UK Horns

[gxsmith]

Hi Guys, I'm from the US and on DMU's what is the sequence you would use for the two tone horns. The low one first then the high one or vice versa. I want to be accurate. Thanks so much

[IC125]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YJewEC-NWo
As you can hear, a real mix, although some of these drivers were puting on a show ;) I normally do lo-hi, as it sounds best for me, but there is no real rule. As long as you don't go mad in a residential area, or do it for fun you are good :D

[JJTimothy]

There's a BTF film broken up into four or five parts on YouTube originally made for drivers as an introduction to the then new DMUs. It's worth watching and mentions that the Diesel horns are two toned so they won't be confused with car horns- drivers should use both tones but, other than that, there's no instruction (edit- IIRC). The first part is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_3KLtQvHkA
My dad told me that when Diesels were coming in on the Harwich line one of the drivers would play some bars from the overture to Tannhäuser (that's the bit where Bugs Bunny rides down the hill on the incredibly fat horse in What's Opera Doc' if you're wondering). I wouldn't have though that possible with only two notes but he swears to it.

[gxsmith]

Thank you guys, great videos, appreciate it.

[JJTimothy]

In my experience, which is mostly in the Weardale and Teesdale route, you don't get any option for how to use the horn. Press the space bar and you get a two tone toot the length of the first tone depending on how long you press for except in the Class 25 where you get only a single tone. Does that differ for other locomotives- or perhaps loco's with third party sound packs?

[Broomwagon]

Great youtube clip JJ, thanks for posting.

[0235]

Great info JJ. The more you know! I have always experienced shot high tone, long low.tone, then a quick flick into high. Like "the trainline" advert

[TrainSim-Steve]

Originally posted by gxsmith:

Hi Guys, I'm from the US and on DMU's what is the sequence you would use for the two tone horns. The low one first then the high one or vice versa. I want to be accurate. Thanks so much

Hi gxsmith,

According to Section 45 of the Rule Book:

You must only use the horn as much as is necessary to give an effective warning or to make sure safe working takes place.

If two tones are provided, you must use the horn as described below. If the horn has no soft/loud setting, you must use the setting provided.

Circumstances & Tones you must use

To give a warning to anyone on or near a running line:
High and low tones - use the loud setting

To give an urgent warning to anyone on or dangerously near to the line:
High tone - use the loud setting

When passing a whistle board:
Low tone - use the loud setting

To give a warning when in a depot or siding:
Low tone - use the soft setting

To sound a local or special code:
High tone - use the loud setting

Wrong-direction movements:
High tone - use the loud setting

a) Anyone on or near the line

You must sound the horn to warn anyone who is on or near the line on which you are travelling.

Give a series of short, urgent danger warnings to anyone who is on or dangerously near the line who does not:

• acknowledge your warning by raising one arm above the head,
or
• appear to move clear out of the way of the train.

b) Whistle boards

You must sound the horn when passing a whistle board only between 0700 and 2300, except in an emergency or when anyone is on or near the line.

c) Within a possession

You must sound the horn on starting your train when making a movement within a possession.

d) Wrong-direction movements

When making a wrong-direction movement on a running line for which there is no signal provided, you must sound a series of short blasts at frequent intervals.

e) Train movements

You must sound the horn at any other time you consider necessary.

Hope this helps.

TrainSim-Steve

[gxsmith]

Good info TrainSim-Steve, thanks so much.