Best sounding horns

[dk1]

Wasn't there something about the Turbostar/Electrostar horns being too loud when first delivered? I noticed years ago that they have things which look a bit like microphone windshields on them (presumably they still have) - were these fitted to reduce the sound level?

Yes it was Electrostars & something to do with the noise protruding outwards instead of directly ahead leading to lots of complaints from lineside residents. Think this also had a bearing on why the sounding of horns was changed across the network.

 

[william.martin]

Yes it was Electrostars & something to do with the noise protruding outwards instead of directly ahead leading to lots of complaints from lineside residents. Think this also had a bearing on why the sounding of horns was changed across the network.

That seems to ring a bell, wasn't they moaning about the drivers unnecessarily honking at spotters through London road (deafening the locals.)

 

[dk1]

That seems to ring a bell, wasn't they moaning about the drivers unnecessarily honking at spotters through London road (deafening the locals.)

Could well have been. I don’t remember it exactly but the RSSB became involved.

 

[FOH]

IIRC there was something about the Electrostar horns being delivered to the BR standard hence scratching of heads as to why the residents were so impacted. Then it was found with testing that all the ex BR units had been running around with sub-standard horns which the residents were used to.

 

[Strathclyder]

The 180's horn does indeed have a rather pleasing tone (from the cab)

Now that I think about it, the 334s (built around the same time by the same manufacturer) also have a rather pleasing tone from the inside.

 

[satisnek]

Yes it was Electrostars & something to do with the noise protruding outwards instead of directly ahead leading to lots of complaints from lineside residents. Think this also had a bearing on why the sounding of horns was changed across the network.

IIRC there was something about the Electrostar horns being delivered to the BR standard hence scratching of heads as to why the residents were so impacted. Then it was found with testing that all the ex BR units had been running around with sub-standard horns which the residents were used to.

Sorry, I thought I posted a reply on Tuesday but presumably forgot to click the 'Post Reply' button (I've got an excuse, I've been ill). Yes - that was it, thanks. I can see how the Electrostar horns would have been something of a culture shock, the old slammer horns were never that great in the first place.

 

[778]

Sorry for asking a stupid question, but would the horn work on a diesel and electric loco without the engine on?

 

[dk1]

Sorry for asking a stupid question, but would the horn work on a diesel and electric loco without the engine on?

Yes it will.

 

[Richard Scott]

Sorry for asking a stupid question, but would the horn work on a diesel and electric loco without the engine on?

As long as there is sufficient air pressure then yes.