Bells on Diesels

Trains Magazine Locomotives
1

Why do diesels on North American diesels have bells. Is it leftover from the steam era.

Bob Hayes

2

Because it’s an excellent warning device for men on the ground to alert them to locomotives moving in yards, engine terminals, and stations.

Because the FRA requires them.

Because they are inexpensive, reliable, low-maintenance, and effective.

(Standard-gauge is leftover from the steam era too, but we still use it, too.[;)])

RWM

3

Railway man

Thank you for your response. Not being there I didn’t know why. You have enlightened me.

Bob Hayes

4

For example, the law here requires an engine to ring it’s bell when it’s backing up - kind of a steam era version of the annoying ‘beep-beep-beep’ of construction equipment and garbage trucks when backing up.

The bell is also used as a general warning of the train approaching, like when pulling into a station.

BTW in some cases the bells were literally a holdover from steam, several railroads (including the Minneapolis & St.Louis and the Northern Pacific) ordered their early diesels without bells and then equipped them with bells recycled from scrapped steam engines.

5

Would that be Minnesota law that requires the bell on a reverse move? It’s not U.S. law.

GCOR states:

5.8 Bell and Whistle Signals

5.8.1 Ringing Engine Bell

Ring the engine bell under any of the following conditions:

  • Before moving, except when making momentary stop and start switching movements.
  • As a warning signal anytime it is necessary.
  • When approaching men or equipment on or near the track.
  • When whistle signal (7) is required.
  • Approaching public crossings at grade with the engine in front and sounding of the whistle is prohibited, start signal at the crossing sign. If no sign, or if movement begins between sign and crossing, start signal soon enough before crossing to provide warning. Continue ringing bell until the crossing is occupied.

RWM

6

I wonder who the subcontractor is that makes diesel bells now. And… of course… how much they cost. Would be kinda neat to have one to replace the doorbell.

7

And lets remember, the bells on new engines are probably electronic. I know the NJT ones are.

8

By “here” I meant the United States, not Minnesota. Everything I’ve ever read on the subject says engines are required (at least under many circumstances) to ring their bell when backing up. Whether it’s a federal law, or a regulation, or what, I don’t know offhand.

It could be all the states have rules about bell ringing when backing up that makes the practice universal, but there may not be a federal rule or regulation

9

Newer G.E.'s are coming out with electronic bells with amplifiers vs. mechancically operated. not the same sound but alot louder.

10

[quote user=“wjstix”]

By “here” I meant the United States, not Minnesota. Everything I’ve ever read on the subject says engines are required (at least under many circumstances) to ring their bell when backing up. Whether it’s a federal law, or a regulation, or what, I don’t know offhand.

It could be all the states have rules about bell ringing when backing up that makes the practice universal, but there may not be a federa

11

[quote user=“wjstix”]

By “here” I meant the United States, not Minnesota. Everything I’ve ever read on the subject says engines are required (at least under many circumstances) to ring their bell when backing up. Whether it’s a federal law, or a regulation, or what, I don’t know offhand.

It could be all the states have rules about bell ringing when backing up that makes the practice universal, but there may not be a federa