Train (Class 377) Whistles

[Deepgreen]

While waiting at Balham the other afternoon, a rake of 377s passed through on the fast line and 'saluted' two platform staff on the slow platform by whistling, rather than hooting. I had not realised that these units were equipped with whistles. This is delightfully archaic, but sensible for these occasions. Is this a fleet-wide provision and does it apply to any other classes?

 

[tsr]

377s are all (I think - certainly all the older ones, and AFAIK all the later variants) fitted with Depot Whistles activated with a button in the cab near the power/brake controller. I have (facetiously) posted on here that this is to save the trouble of the driver waving at staff; however, the real reason is to provide a softer and yet still safe close-range warning.

 

[Harbon 1]

We're still installing them on the Electrostars now. Whether it's the case on all Electrostars I couldn't say.

 

[physics34]

all 377s have them so im assuming all 375s, 376s, 378s, 379s, 387s have them too.

 

[BestWestern]

Is this an actual whistle or just a 'sound effect'?!

 

[physics34]

Is this an actual whistle or just a 'sound effect'?!

It's an actual whistle!

 

[Bletchleyite]

It's an actual whistle!

That's quite cool. All London Underground stock has traditional whistles, doesn't it? And I seem to recall SBB locomotives and units do as well.

Here you go:
[youtube]0MsoL2dV1AY[/youtube]

 

[Skoodle]

It's a "depot whistle" for use in depots, yards and sidings. Capitalstars (378s) have them also.

 

[Juniper Driver]

It's a good idea.I came across this on a railway abroad although I can't remember where it was.It's not that easy to get a toot when you need it sometimes as opposed to a blast on the horn when it is not needed.

That's quite cool. All London Underground stock has traditional whistles, doesn't it? And I seem to recall SBB locomotives and units do as well.

Here you go:

Yup, I like that.

 

[Peter Sarf]

That saves giving passengers (and me) a heart attack when a passenger further along the platform is close to the edge. But sadly I have never experienced it !.