History of Train Air Horns

Highlights and History of the Train Air Horn

While many of us know the sound that train horns make, when it is coming through the train air horn has not always been in circulation. The train air horn has been around since 1910 and has survived the World War. So how did the train air horn get started?

Well most locomotives were not able to utilize the steam whistles properly when they were in use. Converting to the train air horns made it possible for all diesel and electric locomotives to use the horn to warn those who maybe approaching and let the employees working on the railroads that they got their signal.

While we all know the sound they make did you also know that they have a required way to pull the horn? Yes, they are suppose to use 2 short pulls, 1 long, and 1 short pull for each signal. While at one point it was traditional to hear the steam whistle of the on coming locomotives, many diesel and electric locomotives had trouble with developing enough air for the steam whistles. Later the train air horn was developed.

Early Train Air Horns:

In the 1930's the Leslie Co. developed the "Tyfon" series train air horns. And their A200 series was a well popular air horn purchased by many locomotive companies. However their "Chime-Tone" series didn't do very good even though it used 5 note chords to alert on coming vehicles, or pedestrians.

In 1949 Air Chime LTD. Decided to use the Chinese musical theory to produce a train air horn that had a 6 note chime for warning oncoming pedestrians & Vehicles while on route. The series was called H6 model and did well they later modified the train air horn making the H5 in 1950.

Steam Whistles & Train Air Horns have been used in the warning of oncoming diesel & electric locomotives since 1910. Although they have continued to modify their models the use of the horns continue to prove very effective in warning and alerting all that cross their path.

In 1985 in Florida there was an attempt on a ban of Train Air Horns due to the noise nu-sense. But when the amount of accidents doubled the ban was lifted. Proving that once again the use of train air horns is needed to provide safety for both the locomotive & the people passing by.

Non-Railroad Use of Train Air Horns:

Although there are many uses for train air horns on the railways, there is a growing interest in train air horns in non-railway use. While there are genuine collectors of  train air horns it is a growing fade for some who just like the loud, unique sound of the horn. Telling the difference between a air horn collector and those out for the thrill is usually in their display of the horn.

Many collectors will put the train air horn in a visible place on their vehicle. Displaying their piece for those who are passing by, those who wish to get a reaction or are merely thrill seeking often do not give a warning that they have an air horn on their vehicle. Hiding it within the vehicle or some place not visible to the pedestrians or vehicles passing by. This can be a distraction to other drivers, and can cause accidents especially on the highways. Whatever your use for your train air horn learning the history, displaying their beauty, and making the highways safe for everyone should be on the top of your list.