Different Horn on DVT?

[wheelnrail]

I've been told all horns in the UK are 2 tone. However while I was out yesterday at Needham Market, AGA 82102 speed through, and when it whistled for the two crossings north of the station, I heard what was very similar to an American style K5LA. I'm not sure if it was maybe fouled or if it was indeed a different horn, but it definitely sounded much nicer than the horns i've heard since i've been here. Could a horn like that be placed on these trains?

 

[Ash Bridge]

I've been told all horns in the UK are 2 tone. However while I was out yesterday at Needham Market, AGA 82102 speed through, and when it whistled for the two crossings north of the station, I heard what was very similar to an American style K5LA. I'm not sure if it was maybe fouled or if it was indeed a different horn, but it definitely sounded much nicer than the horns i've heard since i've been here. Could a horn like that be placed on these trains?

I think those horns were fitted from new back in the late 1980s, possibly on the class 90 also.

 

[ilkestonian]

I've been told all horns in the UK are 2 tone. However while I was out yesterday at Needham Market, AGA 82102 speed through, and when it whistled for the two crossings north of the station, I heard what was very similar to an American style K5LA. I'm not sure if it was maybe fouled or if it was indeed a different horn, but it definitely sounded much nicer than the horns i've heard since i've been here. Could a horn like that be placed on these trains?

Aren't drivers "encouraged" to use only the low note at crossings to appease those with sensitive ears who choose to move near to a working railway?

So whilst the tone might be different and just one sounded, it would have a two tone horn fitted

 

[badassunicorn]

yeah at W boards, the low tone is sounded. Both tones must be sounded when sounding a warning

 

[tjlrailblue]

Yeh I think the horn on a dvt does sound different to other horns I have heard

Is there some reason for this?


Tim

 

[Ash Bridge]

Yeh I think the horn on a dvt does sound different to other horns I have heard

Is there some reason for this?


Tim

I remember them from when they were new on WCML services, somewhat like a chime whistle sound. Could the East Coast DVTs also have them fitted as they are of the same vintage?

 

[richa2002]

90s, 91s and DVTs play the low and high tone at the same time when the driver selects the high tone to produce that American-esque chime effect.

 

[Ash Bridge]

90s, 91s and DVTs play the low and high tone at the same time when the driver selects the high tone to produce that American-esque chime effect.

Yes, I was pretty certain that I'd heard the same effect from a class 90, was not so certain for 91/mk4 DVT though, thanks!

 

[Juniper Driver]

I think the OP's comment is a good idea.I find the horns too loud and unnecessary sometimes.A bit hazardous when near to railway workers (or passengers) when standing at a station and using the horn is not always advisable.Didn't I hear a softer toned horn when I was traveling on trains in Japan?

 

[Ash Bridge]

I think the OP's comment is a good idea.I find the horns too loud and unnecessary sometimes.A bit hazardous when near to railway workers (or passengers) when standing at a station and using the horn is not always advisable.Didn't I hear a softer toned horn when I was traveling on trains in Japan?

So on the units you drive is there no variable setting for the horns e.g. a mainline mode and perhaps another whilst operating around depots etc.? Also just learned recently that the Hastings DEMUs as built, were fitted with some sort of whistle rather than two tone air horns?

 

[tsr]

The depot whistle on trains is solely for the use of drivers who cannot be bothered to wave at their colleagues. This is part of compulsory driver training, within the same strictly-assessed module as wearing a misshapen jacket full of t-keys, and correct use of the common moan (also a warning device, usually used against those who send them to a siding in the snow to detach a portion with dodgy doors).



P.S. Not to be taken seriously...

 

[Juniper Driver]

So on the units you drive is there no variable setting for the horns e.g. a mainline mode and perhaps another whilst operating around depots etc.? Also just learned recently that the Hastings DEMUs as built, were fitted with some sort of whistle rather than two tone air horns?

I must admit the new 459 horns are frigging loud...some horn handles like 455s you can just tap the and get a nice little squeak and the track workers get the hint.I had this at Weybridge when walking up my train to change ends and a 444 came through and blew it's horn.I nearly had a heart attack.:-x

Sometimes you can tap a desiro horn handle and get a softer tone.

 

[Ash Bridge]

I must admit the new 459 horns are frigging loud...some horn handles like 455s you can just tap the and get a nice little squeak and the track workers get the hint.I had this at Weybridge when walking up my train to change ends and a 444 came through and blew it's horn.I nearly had a heart attack.:-x

Sometimes you can tap a desiro horn handle and get a softer tone.

If I'm ever in SWT land in future and I see a 444 or a 459 in the vicinity I'll be very wary

 

[Juniper Driver]

If I'm ever in SWT land in future and I see a 444 or a 459 in the vicinity I'll be very wary

Good idea.

 

[SPADTrap]

The depot whistle on trains is solely for the use of drivers who cannot be bothered to wave at their colleagues. This is part of compulsory driver training, within the same strictly-assessed module as wearing a misshapen jacket full of t-keys, and correct use of the common moan (also a warning device, usually used against those who send them to a siding in the snow to detach a portion with dodgy doors).



P.S. Not to be taken seriously...

I was just scrambling for my keyboard after the first line with confused thoughts of "tsr can't post stuff like this, there must be another motive" I nearly missed the small print

 

[Geeves]

Pretty sure its only trains in Southern land that have that cute depot whistle, its all or nothing up here in the wild north!

 

[43367]

Better to have a few seconds of discomfort having the horn sounded even if it is loud, rather than a lifetime of tragedy should a loved one be hit because it wasn't sounded

 

[hurricanemk1c]

Interestingly, over here in Ireland it's always been single tone. When the Class 22000 railcars were introduced they had two-tone horns but were changed to one-tone shortly after arrival. Only the NIR-capable sets are equipped with two-tones