Train Horns

[WoodBrian]

Is there a forum somewhere on the net for train horn enthusiasts? I'm looking to buy a kit and was looking at the shockers, nathans, and kleinns and wanted to see what other people had.



Thanks

Brian

 

[R.Taylor]

I've looked at the options as well. No matter where you get it you have two choices for horns... You have Nathan who makes the AirChime, That brand is on all the locomotives here in the US. Then there is Leslie, They can be found on ships, boats, Trolleys and metro rail cars. For the real deal train horn go with the Nathan K5LA, The K3LA is nice too but the K5LA is the shocker. There's a guy selling the K5LA's on Ebay for $725, They are restored and better than the new castings. Look at eBay item #260564961843. The Leslie horns are nice and loud but you won't get that freight train sound like a Nathan. Hornblasters kits seem to be expensive, Better off piecing together a system. You'll need to plumb a 1/2" to 3/4" line for a big horn setup... . 150+ PSI!

 

[EricBu12]

All kinds of sets here

Train Horns & Train Horn Kits : Loudest Air Horns Online

 

[Garlic]

I run 5 Kleinns (a 2 chime and a 3 chime set), 150 psi and 3/8" air line with about 7 gallons of air storage. The 3 chime is operated either with the horn button or a throttling valve. The 2 chime is horn button only (along with the 3 chime). If you choose the Kleinn (They are easier to get ahold of and probably cheaper) they are only equipped with a 1/8" NPT or 1/4" inlets and Solenoids, so going for a 1/2" or 3/4" hose really does not make any sence. My throttling valve has 1/4" NPT fittings and I will tell you that I really don't think they could be any louder (nor would I want them to be)that they are currently. I do however like the Leslie's because of the tone quality. The Kleinn's are pretty realistic and are rated at 149 db (152 with the larger hose kit) ANy louder and they might stop hearts. LOL

The diaphram housings are machined steel and the trumpets are fiberglass or a comosite material, pretty nice if you ask me.

 

[FDrake]

Are train horns LEGAL everywhere or not? Can you get in hot water if you use them on the highway or within a city's limits? I have thought about getting them after I had Hadleys on my other truck but the legality of them has stopped me.
Frank

 

[Bekim]

I bought my airhorn setup from a vendor on Ebay. The triple horn, tank, valve, tubing, Viair compressor, tank... everything you need. My cutoff is 180 PSI and the horn is SCARY loud. Definitely not street legal at that decibel level, but very effective.
Mike
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[FDrake]

Which brings up the question of WHAT IS street legal? Is there a minimum and maximum loudness allowed for vehicle horns? Can it be TOO loud while it CAN be not loud enough? Is a train horn legal at any volume on the streets but not on train tracks? That is why I don't have one. I don't know what is legal and what is not.
Frank

 

[Curious Dave]

I was wondering that myself. Please "CHIME" in if you know.

 

[KKaminski]

I know that after putting the cheap ($39. 95) air horns on my truck - which are well hidden, but effective, I have had good fortune with getting people to notice the other traffic.

As for legal, I'm not sure. But I did use it last Thursday night in the middle of nowhere to see what the time length of audible air would be with a 2 liter tank and the next thing I know, the guy that was following me was pulled over by a county deputy that must have thought it was coming from his truck.

By the way, it lasts for about 7 seconds from 115psi to not audible on a 2 liter tank and quick recovery compressor.

 

[DOUGMartin]

I work for a rail road and have been trying to get a set that ya know fell off a train. And was told by people in the shop it is not leagal to have train horns any place in the country.

 

[SSalzer]

I have a set I never put on my truck. If you're interested, Email me at -- email address removed -- for details.

 

[Garlic]

I believe they are only 'not legal' if you get caught and some one has a db meter and the ordinance in hand, or you are breaking the noise rule for disturbing the piece. A friend has a 3 chime set of Leslie's, 20 gallon ait storage and 125 psi from a belt drive compressor, they are in plain view and have been mounted (and used, alot, in public and at all hours) since he bought the truck in 1990. My 96 has a full function Whelen siren with a 100 watt speaker and I use it for just ticking people off when you just can't seem to fix stupid kindly. The 5 chimes I currently use, I don't believe there is a day go by when I don't have the "need" to lean into them. Overpasses and tunnels are great for effect and the 'kid' that is too busy talking or texting on his(her) cell phone at a light and can't see green, it sort of makes them pucker a bit and move.