A rather odd but interesting question

General
1

Hey everyone!

So recently, a friend of mine considered replacing the horn in my 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD SRW crew cab with a Nathan K5HL and add a GW Type 2 E-Bell as a joke since I’m obsessed with trains, He got the idea when I randomly bought him a K5LA and GW Type 2 E-Bell for his 2011 Honda Civic SI and he put it on - maybe some people here know a bit about cars like me - I’m not sure but I ended up getting the K5HL from an ES44AC (don’t know the exact information about the horn) Its in a pale green color (Ferromex Maybe) but it was off of Facebook Marketplace I found it when I was looking for an ES44AC body for an Atlas ES44AC that had no body.

This is what my truck looks like:

2019-chevrolet-silverado-3500hd-ltz-4x4-4dr-crew-cab-srw
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This is the horn image (from the listing, I can get any currently since I put it into storage after I got it)
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Here’s an image of the GW Type-2 E-bell (It was delivered this morning by an Awesome UPS Driver who knows a thing or two about trains!)
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Any ideas on where to mount it would help a lot!

I am mounting the horn on the roof of the truck and giving it a black repaint too so it matches the truck

2

Probably a 99% chance it’s a stolen horn.

I never got the fascination. But if you mount it to the roof, there’s a 99% chance someone else will steal it - so the cycle of life goes on.

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3

Fair point on it probably being stolen, I know FOR SURE that train horns get stolen in Mexico, and what if I mount it on the underbody?

4

They get stolen this side of the border, too.

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5

Yeah, for example, NS 1070 and its horn getting stolen

6

Keep in mind that it is illegal to use that horn on a motor vehicle. You would not mount it up top for that reason, too…

The standard place to mount one on a pickup with a frame is ‘inverted’ under the front footboards, behind the transfer case if you have four-wheel drive. You will need a substantial air compressor (and the power to run it) plus a reasonable-volume pressure tank for any serious ‘blowing’. On the flip side the necessary arrangement would give you adequate cfm@90 or better for air tools in the field, plus supply for a Kelderman rear in the truck.

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7

Other than figuring out how to run the horn and how to mount it, putting it on the roof will make a difference as to how many fewer underground parking lots you will be able to fit in. My friend mounted one under his truck once and it got so muddy, so fast he would have to unmount it constantly to clean it so it would work.

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8

This is a Gemini Overview of what @Woke_Hoagland said about the horn being ‘illegal’

In most jurisdictions, while it’s generally legal to have a train horn on your car, its use is heavily regulated. Specifically, it’s not illegal to install one, but using it excessively or in a way that disrupts the peace could lead to fines or penalties. Many areas prohibit excessively loud horns, and some may require them to be installed only on designated vehicles like emergency response units. Additionally, safety concerns arise from misuse, which could lead to accidents or aggressive behavior from other drivers.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Legality of installation:

Most states do not prohibit installing an air horn or train horn on a personal vehicle.

  • Use regulations:

Many jurisdictions have noise ordinances or laws regarding the use of horns. These may limit the decibel level of horns or prohibit their use in residential areas.

  • Potential penalties:

Using a train horn excessively or in a way that violates noise ordinances could result in fines or other penalties.

  • Safety considerations:

While some argue that a loud horn can improve visibility, misuse could lead to accidents or aggressive reactions from other drivers.

  • State-specific laws:

Laws regarding horns vary by state, so it’s crucial to research your local regulations.

  • Emergency vehicle use:

Some areas may only allow train horns on designated emergency response vehicles.

In summary, while having a train horn on your car is generally legal, it’s crucial to understand and abide by local noise ordinances and regulations regarding the use of horns. Excessive use could lead to penalties and should be avoided, according to BossHorn

I talked with a friend of mine and mounted it on a sports bar on the back. The bell can also go there, but it’s not going to be my daily driver, but it will have special bolts that I’ll make myself, or I’ll just weld it to the sports bar (probably not a good idea)

9

Just buy a vehicle that’s all tricked out and ready to go:

jb4293 UP Van 1983 by Jim Burd, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

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10

Ed, where are the foam nozzles under the front bumper, for that hydrophobia fanac?

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11

Along with a hissing steam connector coming out the rear! There’s a brass locomotive bell behind the Lexan window on the side.

Regards, Ed

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12

The foam is produced by the driver…

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