I know the toots on the whistle or horn have a coded meaning. I used to know them 50 years ago, but have long forgotten. I bet someone out there knows them by heart and can just write them down. All I remember is that 2 longs, 1 short and 1 long mean a warning to a grade crossing.
Check Peter Josserand’s “Rights of Trains” (a pocket guidebook to the standard rule codes) - it lists whistle signals and their meanings. Off the top of my head, two short blasts = moving forward, three short blasts = moving in reverse.
One short = stopped
Two short = starting forward
Three short = starting to back up
Two long, one short, one long = grade crossing warning
There are several others but these are the most commonly heard.
Google “Whistle signals” and you’ll end up with hundreds of links to the meanings of whistle signals.
Dave H.
Forget Google, here’s an official word with all the other meanings beyond 2 to go and 3 to back up.
From NORAC NERR Rules.
18. Horn Signals Used By Dispatchers or Operators
The following are horn signals that may be used by Dispatchers or Operators at interlocking or other designated points. The signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “—“ for long sounds.
SOUND
INDICATION
(a) –
All movements within interlocking limits must stop immediately
(b) o o
Normal movement may be resumed after receiving the proper signal or permission of Operator.
(c) o o o
Whistle or Horn test
(d) o o o o
Signal maintainer must call the Dispatcher or Operator
(e) o o o o o
Electric traction employee must call the Dispatcher or Operator
(f) o o o o o o
Trackman must call the Dispatcher or Operator
(g) A bell, horn, white light or oscillating white light at remotely controlled signals and interlockings indicates that any employee, except on moving trains, must immediately communicate with the Dispatcher or Operator.
19. Engine Whistle or Horn Signals
The following are engine whistle or horn signals. The signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “—“ for long sounds. The sound of the whistle or horn should be distinct, with intensity and duration proportionate to the distance the signal is to be conveyed. The unnecessary use of the engine whistle or horn is prohibited.
Engine whistle or horn signal must be sounded as follows:
SOUND
INDICATION
(a) –
Crew members apply brakes.
(b) – – o –
- Approaching public crossing at grade and at a whistle posting indicating “W” or “W/MX”. This signal is to be prolonged or repeated until
I don’t think they use all that many horn signals today seeing there is no tower operators and one could blow all day and the dispatcher miles or states away will never hear you and some times I think the newest crossing warning is several looooong horn blast!! Plus add all the anti noise laws that prohibit horn blowing plus the use of 2 way radios then you can see where the old whistle talk of years gone by is no more.[:(]
That may be so, Brakie.
But its still in the rule book![;)]
i get it
[#ditto][#ditto]
ICMR
Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]
Art,
Maybe it means…you had just a little TOO much sauerkraut last night…?
Tom