Train horns are audible devices designed for signaling the approach of a train and to communicate with railway personnel during track switching, warnings, and other rail functions. When signaling the approach of a train, the use of the horn is controlled by a whistle post. In the United States, railroad horn requirements and regulations are controlled by the Federal Railroad Authority. Originally, train horns were steam-powered and ran off of the steam that powered the engine. Since most trains have become diesel, train horns have now almost all changed to compressed air power.
Leslie Controls Company SuperTyfon
This horn is referred to as the "king of horns" due to its enormous size. The SuperTyfon measures over 3 feet across and is available in five separate horn configurations.
Buell Strombos
This horn is a smaller horn that is popular with collectors as a novelty item due to its low cost and nostalgic look. Although it is technically marketed as a train horn, it is also used on 18-wheelers and other large vehicles.
AirChime, Ltd. 'K' series
In 1954, AirChime Ltd introduced the 'K' series of train horns, which has remained popular to the present day, becoming the highest sold train horn in America by the year 2000. These horns are designated by the number of notes that are played when they are sounded: a K3 model plays three notes, while a K5 model plays five notes.
Tags: train horn, approach train, model plays, signaling approach, signaling approach train
