on SP 4449 on top of the boiler in the front theres an air horn
is it there because of just it louder or i have no idea
also SP cab forward’s had an air horn and a whistle and with 4449
can someone tell me why is that there?
im thinking that its to get more “attention” at crossings…kinda similar to “Mars” and ditch lights…not 100% on that though
Because Lima was already selling out steam. [:D]
It may be a requirement that all operational engines be equipted with an air horn as most drivers at grade crossings will not recognise a steam whistle??? [?] Someone smarter than I am will know!!!
There because SP requested them when built.
The GS4s had both a whistle and a horn, for the very reason rrandb states, grade crossing attention…it also has a Gyralight headlamp, if I remember correctly.
Ed
I recall reading somewhere that in regular service,the air horn was used much more than the steam whistle.
There’s a name for it that escapes me at the moment.
I remember watching a movie on the 4449, and it talked about the horn.
Nicknamed the Tornado Horn?
Something to do with the weather, I do believe…
Anyway, as stated above, it was for increased attention at grade crossings.
I remember on one of my tapes about the 4449, that it was on there for areas of dense fog.
Uhh…I’ve stood next to steam whistles, and they are louder than any diesel air horn today many times over. If a bright orange locomotive with a thundering whistel won’t get your attention, why did the SP think a one-chime air horn would?
Sincerely,
Daniel Parks
Wouldn’t both be louder than either one or the other??? [?]
really cant help, but Milw. 261 also has an airhorn with its wistle
The Adirondack C424 I rode this past fall has a regular 5 chime horn and a Hancock air whistle, which sounds pretty much like a steam whistle. It’s plenty loud, and is used for all but one of the grade crossings on the Lake Placid - Saranac Lake line. The exception? A major state highway - the main road between the two towns.