A Buyers Guide to Train Horn Kits
Train horn kits are sold on the internet and in certain auto-truck supply stores. They are designed to bring the evocative sound of an air train horn to everyday truck, car and boat owner enthusiasts. They have been around for over a decade but have come into their own in the past couple of years. We’ll tell you briefly what a train horn kit consists of and then survey what’s available to purchase.
The Train Horn Kit
If we think of the kit as an air flow diagram, then we would first see the air compressor pumping air into an air tank which is the air reserve holder. Then, when activated by the user, compressed air flows from the tank through the air horn thus producing a loud blast. The larger the tank, the more air is held in reserve. Larger tanks require beefier heavy duty compressors. The advantage of a kit is that everything you need is included, not just the major components, but the air hose, fittings, clamps, solenoid (air valve) and depending on the kit, a relay, toggle switch and horn button. With a kit, you know that the components are properly sized to work in tandem with no part over or under matched by another. Kits can be self installed if you’re handy that way. Many buyers employ an auto-truck service center to install the kit. Components can be installed below deck or on deck or a combination of both. Make sure the pump is as close to the air tank as possible. If the solenoid is a free standing type, keep it as close to the horn as possible.
What’s Available?
While it’s impossible to list every brand and model, we can list the major types of kits presently available.
Shocker Kits
These HornBlaster horns consist of two or four slim style black ABS bells in a horizontal array. They are one of the few USA sourced components in the trade. A shocker kit consists of a pump/tank assembly, either piggy backed and connected, or separate. Shocker kits employ Viair compressors in all the kits. Viair is a well respected maker with a reputation for reliability. The Shocker brand has been around for awhile so there is a large base of customers already using those horns.
Maximus Train Horn Kits
Maximus employs large chrome plated steel horns to product bright penetrating tone. They have stuck with four levels of kits from modest to extreme. As you go up the line, tanks get bigger and compressors get brawnier. Level 4 gets you a large 3 gallon tank with a gleaming quad horn, quite a stunner. This brand has stood the test of time and has a large installed base.
“Texas” Style Train Horn Kits
You’ll find these sold under varying brand names but one thing remains constant: lots of train horn for the money. Lower levels use Viair tank/compressor assemblies pumping 145-150 psi though the chrome plaited metal horns. Advanced level kits get a dedicated Viair pump and larger tank. Under the Dominion brand name, you can opt for a unique flat array metal horn that conveys a big rig trucker look. You can find many long one and two bell truckers horns and even a “get-out-of-the-way” firetruck air horn.
Kleinn Train Horn Kits
While tanks and pumps look largely alike no matter what the brand, horns can take many sizes shapes and materials. And so it is with train horn stalwart Klein. Here you can choose from long slim truckers style horns, triple bell air horn clusters, black ABS horns as well as a cost effective ABS horn finished in a gleaming chrome. Most Klein train horn vendors offer Prue-configured kits as well as the individual components.
There are a few other brands available but these are the main ones. It makes good sense to patronize brick-n-mortar stores or on-line shops that carry a wide variety of brands and products. It makes it that much easier to comparison shop and see all that’s available. We are often asked if air horns are legal in a particular municipality. All we can say is check with your local township for loud sound ordinances. Even if legal, use your train air horn responsibly and with discretion.
The author is a noted train horn entrepreneur who sells many brands of components and kits on TrainHorn.org. He also is webmaster of a company that offers stun guns, pepper spray and tasers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Brenner
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