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.

All air horns operate in similar manner. Imagine for a moment a megaphone type loudspeaker. It has a magnet, a voice coil and a diaphragm. After an applied electrical input, the diaphragm vibrates causing sound waves. The air horn is a type of speaker too but is actuated by air rather than an electrical/magnetic current. Air pressure causes the diaphragm to rapidly open and close the airway many times a second. This is heard by the ear as a steady tone.

Many hobbyists can determine a train horn model simply by listening to its tone. The pitch of a train horn is affected by many variables. The diameter of the air inlet orifice determines the loudness. The internal components and the bell horn material also affect whether the tone will be mellow sharp or in-between. The size and shape of the bell horn also changes the tone.

Air horns are supplied by an air tank. The tank holds a finite quantity of air so it needs to be re-filled by an air compressor. True diesel air horns need plenty of compressed air so hobbyists recommend a minimum 20 gallon tank. Compressors can run the gamut from small 12 volt electric compressors to moderate size gasoline compressors to large 10HP gas behemoths.

Truck and SUV owners represent a growing market for air horns. These vehicle owners are drawn to the flashy chrome appearance of these horns. Some hide the horns so as not to attract attention. These scaled down versions are typically bought new in a kit for easy installation. A consumer can choose a truck air horn, typically in a single or two horn model, or a train horn that usually contain three or four horns that produces that distinctive ominous chord blend.

The kit typically involves a 12 volt compressor running off the battery which fills a one to five gallon air tank. The tank supplies air to the horn when a valve is activated. Air hoses connect the components. These kits are installed on trucks, SUVs, vans, motor homes, and just about anything on wheels with a 12 volt power supply.

A collector usually mounts an air horn on a truck or truck bed for demonstration purposes and to test different configurations. If you are considering purchasing a train horn kit for your personal vehicle, check with your local ordinance. Train horns are very loud. The best sound amazingly like a train so you don’t what to blow the horn indiscriminately.

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.

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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.

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