I heard a clicking sound before the bell rang each time on a CN C40-8, does anyone know what is causing the clicking noise?
Probably the device that moves the clapper to ring the bell unless it is an electronic bell.
Looking for drawings of the actuator mechanism. In the meantime…
2nd one sounds better
Sounds like the bell ringer cartridge is warn out. This is the main reason are replacing bells with eBells (electronic bells, think of a music greeting card sound clip and speaker, locomotive size.) eBells have no moving parts to maintain.
For details on bell ringers (steam and EMD) see:
http://www.bellsandbirmans.com/bells/bellfacts.php
Start at the section “Steel EMD Bells.” There are two types of ringers: Vertical Cartidge Ringer or Horizontal Piston Ringer, which are explained in the bellfacts.
And for those who wish to install a bell on the car, truck or tractor, look into eBells YouTubes, it has been done for a fraction of the weight (also a great idea to add to the Christmas Tree & Western that come out in December.)
There may be restrictions on bells on motor vehicles so you might want to check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office before you spend the money.
You do know people have been dropping full train horns into their trucks for years now…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GCseAN5V2g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vy9fXDQeNA
Not that it changes checking with Mr LAW first…
That being said, I would still check. Horns are different from a bell… And, just because everybody else is doing it, doesn’t make it right. Better safe by asking than just doing it. (Cheaper too.)
Well Duh!
Blowing a train horn in a snooty area would be stupid fun, and get them to call a S.W.A.T. team or two down on you.
Might also want to talk to a good lawer first. (A truck horn might be safer. Unless you sound like a fire engine.)
From what I know locomotive horns aren’t street legal anywhere. A locomotive bell is probably OK so long as it’s not being used as a primary warning device.
After all, fire engines still have bells, although I’d suspect that at this date it’s probably more for tradition’s sake. I can’t remember the last time I heard a fire engine bell being used, except for tolling at a firefighters funeral.
We’ve had problems with air horns being removed (stolen) from units in the past. From what I understand this could be a Federal crime as well as removing Builder’s plates or anything else from locomotives.