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Two tone horns

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ComUtoR

ComUtoR

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hexagon789 said:
Interestingly the NIR rulebook still stipulates use of BOTH tones at whistle boards, but has the 2300-0700 restriction on sounding horns.
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Which version rulebook are you taking that from ?

alangla said:
Did I see something on a thread elsewhere suggesting that some Electrostars have air whistles as well as horns or am I talking nonsense?
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They have a Depot Whistle. Used in depots and sidings.
 
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cjmillsnun

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ComUtoR said:
Which version rulebook are you taking that from ?
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This one http://www.translink.co.uk/Documents/Corporate/publications/policies/Rule Books/Forms/RuleBookNEW.pdf

  1. 3.5.5 Use of the horn
•

you must sound the horn as a warning:

  • - when passing a whistle board

  • - frequently when approaching an AHB or LB level crossing where a whistle board is provided

  • - when approaching or leaving a station where another train is standing on the next adjacent line or siding
  • - when approaching and passing shunting operations on the next adjacent line or siding

  • - when entering or emerging from a tunnel

  • - frequently when in a long tunnel

  • - on starting if required to pass a signal at Danger

  • - when otherwise necessary
  • you must also sound the horn as a warning to anyone on or near the line who may be endangered

  • give a series of short urgent danger warnings if anyone does not acknowledge your warning and move clear or remains dangerously close to the line concerned

  • both tones of a two-tone warning horn must be used to give warnings

  • do not use the horn more than necessary for safe and efficient working, especially between 2300 and 0700 hours

  • use the horn sparingly when people are nearby, or when in or entering a shed or building, unless someone is
    endangered
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hexagon789

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ComUtoR said:
Many thanks. Now I understand what NIR means :)

That is our old set of horn rules. I assume from that link NI Railways use a completely different rule book to UK mainline. Do they not come under the RSSB/Network Rail ?
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No, NIR and IÉ (Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail), use a joint rulebook, NIR is state-owned and entirely responsible for running trains, rolling stock and maintaining track and signalling.

I'm not sure if the RSSB have any input though.
 
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cjmillsnun

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ComUtoR said:
Many thanks. Now I understand what NIR means :)

That is our old set of horn rules. I assume from that link NI Railways use a completely different rule book to UK mainline. Do they not come under the RSSB/Network Rail ?
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No they are a vertically integrated publicly owned railway and their rule book is shared with Iarnród Éireann
 
Fincra5

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Deepgreen said:
They do, and they are intended mainly for use to attract staff attention. I've heard them used a few times.
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Haha, perhaps ;) Along with the main use in Depots and Sidings... Also for kids/ parents on the bridge over a station.
 
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Emblematic

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To be pedantic, and in common with other European operators, NI railways is now split into NIR Networks Ltd and NIR Operations Ltd. EU regs mandate some separation of infrastructure and operations.
 
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TractiveEffort

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Deepgreen said:
Quite! It's an odd thing in this era of rapidly increasing safety strictures to relax safety like this. I wonder if the cost issues behind having to keep two tones in use at all times (i.e. proper maintenance and compensation claims arising from a stopped unit/loco) is behind at least part of the concept of one tone.
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Cost will have nothing to do with it, whilst a train can carry on in service with one tone not working or isolated (maybe with a speed restriction, stock dependent) it can’t come off a depot like that, so would have to be repaired no matter what the cost.
 
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Deepgreen

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Fincra5 said:
Haha, perhaps ;) Along with the main use in Depots and Sidings... Also for kids/ parents on the bridge over a station.
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By staff attention I was including in depots, as opposed to warning the public out on the main line, etc. I have also heard them used on occasion at platforms to summon platform staff.
 
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BucksBones

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bengley said:
The alleged reason for the single tone rule at whistle boards was to allow a change in the rule book which meant trains could continue running with one defective horn tone..
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Just as well that’s the case otherwise there wouldn’t be many 350s in service at any one time - the upper tone on these is often a ridiculous, wheezy squeak, the sound of which must carry all of about 3 feet! (I’m sure they’re not meant to be like that...??)
 
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Llama

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Nah that's not right, there was plenty of supporting material when the rules changed to mandate one tone at a whiskey board, it was all about reducing unnecessary noise pollution.
 
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philthetube

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BucksBones said:
Just as well that’s the case otherwise there wouldn’t be many 350s in service at any one time - the upper tone on these is often a ridiculous, wheezy squeak, the sound of which must carry all of about 3 feet! (I’m sure they’re not meant to be like that...??)
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I am surprised they are allowed to leave the depot like that.
 
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ainsworth74

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Llama said:
Nah that's not right, there was plenty of supporting material when the rules changed to mandate one tone at a whiskey board, it was all about reducing unnecessary noise pollution.
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I find myself intrigued by the thought of a "whiskey" board! Does this indicate that everyone on board should be served a measure? :lol:
 
43096

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ainsworth74 said:
I find myself intrigued by the thought of a "whiskey" board! Does this indicate that everyone on board should be served a measure? :lol:
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Or does it mean Father Jack is stood next to the line shouting “Drink! Drink! Drink!”?
 
Rick1984

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slightly off topic but why do certain classes have such pathetic horns in terms of the noise they make?
 
TheVicLine

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Llama said:
Only at 'whistle boards' or sounding certain codes is one horn tone normally used. This instruction at whistle boards has been the case for a decade or more now, but there is pressure to revert back to using both tones.
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ASLEF have recently been advising two tones at whistle boards too.
 
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