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Bells on new Amtrak locomotives

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Bells on new Amtrak locomotives
Posted by aegrotatio on Thursday, January 26, 2017 12:12 AM

What type of bells are used on new Amtrak locomotives?  I'm asking about ACS-64 and the Siemens Charger.  The ACS 64 surely sounds mechanical to me, but it could be a really good annunciator.

 

 

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Posted by D.Carleton on Thursday, January 26, 2017 5:26 PM

All Chargers, Brightline Chargers and Sprinters have E-bells.

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Posted by Firelock76 on Thursday, January 26, 2017 6:58 PM

E-bells?  Electronic bells?  Fakeroo bells?

Well, that...just...sucks.

Another railroad tradition shot to hell. 

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Posted by D.Carleton on Thursday, January 26, 2017 8:20 PM

I'm all for tradition but changing the clapper piston in inclement weather, and it always happens during inclement weather, is not fun.

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Posted by Firelock76 on Thursday, January 26, 2017 8:39 PM

You're probably right, so I'll tell you what...

If they're using e-bells, why not e-whistles?  Imagine a Charger or a Sprinter rollin' into the station with a Big Boy sound.  THAT'd get everyone's attention!

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, January 27, 2017 8:06 AM

I wouldn't think so.  I remember hearing Hancock air whistles mounted on some of EJ&E's centercabs, the sound didn't fit the locomotive.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by aegrotatio on Friday, January 27, 2017 11:04 AM

They sound really genuine to me.

 

I sort of wish that railroad crossing electronic bells sounded more real.

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Friday, January 27, 2017 1:09 PM

I'm not sure why, but the original bells found on the F40PH's and F59PHI's take me back. The new electronic bells sound like metal hitting someting, the transonic bells are a little bettter and kinda sound like the original bells.

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