Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Owning a train horn, and caring for it.

By Chris Channing


Train horns have been used for over 50 years and are still used today. They provide loud warning signals to people, conductors, and animals. They are especially important when nearing a busy area. They are also used to pass signals between different train conductors, and other employees on the railroad. They consist of two main components: the diaphragm, and the nozzle piece. The N3 train horn was the first three chime horn offered.

The science behind a train horns functioning is simple; compressed air is pushed in, and the sound comes out as a result. The sound and frequency of the horn are based on the sizes of the main components. In the mid 1900s train horns were operated by pulling a level or a pull cord, but in modern times only a button is necessary. Think train horns are only for trains? Think again. They have become increasingly popular for use on boats, SUV's, big rigs, large trucks, monster trucks, and some people use them on motorcycles. They are also collected due to the value they possess. Some of the first train horns are also important and valuable mementos to many collectors. The first train horns are extremely rare, and only a few possess them.

Train horn kits can be easily purchased anywhere on the web, or through a dealer. Don't expect to get one with a kids allowance though, these special horns can cost anywhere between $200-$1000+.

Setting up your train horn wont be easy. It requires an air compressor and many other components. You will definitely need a tank that is greater than 20 gallons, and its crucial to make sure your tank is the right size for everything. Having an inappropriate tank can result in death, or an accident.

Train horns, personal train horns, and professional horns, can encounter some function problems. Nearly all of these will occur within the diaphragm or nozzle. Sometimes a piece could crack, or something could get stuck in there. A train horn nozzle makes a great home for birds, which could also cause problems with your horn. To keep it in great condition, regular maintenance is necessary. Its important to polish and clean your train horn, and remove any debris from the inner nozzle and diaphragm. There are several companies that offer their repair services for a small fee. However, different horns require different maintenance due to the way they were produced. This is also based on age and rarity.

Closing Comments

In conclusion, Train Horns are just as necessary today as they were 50 years ago. They are enjoyable for collectors, and also provide safety measures.

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