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The command control sound effects offered on many new locomotive models are far more than just “cool” features. As Model Railroader magazine’s contributing editor Andy Sperandeo demonstrates in this video, the bell and whistle sounds can be used in a prototypical manner to enhance the operations on a layout of any size or scale!
I left one out this bell rule is from Taking Care of Business. Sound the bell when passing a stopped train on another track also blow the horn at the start and end points of the train signal for that is 1 long and a short.
Great video with great demonstrations. MR does a great job explaining Rule 15 Whistles , but I had a hard time understanding Rule 14 Bells until now. Thanks
good tips on bells by Andy. Bells are used on US engines only. Sound the bell when you are in a yard and when your about to depart. Sound the bell when your coming into stations on passenger trains this is required. Sound the bell at all grade crossings to warn motorist of movement. And Sound the bell at all tunnels and bridges to warn people you are about to cross.
a great tip from Andy I am a hard core railfan and I know most of the whistles. (note for this exersize O will be short and the = will be long.) everyone knows this one ==O= which is Two Longs a Short and a Very Long fallowed by a Bell Ding for two seconds this is Crossing and every train blows it when they are not on a commuter corridor or near any quiet zones. == or Two Longs is Forward OO Two Shorts is also Forward and is used to signal the flagman at the front for premission to move. OOO Three Shorts is Backup trains use this when they need to get their cars. = or O is STOP! trains blast this when the train is stopped and are applying brakes the bell also needs to be on. this signal is blow before the train leaves the yard. =OOO or a Long and three Shorts this says “Conductor Attach The FRED and Protect the Rear”. ==== or ===== or 5 Longs or 5 Longs recalls him 4 is West and South 5 is North and East. OOOO or 4 Shorts is Request Signals in Dark Territory also request premisson to move this signal is also Emergency. O= or One Short and a Long is Brake Test. =O or One Long and a Short is Track Workers Get Out Of The Way this signal is blown if in a workzone signals, quiet zone, or not Two Shorts are blown when the train is clear. last but not least 12 Shorts is Get Out Of The Way! trains blow this if someone is tresspassing or is on the tracks you don’t want to hear this one ever.
Thank you Andy for sharing all your knowledge with us all these years. You will be missed.
Short and to the point. Very informative. Good job!
Back in the day (1954), when my husband was discharged from the Marine Corps, we began farming in NE Iowa. We still had a crank type telephone, and my father-in-law, an old railroad man, suggested that our ring should be 2 shorts and 2 longs. His was the opposite; 2 longs and 2 shorts. I seem to recall that in terms of railroading, his meant that the train was coming into a town. Is that correct? What did our ring mean?…Thanks so much for your video on "bells and whistles"! Most helpful.
That was very informative. I knew about the diving forward and back but the extras while at a crossing, pretty great. Thank you.
Thanks Andy – fun learning and adding this touch will be great during operations.. Thanks Again, Bill
As we become more operations-ready, and although I model 19th century RR'ing, I very much enjoy Andy's ops videos. The essence of his tips, such as this one, are quite applicable.
As I watched, however, I was most fascinated by the fascia displays. Made me think of other layouts I've seen either in MRR or videos. I would be interested in knowing how and why model railroaders use their fascias. Looks like some do so to show the industry above, others of course show track schematics. Also how modelers choose to label their towns, etc, i.e. I use all caps for towns – ATLANTA, and lower case for landmarks – Kennesaw Mountain on small plaques. The way we as layout builders utilize the fascia contributes to what I see as the 'framing' for the layout. How it can compliment or be a distraction.
And you folks probably have down such as article and if so please let me know some sources.
Thanks for your work, play!
Thom
I always enjoy Andy's "operations" videos. Thanks for another interesting episode.
Information and operational tips are always appreciated. Thank you.
These tips are great. It's like having Andy visit>
Not bad… Not bad at all… "God Bless America" to quote an old railfan friend
Due these rules still apply the same in the diesel era?
Thanks Andy, Every useful tip that you teach us about running trains during an operations run is very helpful, and your experience as a master model railroader and working for MRR continually adds to the hobby. Your the Man!!!!
I love the tips for Operations keep them coming.