No two tones when departing platform ?

[Vespa]

While on driving experience on heritage lines I do the two tones on departing platform, I've been thinking about it and modern train don't do this anymore instead they leave the platforms quietly.

Is there a reason why modern railways have stopped using two tones ?

 

[John Webb]

I always understood that the toot from an engine, steam or diesel, was an acknowledgement to the guard at the far end of the train that the 'Right Away' signal had been received and the train was about to move off, rather than as a warning to anyone in front of the train.

With even BR 'first generation' DMUs having the internal buzzer system between driver and guard and similar arrangements in the more modern units, I assume this toot was therefore dropped. At busier stations as well it would keep the noise level down both for station staff and those living or working nearby.

And Driver only operation in some areas also eliminates the need for any acknowledgement.

 

[Roger1973]

I don't remember it being used on (what was then) southern region (south east section) suburban trains that I travelled on occasionally from the late 70s and commuted on for a few years in the early 90s.

Similar to what @John Webb says, this would have been on EMU sets with starter bell from guard to driver, which (I think) was usually repeated by driver on the driver / guard intercom bell (loudaphone?) - I remember one or two journeys where drivers (or were they still officially motormen then?) gave one 'beep' on the horn before starting, but this was enough of a rarity for me to notice. Whether this was an individual driver's habit, or an occasion when the intercom bell wasn't working, I couldn't say.

I faintly remember having one or two journeys with my late father on 4 SUB units shortly before they were withdrawn, and it being pointed out that the guard used a green flag or lamp to give a starting signal on them, but can't remember if or how the driver acknowledged the starting signal.

 

[John Webb]

I don't remember it being used on (what was then) southern region (south east section) suburban trains that I travelled on occasionally from the late 70s and commuted on for a few years in the early 90s......

I was also using EMUs in the SE area of the SR (mostly from Woolwich Arsenal) for family trips 1950s onwards and for commuting 1969-77. I certainly recall that there was little use of horns even then.

 

[YorksLad12]

LNER drivers sometimes do them on departure from Leeds. Not consistently though, and I don't know if it's just the 225s, just the 800/801s or both. Summer Sunday whistles from a kettle departing on a tour are fun though

 

[Tester]

In my experience not remotely normal on National Rail.

In Melbourne, Australia, however, absolutely normal - one toot every time. Clearly part of their procedure. 100% DOO - so not related to staff communication. I take it as 'Train moving - stand clear'.

 

[Route115?]

Local residents often make complaints about excessive use of the horn.

 

[Trackman]

Local residents often make complaints about excessive use of the horn.

Like with the old use of tones entering tunnels.

 

[thesignalman]

The use of horns and whistles on heritage lines is often excessive and for entertainment purposes.

On real railways, horns are used for warning purposes - for instance if there are staff on the line ahead. Otherwise, there is no purpose or need. There used to be a list of occasions to use in the Rule Book - no doubt it is still there but it will have changed since my copy.

John

 

[Juliet Barvo]

The use of horns and whistles on heritage lines is often excessive and for entertainment purposes.

On real railways, horns are used for warning purposes - for instance if there are staff on the line ahead. Otherwise, there is no purpose or need. There used to be a list of occasions to use in the Rule Book - no doubt it is still there but it will have changed since my copy.

John

1. To warn anyone on or near the line
2. At a whistleboard between 0600 and 2359.
3. Within a possession before making a move.
4. When making a wrong direction move
5. At any time you feel necessary.

Plus: When your headlights have failed and you are using only marker lights.