MUs VS Locomotives

[alloboard]

I noticed major diffrences among Mu trains and modern locomotive types. I wonder why locomotives have to use bells. I noticed that no MU train blows a whistle that sounds that of an e.g AEM. L.I.R.R M-1s and Septa Silverliners PATCO are the only MUs I know of that has locomotive type whistles. I have always wondered if any trains of the NYC subways have whistles if so, how come thay seldom use it. I also discoved that the PATH train, Jersey Arrow, and the Staten Island Rapid Transit have identicle whistle sounds. I never heard an R44-R46 blow any whistle in NYC undergrounds, but when I rode on the SIRT they actually blew whistles. I wonder if they did so because they run on a freight rights of way, or if their whistles are diffrent from their underground twins. I also wonder why MU trains do not have bells. If locomotives use them why can't multiple unit trains.

[David_Telesha]

Because MU's are not required to have bells..

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

South Shore's MU cars, both the old orange Insull-era cars and the current stainless-steel cars, have regular horns and sound them regularly for grade crossings. They also have bells.
The rapid transit equipment of the CTA is also equipped with shrill but not loud whistles. They seem to be used primarily to alert personnel in work zones. The whistles are not loud enough to be used for grade crossings, which CTA has on the Ravenswood and Douglas Park lines and the Skokie Swift.

[artpeterson]

The horn on today's CTA cars is a step above what the 6000s had, but has had to be "watered down" in order to be a "good neighbor", for example along the Swift where the neighbors complained that the 3200-series horn as delivered, was too loud. They still sound them for the grade crossings, but I agree they're of little use as a warning to cars/pedestrians.

In terms of being able to alert a crew on the tracks, today's CTA horns are of little use on the lines in the median of the expressways, where the roar of highway traffic easily drowns out the horn noise.

[coborn35]

Im thinking M.U meaning multiple unit......what M.U are you guys talking aobut?

[David_Telesha]

This kind, Max:

http://davidtelesha.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=248922

[PBenham]

M.Us as in the context of self propelled multiple unit cars, right? We don't have DMUs(save for some prototypes) in North America, but Electric,Diesel Electric,Diesel Hydraulic and Diesel Mechanical Multiple unit cars are very common in Europe. The Budd RDC technically qualifies as an M.U.,however. But they weren't referred to as such by pundits and foamers like me![B)]

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The Budd RDC can definitely be classified as a DMU. The same can be said of Colorado Railcar's products.
At the risk of stealing Peter and Dave's thunder, DMU's and EMU's are fairly common in Australia. Various suburban operations are EMU's and DMU's, and many of Countrylink's operations in New South Wales are DMU's. The Prospector in Western Australia is also a DMU.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by alloboard

I have always wondered if any trains of the NYC subways have whistles if so, how come thay seldom use it. ..................

Oh yes, they certainly do! On my last visit to New York City a few years back , I rode a "Red Bird" IRT train (#2). At the Grand Concourse station I got off the train and like a typical railfan, stood near the lead car where the motorman was at. I think he was concerned that I was standing a little "too close" to his train. [;)] Five seconds later "FWAAAAAA! FWAAAAAAAAAA! [:0]

Man! I just about jumped 3 feet in the air! [:p] The single horn sounded similar to the "spray can air horns" that sports fans use at games.......only 10 times louder! [:0]

I specifically remember when I was a kid in New York hearing subway trains blowing those horns from time to time. They were usually in short bursts. This was years back, but I think that motormen were whistling greetings to each other as nearly everytime I heard those horns it was from trains passing the one I would be on.

I've heard similar sounding horns on CSX Maintenance of Way track repair vehicles.

Not pleasant sounding like Nathan K series horns........but whether on a subway train or MOW unit, they sure do attract attention!

[Anonymous]

Rules related to NYCTA train horn/whistle signals

Rule 3.61

a. 1 long - STOP

b. 2 long - sounded when approaching caution flags/lamps to warn personal on tracks

c. 2 short -an answer to any signal

d. 1 long,1 short - signal car maintaner to respond to train

e. long,short,long,short - call for police assistance

f. 4 short - respond to tower or dispatcher

g. succesion of short sounds to warn persons on or near tracks or when moving against the regular flow of traffic

Horn /whistle must not be used when operating outside on the elevated structure, open cuts/embankments btw 900 PM and 600AM except in an emergency. Unnecessary sounding of horns is forbidden

[alloboard]

Thanks for the reference.