I purchased several soundtraxx sound decoders for my engines, but I’m not sure when the proper time is to sound the bell. Is it only when going slow through a crossing or reverse in a yard? When is it appropriate? I am modeling modern diesels circa 1995.
Thanks…
The bell is used a lot. Here’s a few tips:
Whenever you’re blowing the correct long long short long for a crossing, you’re supposed to ring the bell before you start blowing until after locomotive clears the crossing.
Whenever the train starts moving from a stop, you should sound the bell before moving and have it ringing for atleast 10 seconds after the locomotive begins to move.
When moving around in a yard, near a station or through a populated area, the bell is typically rung all the time.
You don’t HAVE to do it that way, but those are the rules I follow.
NORAC Rule 20 -
The engine bell must be sounded:
When the engine is about to move.
When running through tunnels.
While approaching and passing public crossings at grade.
When approaching locations where Roadway Workers may be at work.
When passing a train standing on an adjacent track.
In an emergency.
When passing a station platform.
When moving within a locomotive service facilty.
In cases where a momentary stop and start, forward and backward movement is part of a switching operation that does not involve movement over a public crossing at grade, the engine bell need not be sounded, unless Roadway Workers are known to be in the area. In other works - the bell is NOT to be sounded continously during switching operations.
Nick