We’ve all heard it, that penetrating steady tone blast from a passing locomotive. It is designed to warn motorists or anyone in the right-of-way to stand clear, that danger is imminent for the unaware motorist or passer-by.
Although air horns are used in emergency vehicles and trucks, it’s the train whistle that stirs the imagination. Like trains in general, these tones stir a strong nostalgic response in those who grew up near a railway. It was Hank Williams that so aptly described in song that “lonesome whistle blow.” Many youngsters have grown to adulthood with their fondness for diesel train horns intact. Today, there are many hobbyists who avidly collect these horns and refurbish them. The internet has allowed these collectors to band together to promote and share their hobby. Common collectible train horn manufacturers include Nathan, Leslie, Wabco and Prime. Only Nathan Manufacturing, Inc. and Leslie Controls, Inc. are still in existence.
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Each train horn kit comes with a number of trumpets that are used to help with handling the air that is sent out for when a noise is going to be made. Some kits will come with two or three trumpets but others can come with as many as four. It will be important to have multiple trumpets so that multiple chimes of different levels can be created.
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.
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Most new buyers purchase their train horn in a complete kit for an easy no-fuss installation. Obviously, these components are not true train horn locomotive components. They are scaled down so they fit most trucks, even down to SUVs and compact pickups and cars.
Here are basic parts of the train horn package.
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