The train horn chimes that are produced by these trumpets will end up coming in through different sound levels. In many cases the chimes will sound differently because each trumpet will be of a different length in a typical setup or the weight of each trumpet will be somewhat different.

When all of the chimes that are created are combined together the kit will create a unique flat sound that is typical of what is produced by the horn. This is vital because if any of the chimes that come out of these horns sound exactly like each other the flat sound that is produced will not sound as authentic or it will be slightly off.

A vital part of these sounds is that the train horn kits trumpets that are going to be used can be placed anywhere on the inside front of the vehicle that they will be installed in. The only thing that really matters after this is that all of the trumpets create chimes that are different from each other so that the proper train horn sound can be produced.

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Here are basic parts of the train horn package.

Air Tank

Air tank cylinders come in different sizes. The most common sizes for personal truck installations are between 1 -5 gallons. These are simple structures that accept and hold the pressure that the compressor gives. It contains any numb3er of air hose ports. An air gauge is often attached to the tank.

Compressor

A compressor is an air pump that when activated fills the tank with compressed air. Compressor capacities are generally matched to the size tank. First fills may take several minutes, depending on the size of the tank. Re-fills are much quicker. It is governed by a pressure switch which tells it when to re-fill and to what pressure. A train horn kit may have one compressor or two working in tandem. Air compressors are used to fill other devices, such as tires or an air suspension.

New buyers sometimes get hung up on pressure readings. If one compressor is said to fill a tank up to 150 psi, and another 120psi, one would think the 150 psi would be the natural pick. This is misleading for three reasons. First, the sound difference between the two may hardly be noticeable. Second, a chronically high pressure may tax the compressor if the user is overly “horn happy.” Over-use equals overheating which may cause a premature failure. Third, a train horn tone should be of high undistorted quality. We frequently find a practical sweet spot in the 110-125 PSI range.

Decibel readings are sometimes given as well. Again, to adequately compare across brands, the reading must be taken with the same instrument, properly calibrated and at the same distance from the horn. This is rarely the case so keep these specifications in perspective.

The Air Horn

Train horns run the gamut of sizes and shapes. Separate trumpets are slim and can be up to two feet long. In an attached array, there are two trumpet horns, three trumpet horns and even four trumpet horns. It’s generally believed that you need three or more trumpets (”chimes”) in the array to product as authentic train horn tone. Each trumpet sounds a different note. It’s the combination of these notes that produce the distinction “blat” that immediately says “train horn.”

The better train horns are made of metal. Plastic horns are OK in low priced value kits but they are not considered the “real deal” by most train horn enthusiasts. Steel, zinc, brass and copper are common metals. Horns are either chrome or gold plated or painted black.

Horns are activated by a solenoid air valve. Horns (and compressors) are energized by a 12 volt source. The horn can be activated by your regular horn button or you can install a separate horn switch. It’s all in the installation.

These are the basic components of any kit. You should receive enough air hose, fittings and hook-up wire to do the job. Don’t be shy about having a pro do the job. Shops that specialize in aftermarket installations of sound systems and alarms would be an appropriate choice. Whichever you choose, get ready for train horn nirvana!

Gene Brenner is a webmaster of a company that offers train horns and train horn kits to car and truck drivers who want a true train horn sound. He also buys and sells websites which makes him knowledgeable in several disciplines.

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