ''E2'' was known by many for the
	deep, commanding tone it produced.
	Overshadowed later on by their post-WWII competitors, WABCO no longer produces
	horns for the North American market.

	====Leslie Controls, Inc.====
	].]]
	''Leslie Controls'' originally began horn production by obtaining the rights to manufacture the ] line of ''Tyfon'' brand airhorns, marketing these for railroad use in the early
	]. Their model ''A200'' series graced the rooftops of countless locomotives, such as the legendary ], as well as thousands of ] ] and ]. Leslie would later introduce their own line of multi-note airhorns, known as the ''Chime-Tone'' series, in direct competition with Nathan-AirChime.

	Poor sales of the Chime-Tones (due to the added weight of the assembled horn, as well as requiring an ample air supply) led the Leslie Co. to develop the ''SuperTyfon'' line of horns utilizing interchangeable parts. Horns were offered in single, dual, triple, quad (in the case of ] locomotives), and five note variants. Until recently, ''SuperTyfon'' products were the mainstay of almost all railroad motive power in the ].
	] of the ].]]
	]s.]]

	====Nathan-AirChime, Ltd.====
	].]]
	] paint scheme.]]
	''Nathan-AirChime, Ltd.'' got their start in train horn production through the work of ] in ]. Prior to the early ], locomotives were equipped with airhorns that sounded but a single note.

	Swanson set out to change this by developing a horn which could almost mimic the sound of a classic steam
	whistle. Using ancient Chinese ], Swanson produced the six-note model ''H6''. However pleasant the horn may have sounded, this was impractical for railroad use due to its relatively large size and weight. It should be noted that since railroad equipment operates in areas restricted by physical clearance, the difference of only a few inches may prohibit that equipment from operating on the line in question. Swanson would later refine the design into the ''H5''.
	As the model number indicates, this horn sounded a five-note, adjustable chord.

	Nathan-AirChime has since gone on to perfect their horn design with the ''M'' (]), ''P'' (]), and ''K'' (]) series, respectively.

	====Prime Manufacturing, Inc.====
	]
	''Prime Manufacturing, Inc.'' had produced locomotive appliances for many years prior to their entry into the horn market in the early ]. Basically a ] of the Leslie ''SuperTyfon'' design (due to a Leslie ] expiration), though the Prime versions employed heavier castings and sounded a somewhat richer ] as a result. Sales were brisk (] was a notable customer), and unable to compete with offerings from Leslie and AirChime, as well as ever-stringent government regulation, Prime left the horn market in ].

	==Location and placement==

	As many people do with their personal vehicles, railroads order locomotives with many different options in order to suit their operating and maintenance practices.

	Horns are no exception, and railroad mechanical forces mount these on locomotives where they are deemed most effective at projecting sound. Below are a few images depicting the most common mounting locations:

	<br clear=all>
	<gallery>
	Image:S3L_ATSF.jpg\|Leslie model S3L air horn mounted atop the cab roof of a Santa Fe locomotive in the classic location.
	Image:P5_NS.jpg\|On many locomotives with high short hoods, such as this Norfolk Southern ], the air horn can be located away from the operating cab.
	Image:K5H_bracket.jpg\|AirChime model K5H mounted on a custom bracket. Not only is the horn located here, but the air-operated bell as well.
	Image:K5HL_GEVO.jpg\|On newer locomotives, the horn is mounted atop the engine compartment due to complaints from train crews. However, ] performance suffers, and the sound is often muffled.
	</gallery>
	<br style="clear:both;">

	==Common horn signals==
	The meaning of horn signals varies from country to country. Most countries with large former or current state-owned railway networks, like ], ] or ], use standardized meanings of horn signals on their networks, whilst in other countries, for example the ], meanings of horn signals can vary between railway operators.
	===United States===
	Railroads are required by a variety of state and federal laws to sound horns in advance of all crossings. Horns are sounded for safety reasons, namely, to warn of approaching trains.

	The following are the required horn signals listed in the operating rules of most railroads, along with their meanings. Signals are illustrated by an "'''-'''" for short sounds, and "'''.'''" for longer sounds.

	{\| class="toccolours"
	! bgcolor=#CCCCCC \| Sequence
	! bgcolor=#CCCCCC \| Meaning
	\|-
	\|'''Succession of short sounds'''
	\|Used when an emergency exists, or if persons or livestock are on the track.
	\|-
	\|'''.'''
	\|When train is stopped. The air brakes are applied and pressure is equalized.
	\|-
	\|'''. .'''
	\|Train releases brakes and proceeds.
	\|-
	\|'''- -'''
	\|Acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for.
	\|-
	\|'''- - -'''
	\|When train is stopped: means backing up, or acknowledgment of a hand signal to back up.
	\|-
	\|'''- - - -'''
	\|Request for a signal to be given or repeated if not understood.
	\|-
	\|'''. - - -'''
	\|Instruction for flagman to protect rear of train.
	\|-
	\|'''. . . .'''
	\|Flagman return from the west or south.
	\|-
	\|'''. . . . .'''
	\|Flagman return from the east or north.
	\|-
	\|'''. . - .'''
	\|Train is approaching public grade crossing(s). This is known as ''Rule 14L'' in almost all railroad operating rules.
	\|-
	\|'''. -'''
	\|Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.
	\|}
	===Germany===
	Horn signals are regulated in the ''Zp'' category of the ]. Their most common use today is when approaching a ] that lacks barriers, and for warning purposes.

