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Volks Electric Railway - Squealing noise

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trainmania100

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Hello
I had another ride on the VER today , which got me wondering what the bizarre high to low pitch squealing noise is that comes from these units that sounds like some sort of dog toy


I observed a button on the side of the control desk which when pressed, exhibits this loud noise, turning heads.

The driver seemed to press it every approach to a foot crossing, but the unit also made the noise when shunting at the station before moving.

I thought maybe the train was storing the electricity before going off the third rail over the crossing but it doesn't make the noise over junctions / breaks on the third rail elsewhere.

Anyone know what the noise is?
 
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pdeaves

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I have no definite knowledge of the system. However, if the noise coincided with pressing a button before a crossing, was it simply a 'horn'/'whistle' warning noise?
 

Highlandspring

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I’ve never been to Volks Electric Railway but a search on Youtube shows it’s simply an “awooga” type electomechanical klaxon horn, as used on old cars and boats.
 

trainmania100

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I’ve never been to Volks Electric Railway but a search on Youtube shows it’s simply an “awooga” type electomechanical klaxon horn, as used on old cars and boats.
And there was me thinking it was some sort of super complicated operational function for super ancient electric trains lol. Thanks
 

southern442

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It certainly caught me by surprise the first time I travelled on the VER!

Slightly OT but as far as my favourite sound of the VER it's got to be when the trains round the corners. On most railway units it makes a horrible, sharp squeal, but on the VER's trains it's almost quite melodic and tuneful.
 

trainmania100

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It certainly caught me by surprise the first time I travelled on the VER!

Slightly OT but as far as my favourite sound of the VER it's got to be when the trains round the corners. On most railway units it makes a horrible, sharp squeal, but on the VER's trains it's almost quite melodic and tuneful.

Wow, that certainly wasn't the case yesterday :lol: , entering the passing loops was very shaky , clunky and loud certainly suggesting the trains age. Could just be where it was the first days of opening since covid maybe the wheels etc were rusty or needed greese. Tbh I'm suprised it didn't detail it was quite a rattly ride down to the pier
 

RobShipway

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Wow, that certainly wasn't the case yesterday :lol: , entering the passing loops was very shaky , clunky and loud certainly suggesting the trains age. Could just be where it was the first days of opening since covid maybe the wheels etc were rusty or needed greese. Tbh I'm suprised it didn't detail it was quite a rattly ride down to the pier
It could be that the tracks needed rubbing in. I believe though that the tracks had been greased last month. The only other thing could be the hot weather, with only starting to run the trains.

I know when I have been on the VER in past years, the ride is sometimes down to how the drivers, drive the trains. Some have mastered the art of a smooth ride on the trains, others are still learners even after years of practice.
 

southern442

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What are the service intervals like at the moment? Has it been reduced from 4tph?
 
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southern442

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I think it is about 4tph, at least it was on Sunday when I went. Got there about 11.15, missed it, next one was 1130.
It's for this reason why I like to think of VER as a half heritage railway, half genuine transport link (albeit for leisure purposes only). Going to Brighton as a kid, there were a few times when we did use it as a useful means to an end (rather than just going on it for the sake of it - although that would certainly have happened anyway!) I can't think of any other heritage operation that runs at an almost metro frequency, plus the fares are not *totally* astronomical!
 

trainmania100

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It's for this reason why I like to think of VER as a half heritage railway, half genuine transport link (albeit for leisure purposes only). Going to Brighton as a kid, there were a few times when we did use it as a useful means to an end (rather than just going on it for the sake of it - although that would certainly have happened anyway!) I can't think of any other heritage operation that runs at an almost metro frequency, plus the fares are not *totally* astronomical!
Yes that was my application on Sunday. Quite a warm day. 4 hours free parking at the marina. Couldn't be bothered to walk to the pier.
 
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