Why do trains squeal so much?

Squeal is generated from lateral slip between wheel and low rail. Further, it is understood that squeal occurrence is dependent on the friction behaviour in combination with the size and direction of the forces acting in the contact patch; more specifically, the presence of the so-called 'stick–slip loop.



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Newer locomotives have become much quieter in recent years due to noise regulations being implemented by countries and regions. However, there are still times that a locomotive may develop a defect in its turbocharger, which produces a whine that can be heard for many kilometers.

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Guests are asked to limit conversation and speak in subdued tones. Phone calls are not allowed and all portable electronic devices must be muted or used with headphones (passengers using headphones must keep the volume low enough so that the audio cannot be heard by other passengers).

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And the main reason for that is safety. Locomotive engineers are required to honk every now and then, which is written down in the regulations called the Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns.

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Trains do not really blow their horns louder at night. At night, though, highway, machinery, industry, and other sounds are not as loud as during the day, so the train horns may seem louder and to carry farther before they are drowned out by background noise.

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Two main reasons - it can be down to the action of the braking system (particularly “clasp” brakes, which act directly on the tyres of the wheels) or the friction between the wheels and the rails on tight curves and pointwork.

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Generally, squeal noise of 100–110 dB is generated when a train passes through a curve about 7.5 m from the center of the rail; this is 15–20 dB higher than the rolling noise of the vehicle, and one or more pure tone noises occur at frequencies of 400–10,000 Hz [5].

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At night, the air near the ground can have a different temperature than air only a few hundred feet above1. This affects the transmission of sound waves. There is usually less ambient noise after dark, so the distant train sounds louder. As pointed out elsewhere, maybe the trains don't use the horn in daytime.

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made as the wheels pass over the joints in the rails. Most modern railroads use a continuous welded rail. that eliminates the sound. Hear the noise in person for yourself today at 1 p.m.

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Why do trains sound their horn? Federal law requires the train crew when approaching a road crossing to sound the horn at all public crossings for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians regardless of whether crossings with gates and lights are present.

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Under the Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222, issued on August 17, 2006), locomotive engineers must begin to sound train horns at least 15 seconds, and no more than 20 seconds, in advance of all public grade crossings.

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Train Drivers sound their horns when they pass a “whistle board” sign on the approach to a level crossing and this provides users with an understanding of whether or not it is safe for them to cross the railway. There are approximately 1600 level crossings around the network that are fitted with whistle boards.

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Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules require locomotive engineers to sound train horns between 15 and 20 seconds, but no more than a quarter-mile, in advance of all public grade crossings. Train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of two long, one short and one long blasts.

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In a quiet zone, railroads have been directed to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching public highway-rail grade crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other Federal regulations or railroad operating rules.

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Anyway, don't blame the engineer: They're required to blow that horn. The regulation in question is called the Final Rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns—a name that strongly implies they've had just about enough of your bitching—and it requires four blasts 15 to 20 seconds before every crossing.

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Two short whistles mean that the engineer acknowledges that he or she heard or saw a signal that affects movement. Three short ones mean that the engineer intends to make a reverse movement. Two long, one short and one long mean trains are approaching a highway or street crossing. And the list goes on.

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By the time a train operator sees you, it is too late to stop the train in time. An oncoming train is moving faster and is closer to you than it appears. Similar to an airplane traveling at 150 mph that appears to float onto the runway, it's hard to determine a train's speed and distance from you.

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Noise pollution and vibrations are some of the biggest concerns, particularly for people who live within one-third of a mile of railroads or railyards, says Natalia Caldeira Loss Vincens, an expert in public health at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

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