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A train horn is an audiable warning device utilized by Locomotives and other Railroad rolling stock.

Train horns are powered solely by high-pressure air, typically 130-145 . They can be actuated by manual lever/pull-cord, or as in the case of most modern locomotives, by pushbuttons from within the operating cab.

Many early train horns were designed to play basic musical Chord s.


HISTORY


There have been four manufacturers of train horns for use in North America . These included Westinghouse (under their '''WABCO''' subsidiary), '''Nathan-AirChime Ltd.''', '''Leslie Controls, Inc.''', and '''Prime Manufacturing, Inc.'''

  • Westinghouse was the first to offer airhorns for railroad equipment, going as far back as the 1910s . Their ''E2'' model graced the rooftops of countless locomotives, and was known for it's deep, commanding tone. Overshadowed early on by their competitors, WABCO no longer produces horns for the North American market.


  • Nathan-AirChime Ltd. got it's start in train horn production through the work of Robert Swanson in 1949 . Prior to the early 1950s , diesel 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 Musical Theory , Swanson produced the six-note model ''H6''. However pleasant the horn may have sounded, this was impractical for Railroad use due to it's immense size (over two feet tall), and weight (almost 100 pounds in the initial Cast Iron version). One has to remember that 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'' ( 1950 ), ''P'' ( 1953 ), and ''K'' ( 1954 ) series, respectively.


  • The Leslie Co. originally began horn production by obtaining the rights to manufacture Kockum Sonic's line of ''Tyfon'' brand airhorns, marketing these for railroad use in the early 1930s . Leslie would later develop their own line of multi-note airhorns, known as the ''SuperTyfon'' series, in direct competition with Nathan-AirChime. Until recently, ''SuperTyfon'' horns were the mainstay of almost all railroad motive power in the United States .


  • Prime Manufacturing, Inc. had produced locomotive appliances for many years prior to their entry into the horn market in the early 1970s . Basically a derivative of the Leslie ''SuperTyfon'' design (due to a Leslie Patent expiration), though the Prime versions employed heavier castings and sounded a somewhat richer tone as a result. Sales were brisk, and unable to keep up with offerings from Leslie and Nathan-AirChime, as well as ever-stringent FRA regulation, Prime left the horn market in 1999 .



TRAIN HORNS AND POPULAR CULTURE


Fitting a train horn to trucks or SUV 's has become the current Fad of many vehicle customizers. One should be reminded though, 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 Ordinance s.

On the other hand, there are those who collect train horns for their rarity and/or nostalgic value. Such items can command high prices among collectors. One rule of thumb could 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 (such as mounted within the hood or trunk) on the vehicle in question.

In recent years, due to the encroachment of development (particularly of the Residential type), some Suburban dwellers (known derisively as NIMBY s) 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 esablished long before the development sprang up. Residents in many communities have established ''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 mass between railroad equipment and an automobile or truck, such emergencies often occur without advance warning. The effects of a train colliding with an errant automobile have been likened to that same automobile striking an empty soda can.


EXTERNAL LINKS


  • Five Chime Consultants - 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.


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