As I have been merrily installing sound decoders into my locos, I have come up against an interesting conundrum: how does one know which horn sound to use? I have found web sites which describe in detail the different horns, and will list which railroads used them, and there are other sites which may indicate which horn was the default factory horn; but how does one find out, for example (based on this weekend's needs) what horn was used on WP's F3s and what horn on D&RGW's PA1s? I will take a flat out answer to my example, but is there a resource somewhere to look these up? As I start on my UP and SP fleets, I would anticipate plenty of variations within them.
I go old school, I look at the pictures of the locos (or the prototype when I can), so see which horn is on it, this way I can match the sound to the horn. Horns get swapped out a lot on engines. One loco I was modeling had a Leslie 3 Chime, and the crew had a leaser on the line with a Leslie 5 chime. The horns got swapped, so I'm glad I had pics to prove it. Some lines (like Southern) had a service manual that said which engines got which, but I think this is more an exception that a rule. BN was a big fan of the Leslie 3 Chime, I'd feel pretty safe putting that on most of their engines.
I would really like to know if there is a good resource out there too. I am trying to work out what horn was fitted to B&O F7A #961. I have been through all the books and online sources I know of and cannot find a definitive picture or answer. B&O received their F7s in 4 batches and they had different horns. The best I can establish is 961 had a multi level 5 chime...
I found this web site, which has a lot of info on the different horns, and on who used what. http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/ However, there doesn't seem to be any good reference with matching up a specific loco to a specific horn. And, apparently, they changed a lot during a loco's lifetime. The best advice I was given: find a horn which you like the sound for, and if it is a reasonable match for the horn on the model - use it.
Yes that is a good site! I have used it for reference many times but as you say it isn't specific for particular locos or batches as ordered. It gives general usage by a railroad, like a particular brand; leslie or nathan etc Obviously some railroads kept things simpler than others.
Based on pictures I have seen of B&O E and F units and with what you describe, I feel quite confident that the horn is a Nathan M5.
Thanks Rick, yes the Nathan M5 was one that had made it onto my short list, but an M5R24 because some of the bells appear to be reversed in some of the photos...
Reversing the #2 and #4 bells was pretty much a standard for the M5 when it was the only horn set on the locomotive. Only affects the sound if you were either in front of, or behind the horn. On a model, it shouldn't matter, unless someone figures out how to fade from front to back as the locomotive passes by you...
interesting fact, thank you. most detail parts for models appear to be the 5 forward bells. which I know WM had two sets pointing forward on their F units. agree about the sound, but critical for detailing. That's great help!