	Common signals are:<ref>{{de icon}}{{cite web\|url=http://www.stellwerke.de/signal/deutsch/zp.html\|title=www.stellwerke.de - Signalsystem in Deutschland\|accessdate=2007-02-05}}</ref>

	{\| class="toccolours"
	! bgcolor=#CCCCCC \| Sequence
	! bgcolor=#CCCCCC \| Meaning
	\|-
	\|'''-'''
	\|Zp 1 - Generic "Attention" signal.
	\|-
	\|'''.'''
	\|Zp 2 - Tighten handbrakes.
	\|-
	\|'''. .'''
	\|Zp 3 - Strongly tighten handbrakes.
	\|-
	\|'''- -'''
	\|Zp 4 - Loosen handbrakes
	\|-
	\|'''... ... ...'''
	\|Zp 5 - Emergency. Brake immediately.
	\|-
	\|'''- . -'''
	\|Zp 11 - Come. Used to call out for train staff.
	\|}

	==Government ruling on the use of train horns==

	On April 27, 2005, the ] (FRA), which enforces rail safety regulations, published the final rule on the use of locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings. Effective June 24, 2005, the rule requires that locomotive horns be sounded at all public grade crossings 15-20 seconds before entering a crossing, but not more than one-quarter mile (400 m) in advance. This rule applies when the train speed is below 45 ] (70 km/h). At 45 mph or above, trains are still required to sound their horn at the designated location (usually marked with a ]).

	The pattern for blowing the horn remains two long, one short, and one long. This is to be repeated as necessary until the lead locomotive fully occupies the crossing. Locomotive engineers retain the authority to vary this pattern as necessary for crossings in close proximity, and will be allowed to sound the horn in emergency situations no matter where the location.

	A ban on sounding locomotive horns in ] was ordered removed by the FRA after it was shown that the accident rate ''doubled'' during the ban. The new ruling preempts any state or local laws regarding the use of the train horn at public crossings. This also provides public authorities the option to maintain and/or establish quiet zones provided certain supplemental or alternative safety measures are in place, ''and the crossing accident rate meets government standards''.

	==Train horns and popular culture==
	] modified with the addition of a locomotive horn and bell. This is the preferred setup of many train horn collectors.]]

	Fitting a train horn to ]s or an ] has become the current ] of many vehicle customizers.{{fact}} One should keep in mind that train horns are extremely powerful devices, and use of one while in motor vehicle traffic can cause an accident. They may also violate local noise ]s. Recent years have seen an increase of horn theft from railroad property, it is believed that the great majority of these crimes are perpetuated for the benefit of vehicle customizers and truckers.{{fact}}

	On the other hand, there are those who collect train horns for their rarity and nostalgic value. Such items can command high prices among collectors. One rule of thumb may be that if the horn(s) are mounted prominently on the vehicle, the owner is a responsible collector, whilst those of the faddish vehicle customizer are generally hidden from view on the vehicle in question.

	Due to the encroachment of development, some ] dwellers (known derisively as ]s and ]) have opposed the railroad use of the air horn as a trackside warning device. This despite
	the fact that in most locations, the railroad had been established long before the development sprang up.

	Residents in some communities have attempted to establish ''quiet zones'', in which train crews are instructed not to sound their horns, except in case of emergency. Given the speed at which many trains travel, as well as the disparity in ] between railroad equipment and an automobile or truck, incidents often occur without warning. The effects of a train colliding with an errant automobile have been likened to that same automobile striking an empty soda can.{{fact}}

	==External links==

	* - Complete text on the ruling concerning the use of locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.

	* - The original online spotters guide to diesel locomotive horns as used throughout the United States and Canada. Fully illustrated, with audio samples and background information on each horn.

	* - Collectors guide to locomotive horns. Includes information on identifying rare makes and models, restoration, and maintenance.

	* - Makers of SuperTyfon brand air horns for rail, marine, and industrial use.

	* - Offers air horns and whistles for both heavy and ] applications.


	===Audio samples===

	The following audio files are in ] format:

	* (306])

	* (256kB)

	* (340kB)

	* (197kB)

	* (209kB)

	* (174kB)

	* (194kB)

	* (255kB)

	* (221kB)
	{{unref\|date=February 2007}}
	]
	]
	]
	]
	]

Latest revision as of 04:54, 29 December 2007

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Train horn#North America