whistle code...

Whn crossing a grade, the standard whistle code is " long, long, short, long"...

Anyone know what this code means???

ridintherails wrote:Whn crossing a grade, the standard whistle code is " long, long, short, long"...

Anyone know what this code means???

It is one of many standard whistle signals. It has no meaning other than it is the designated sequence of sounds to be made by the engineer when approaching a grade crossing. (In International Morse Code it happens to be the letter "Q" but that is just a coincidence.)

Hi,

Different sources for different situations. As an example, when a ship leaves its dock and enters the harbor or channel, it gives three blasts of its horns. Similarly, when an engine leaves its yard it also gives three blasts from its horns, or whistles.

When approaching a grade crossing protected only by flashing lights, there will be a sign adjacent to the ROW for the engineman to see. Locally, the sign has a large X on it, at one time there was a large W on the sign. This indicated that the whistle shoulld be blown before the crossing is reached. Most engineman blow their horns about three times, the last blast as it crosses the intersection. Rarely do you hear horns on entering a station, instead the bell is rung. Ditch lights alternately flash as well.

Where possible, rules from other, older, disciplines, such as shipping are followed. Otherwise, the individual RR company will dictate the accepted procedure.

Pennsy when an engine is about to move two short blast is required.

3 short blast when stopped means your gone back up.
When running 3 short blast means you acknowledge a signal to stop at next station.

4 shorts is calling for signal

two long and short, is aproaching a meeting point.

long and 3 shorts is signal for crew to protect adjacent tracks.

4 long is members put out for protection may return to train.

Multiple shorts is danger for persons or animals along right of way.

Hi All,

Well that shows you that it is not the same wherever you go.

Interesting story:

The Gold Line, an LRV system, runs from Los Angeles to Pasadena. In south Pasadena, it runs down the center of Marmion Way. Initially, all the residences along the ROW had signs on their property that demanded, NO Bells, NO Horns. Created quite a stir between the community and the Gold Line officials. Took the same route this passed week and there were NO signs being displayed. However, the LRV's traveled Marmion Way in a very interesting way. At crossings where the red lights flashed, the LRV would make a complete stop, and then proceed across the intersection. No horns or bells. Where the intersection was protected by gates and flashing lights, the LRV would do a rolling stop, and slowly proceed across the intersection, no bells or horns. So it was nice and quiet for the residents along the ROW. Of course the LRV was never going faster than about 15 mph. Once it left the street running area and returned to the normal ROW, it went to its speed limit. The Gold Line people had increased the speed limit in those areas to compensate for the time lost on Marmion Way. It is interesting to look at the cars and trucks on the 210 Freeway, in bumper to bumper traffic and your Gold Line LRV is flying by them, going down the center of the Freeway.

Train horn signals are governed by the FRA and in the past, the USRA. The signals were/are very specific, standard, and regulated throughout the Country. The days of different railroads using different signals went out back in the 1800's. Due to radio comunications and portable radios for crews, most signals are no longer used. The taditional 2 long, 1 short, one long has become a standard warning when approaching crossings, railway workers, tunnel entrances, bridges (where required) or other hazardous conditions.