I live less than a mile from the local train yard. The switching/storage tracks cross a couple of streets repeatedly, due to the layout of the yard. It’s not unusual to hear the SW switchers blowing horns at the crossings. In fact, it’s gotten to where I don’t even notice it anymore. Recently, they’ve been doing some switching with a Geep, that has a very distinctive horn sound. Think sick dinosaur mating call: ssprroooooonnnkk ([xx(]) Because of the horn, I notice it more than in the past.
Question: I hear many times, where the engineer is blowing a single toot, or occasionally two quick toots.( If you can imagine two quick ssprrooooonnkks [:P]) What is he signaling, and to whom? All the switchmen wear radios, so it doesn’t seem like there’d be a need to signal with the horn. Is the dinosaur just lonely?
To add to what Mudchicken said a-once and a-twice, it’s possible that the engineer is just trying to eliminate a little clutter on the radio waves. There are times when it’s hard to get a word in edgewise, especially around yards, with everyone giving the required acknowledgements, following FCC standards, and with radio-controlled switches responding, etc., etc., etc.
(Every once in a while somebody proposes to install radios in our towers–so far we’ve held 'em off!)
During a cab ride a while back the conductor called something up to the engineer by radio while the engineer had his hand on the horn rope for an upcoming crossing. Rather than take his hand off the rope to key the radio, he just gave two quick tugs.
I’ve had engineers acknowledge me the same way. Even though we’re the only ones on the radio, sometimes it’s just easier.
IIRC, in the days before air brakes, - - meant release brakes.
The RC switcher used by the cogen plant at work uses - - and - - - to warn that the string of hoppers they are unloading is about to move. I think they control the loco from a console in the dumping building and the longs might be shorts that they just can’t quite feather properly with the remote control.
Here’s the current NORAC rules:
Engine Whistle or Horn Signals
The following are engine whistle or horn signals. The signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “-” for long sounds. The sound of the whistle or horn should be distinct, with intensity and duration proportionate to the distance the signal is to be conveyed. The unnecessary use of the engine whistle or horn is prohibited.
Engine whistle or horn signal must be sounded as follows:
SOUND INDICATION
(a) **-** Crew members apply brakes.
(b)- - o - 1. Approaching public crossing at grade and at a whistle post indicating “W” or “W/MX.” This signal is to be prolonged or repeated until engine or train is on the crossing, or, where multiple crossings are involved, until the last crossing is occupied. The whistle or horn must not be sounded at a whistle post indicating “W/R,” except in case of emergency.
Approaching locations where Roadway Workers may be at work on tracks, bridges and other points.
I would prefer the engineer give me a ring of the bell or a horn signal as opposed to a radio response, when we are within eyesight of each other.
It lets me know he is watching out for me, what I do, and keeping track of where I am, besides keeping the channel clear of clutter.
As Carl pointed out, with all the FRA required talk/talk back stuff, getting a word in edgewise is pretty hard on a busy day, and I go with hand signals when ever I can.
I volunteered in the engine house today to clean up after yesterday’s May 10th Golden Spike commemoration. Since the engine house is not normally staffed during operating hours, it doesn’t have a radio. However, I was able to keep track of both locomotives by listening to their whistle signals
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ps - the firemen that worked the engines today brought their dogs - which were tied up behind the engine house. The dogs were quiet all afternoon until the first whistle signal. Then they barked occasionally until the first engine was in the house. The fireman hopped off the engine and went and petted her dogs. Then they were quiet again. The dogs knew what the whistle meant.
We had one fireman/engineer bring his dog and tie it up in the GP30. So he gets down and I was sitting in the office when I heard over the radio in a quiet voice, " SOO 700 to Bob, I think your dog wants to eat me, over"