Locomotive Horn Effectiveness at Operating Speeds

Abstract

One aspect of a study undertaken for Transport Canada—as a component of the joint government- and industry-funded Direction 2006 Highway-Railway Grade Crossing Research Program—is addressed. The study's objective was to provide recommendations to ensure adequate warning for safety reasons and to address excessive loudness complaints from crews and from residents near tracks. A description is given of the field measurements and analyses undertaken to assess the influence of horn position on the effectiveness of the horn at operating speeds; an in-service assessment of alternative horns is also presented. Conclusions and recommendations are made to reposition horns in new-build locomotives and to add emergency-only or two-level horns at the front of some models of existing locomotives.