Locomotive Bell

[traisessive1]

I have a few things to add.

It is incorrect that all widebodies have a horn on both sides of the cab. On CN only the SD70M-2's have a horn button on the conductors side.

As well, in Canada, you do not have to ring the bell when approaching a crossing where you sound the horn.

As for rining when operating at 25mph or less. That's not correct. There are lots of tracks that are less than 25mph speeds. Don't think anyone wants to listen to that bell for 6 hours at a time!

[dldance]

In addition to Rule 20 - we also ring the bell before moving the engine into the engine house.

dd

[nbrodar]

NORAC Rule 20:

If a train is equipped with an engine bell, it must be sounded:

1. When the engine is about to move.
2. When running through tunnels.
3. While approaching and passing public crossings at grade.
4. When approaching locations where Roadway Workers my be at work on track bridges and other points.
5. When passing a train standing on an adjacent track.
6. In an emergency.
7. When passing through stations with people on platform. *

In cases where a momentary stop and start, forward and backward movement is part of switching operation that does not involve movement over a public crossing at grade, the engine bell need not be sounded.

*Not listed in Rule 20, but generally listed in the Timetable Special Instructions.

Nick

[Anonymous]

The older GP7's and GP9's I have seen have a pull lever on the engineer's side, and if I recall correctly, it's near the headlight control.  Same for the FP9 I rode aboard, as the operating controls are essentially the same...

I understood that the bell is required when the locomotive is moving at speeds of 25 miles an hour or less.  Could someone give me a brief description of the circumstances when the bell is required?

Thanks!

[Mythod]

that was almost correct. on the widebody unit there is a button on both sides of the cab that operates the horn. When the horn is operated the bell rings rings continously until the bell is shut off from the engineers side of the cab. On switchers and older road units the bell is operated by a pull out lever on the engineer side of the cab and does not ring unless you pull out the lever. But I have only ran UP units and it may be different on other railroads.

[J. Edgar]

dont know about the p42 but widebody GM and GE engines have a push button on both sides of the cab....push the button once bell rings until you push the button again......when the engineer hits the horn button the bell rings until you push the bell button......older control stands have a air knob you pull for on push for off

[hf1001]

I know some light rail consists have a trolley bell that only dings once whenever the engineer presses the button. On normal locomotives ex. GE P42DC does the bell continuously ring as the button is held?

                                      ,HF1001