Train Horns

[spathiphyllum]

Why would a train hoot its horn?

Someone told me it's because people are on the tracks, but there is a train by my home, and i love the sound of the horn..

Duuuu Deeeee Duuuuu

And i hear it very often, surely people can't be on the tracks that much?

[spathiphyllum]

It might be worth noting that there is a bridge the train goes under very close to my location

[Baldric]

Probably approaching a crossing point and sounding a warning.

[New Judge]

Many reasons. For example:

- Workers around the line

- Trespassers around the line

- Approaching a site where the horn is required to be sounded (for example, a level crossing or a station where it is not intended to stop).

- Upon entering some tunnels (to warn any workers in there of an approaching train).

[Tuvok]

If you've ever watched out the window on a trian journey you can see a W sign - to indicate to the driver where to whistle.

I've seen these where there are crossing places eg. where farmers have fields on either side of the track.

[gingejbee]

or, Michael Portillo's on board doing one of his travelling-by-train shows, and is having a playful time.

[Buenchico]

Train drivers are obliged to sound the horn whenever they pass a whistle board, such as the one shown here:
https://photos.smugmug.com/DungenessBranch/Dungeness-Crossings-Part-2/i-bV674mH/0/b1ce1ba1/L/Coldharbour%20Crossing%2010%20looking%20east%20Zoom%20081008%2053%20E-L.jpg

Whistle boards are typically placed ahead of crossing points with no barriers. In some cases that might be where a very rarely used public footpath crosses a rail line. Even though only a few people might use the crossing over a period of many months, drivers are still obliged to sound the horn on every approach. (The only exception would be in areas where Network Rail has authorised trains to pass that point,without using their horns, during certain night-time hours).

[New Judge]

"I've seen these where there are crossing places eg. where farmers have fields on either side of the track."

They're termed "occupation crossings" and about three-quarters of the UK's 6,000 or so level crossings are of this type.

[Maydup]

I agree about the sound of a train horn, lovely to hear it.

[Hopkirk]

'Whistle'?

How very 1800s.

[Canary42]

With the passing of the steam age, the W now stands for Warn.

[mushroom25]

//With the passing of the steam age, the W now stands for Warn. //

um, not according to Rail Safety & Standards Board.....

https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/signs/Sign%20AK203%20Iss%201.pdf

[spathiphyllum]

Thanks all, they must be using their horns to warn workers near the bridges. That or there is a W sign near my home. I'm not complaining i like the noises