One short whistle means STOP. One long whistle (three to 10 seconds) means the train is approaching a station. Two short whistles mean that the engineer acknowledges that he or she heard or saw a signal that affects movement. Three short ones mean that the engineer intends to make a reverse movement.
How many whistles does a train have?
Train Horn RequirementsTrain horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short, and 1 long blasts. The pattern must be repeated or prolonged until the lead locomotive or lead cab car occupies the grade crossing. The rule does not stipulate the durations of long and short blasts.
Why do train horns sound different?
The main reason why trains have multiple horns is to have multiple tones. The various tones make it easier to distinguish between different types of signals and make them more audible. Having multiple tones helps to differentiate between warning signals and emergency signals.
What makes the train whistle?
The steam will alternately compress and rarefy in the bell, creating the sound. The pitch, or tone, is dependent on the length of the bell; and also how far the operator has opened the valve. Some locomotive engineers invented their own distinctive style of whistling.
Do different trains have different whistles?
What does a long train whistle mean?
Today, the only whistle signals you're likely to hear regularly are the grade-crossing warning (which is also often used to warn employees or others on the tracks); two (or three) shorts to indicate the engineer has received a signal to start the train forward (or backward); and one long blast when a train is …
Why are train whistles so loud?
Also, trains generally do not stop at level crossings, instead relying on pedestrians and vehicles to clear the tracks when they pass. Therefore, from their beginnings, locomotives have been equipped with loud horns or bells to warn vehicles and pedestrians that they are coming.
How many dB is a real train horn?
between 110-140 decibelsHow many decibels is a real train horn? Car horns and train horns are measured differently because of their size, a train horn is much bigger and can create more noise. Train horns are typically between 110-140 decibels in sound level!
What does it mean when a train honks 4 times?
Anyway, don't blame the engineer: They're required to blow that horn. The regulation in question is called the Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns—a name that strongly implies they've had just about enough of your bitching—and it requires four blasts 15 to 20 seconds before every crossing.