Train horns.

[Anonymous]

I have notced that some of UP's SD70M horns have gone from an ear piercing blast blow to a not even a peep sound type horn lately.Why?
This morning(10/16/04) there was one that sounded realy SICK!

[Anonymous]

A lot of times when the horn doesn't sound as lound as it should be, it could verywell be clogged with dirt and crap inside the bells of the horn.

[Rick Gates]

Horns use air, heated air from the air compressor is expanded and holds more moisture and that creates areas for dust particles to accumulate in reduced or restricted areas in the air system. They get clogged. The larger ones more easily as there is more metal surface outside to allow for faster cooling and water build-up.

[csxengineer98]

the horn cutout **** might not have been open fully.... you can "turn down" the volum of your horn by partly closeing this cutout ****
csx engineer

[AntonioFP45]

Just reminded me.

Some of you may remember about my recent post regarding a trio of deadheading diesels with the friendly crew here in Tampa, Florida. [:D][8D]

Forgot to mention that the UP locomotives had what looked like "Black Stockings" stretched over and covering the trumpet parts of the horns. First time I'd ever seen this. I assumed it was to keep dirt out.

The last time I saw horns equipped with protection was on the Amtrak SDP40fs and a few F40s. They had what was nicknamed "Snow Cones" on the front of the trumpets.

Peace!

[ericsp]

I recently heard an UP locomotive horn that sounded like a sick goose.

[Overmod]

Antonio: Ask Don Oltmann about 'snow bonnets' -- that's what I think you're describing. He can tell you anything you need to know about 'em.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

Antonio: Ask Don Oltmann about 'snow bonnets' -- that's what I think you're describing. He can tell you anything you need to know about 'em.

Thanks!

Kind of funny that in looking at these "Snow Bonnets" that were on the UP engines, they looked to me like something that could easily be created by an upholsterer. Yet, like typical transportation companies if these weren't made "inhouse" by the shop forces, the railroads are likely paying a high price for these socks!

Cheers!