Whistle Signals

[Anonymous]

Does anybody know of a good internet resource that would list what each whistle blast means in relation to locomotive movement? I seem to have found two so far, and they really only gave me the basics, (stop, proceed, reverse,etc...). I'd like to find something that I could possibly print and use as a reference that would include most, if not all, whistle blasts.

Thanks,

[cwclark]

if i can remember right..one long means the train proceeds, two means the train will stop, a series of shorts means danger or an accident ,and 2 longs a short and a long means the train will cross a road or highway...there used to be a series of other whistle blasts that used to send out or call in flagmen but they don't use them anymore....Chuck

[ClinchValleySD40]

Something you should consider. If you're on ebay, look for a rule book. There are always plenty of them listed. Just bid on one for a railroad you like. Tons of great info in them (and employee timetables also). And you can get them really cheap.

[ClinchValleySD40]

But to answer your question, try this site.

http://www.atsfrr.com/resources/HootGibson/Whistle.htm

Have fun.

[dehusman]

In addition there were site specific whistle signals for interlockings and junctions, so that a train approaching could tell the operator where they needed to go before they got there. Those would be in general orders or special instructions and are are very difficult to find.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all. I will definately try e-bay, but in the meantime I will try different RR historical sites. I really just want it for my own knowledge, but think it's interesting to know that a lead engineer would communicate with a helper engine using just the whistle.

[donbpage]

Union Pacific's Website has a listing

[Anonymous]

FYI- The UP address for the signals is: http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/signals.shtml

[rogerhensley]

Hee is one set. I have seen others and I have a couple more, but this seems to be a good average.

***
Locomotive Whistle Signals
From Chris Coleman Oct 22, 1995

Sources:
B&O, C&O Operating Rules, 1969
The pennsylvania Railroad Book of Rules, 1956

"o" = short sound
"-" = long sound
"_" = sustained sound

o Apply brakes. Stop.
-- Release brakes. Proceed.
-ooo Flagman protect rear of train.
-ooo- Flagman protect adjacent track
---- Eastward or Northward trains recall flagman.
----- Westward or Southward trains recall flagman.
oo Answer to any signal not otherwise provided for.
ooo When standing - back. When running - stop at next Passenger Station.
oo____ Answer to flagman's stop signals.
oooo Call for signals.
--o______ Approaching public grade crossings at grade. To be prolonged or repeated until crossing is reached
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Approaching stations, junctions, and railroad crossings at grade.
o______ Inspect train line for leak or brakes sticking.
succesion of o's Alarm for persons or livestock on the track.
_ _ _ _ o When running on left hand track of a two track section:
(1) Approaching stations, curves, or other points where view may be obscured;
(2) Approaching passenger or freight trains and when passing freight trains.

o____ ____Acknowledge train order signal displayed for orders.
o-- To call attention of operator on last block station before reaching point where stop is to be made for such purpose as man be provided in the time-table.
-----o Westward or Southward trains recall Flagman on No. 1 track.
----o Eastward or Northward trains recall Flagman on No. 1 track.
-----oo Westward or Southward trains recall Flagman on No. 2 track.
----oo Eastward of Northward trains recall Flagman on No. 2 track.
-----ooo Westward or Southward trains recall Flagman on No. 3 track.
----ooo Eastward or Northward trains recall Flagman on No. 3 track.
-----oooo Westward or Southward trains recall Flagman on No. 4 track.
----oooo Eastward of Northward trains recall Flagman on No. 4 track.

[pomerol]

Try looking at the Association of American Railroads "Railfanclub" website under "Fieldguide/whistles" for a general guide to what the different sounds mean. Non Road specific but presumably officially sanctioned as a basic standard.

[Train 284]

Here are some basics...

- = short
_ = long

- Train has come to a complete stop
- - Proceed forward
- - - Proceed in reverse
_ _ - _ Approaching grade crossing, hold last long until you are on the crossing

- - - When you give this signal out on the mainline, it means to stop at the next station

_ - - - - - - - This signal was used to tell people within hearing distance of the whistle, to com to the assistance of the crew

_ - Use when approaching a tunnel, blind curve, bridge, etc.

- - - - Sending the brakeman out to protect the train

_ - - - Call brakeman in from the West or South

_ - - - - Call the brakeman in from the East or North

- - - - - When running, making a brake test

- - Answer to any signal not provided for.

Hope that helps!

Matt [8D]

[dinwitty]

different RR's may vary somewhat but the above is a pretty good standard.

[randybc2003]

"Logging Railroads of the West" lists whistle signals in the back. 1910 Washington State Saftey Commission established "_ _ _" (3 long) signal for 'Broken Train". If our club mandated sound system, we would hear this frequently!!