OK this might sound like a stupid question, but why do locos in the US have bells on them. What is the point of having a bell as well as a horn, and when is the bell used?.. there is probably some simple reason but I cannot think of it …just wondered, thanks.[?]
Bells are a carry over from the steam locomotives used in USA.
Bells are not required under federal rules but 95% of railroads still have rules in books so locomotives do get bells.
The bell is used:
just before and during moving at slow speeds in yards , stations etc.
passing standing equipment
Crossings in conjucture with horn.
passing roadway workers.
some RR’s use bell traveling thru tunnels.
and any time danger is encountered.
Passing ANY equipment, standing, or not.
Also, when operating with no horn, bell must be on at all tmes.
In NORAC the bell is only used while passing standing equipment not moving equipment same on MNCR and LIRR
The bell is a more local device than the horn. A horn can be heard 5 miles or more on a good day; it would just overpower a yard and eventually nobody would pay any mind to it. A bell carries far enough to warn people near the locomotive.
The What?
Dutchnut…take the bell off your locomotive, and the FRA will fine you, quite quickly.
Where you got that a functioning bell is not required is beyond me.
Both NORAC and GCOR require that the bell must be rung when crossing a public crossing, and in yards, any time the locomotive is going to move.
From the GCOR, rule 5.81
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 public crossings at grade with the engine in front, as follows:
If distance permits, ringing must begin at least 1/4 mile before the public crossing and continue until the crossing is occupied.
or
If distance does not permit, ringing must begin soon enough before the crossing to provide a warning and continue until the crossing is occupied,
And rule 5.8.2
5.8.2 Sounding Whistle
When weather conditions impair visibility, sound the whistle frequently.
If the whistle fails, ring the bell continuously while moving.
When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle signal before moving.
The radio may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals (1) and (1 1). See following chart.
The required whistle signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “-” for longer sounds:
Sound Indication
(1) Succession of short Use when an emergency exists, or persons
sounds or livestock are on the track. When crews on
other trains hear this signal, they must stop
until it is safe to proceed.
(2) - When stopped: air brakes are applied,
Read again I said the bell is a rules compliance issue, it is not required as required equipment on engines as per FRA rules. Theonlt FRA rule covering the bell would be That Engine must be equiped for service its intended for.
So if your RR has bell rules it must be equiped. most railroads these days have the rule that says If so equiped the bell must be rung blah blah blah.
Be my guest to point out the federal rule that specifies bells ??
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/49cfrv4_05.html