What are some of the whistle / horn codes used for communication between the crew of a train and with the ground staff?
Whistle or horn codes consists of long and short blasts on the engine whistle. Here is a list of whistle codes. Notation: We use the following symbols to denote different kinds of whistles. Note that many of these are now no longer in use. The long whistle to indicate a train about to leave a station, and the short whistles to indicate light loco movements are the most common...
more... ones still in general use.
'o' : denotes a short blast on the horn.
'--' : denotes a comparatively long blast on the horn.
'-----' : denotes a longer blast on the horn.
'----------' : denotes a very long blast on the horn
-Code [ o ] - Before Starting:
Indication to driver of the assisting engine that driver of leading engine is ready to start.
Acknowledgement by the driver of the assisting engine.
Engine ready to leave yard
Engine ready to go to loco yard
Light loco or shunter about to move
-Code [ o ] - On the run:
---Assistance of other engine not required
Acknowledgement by driver of the assisting engine
-Code [ -- ]
---Normal departure from station on receipt of clear signal. This is usually followed by another long blast about 10-20 seconds after the first one, after the guard's all-right signal is received.
---Beginning of shunting operation (if shunted rake has passengers in it)
-Code [ o o ]
---Call for guard's signal
---Signals not exchanged by guard
---Signals not exchanged by station staff
-Code [ -- o ]
---Guard to release brakes
---Before starting engine from a mid section/station
---Main Line clear
-Code [ o o o ]
---Guard to apply brakes
---Train out of control, guard to assist
-Code [ o o -- ]
---Sudden loss of brake pressure or vacuum (perhaps by alarm chain being pulled)
-Code [ o o o o ]
---Train cannot proceed on account of accident, failure or other cause
---Protect train in rear
-Code [ -- -- o o ]
---Call for guard to come to engine
-Code [ o -- o ]
---Token not received
---Token missed
---With wrong au thority to proceed
---Passing stop signal at 'on' on proper authority
-Code [ ----- ] - Before Starting
---Vacuum recreated on ghat section, remove sprags
---Passing automatic 'stop' signal at 'On'
-Code [ ----- ] - On the run
---Acknowledgement of guards signal
-Code [ ---------- ]
---Approaching level crossing or tunnel area
---Recall staff protecting train in rear
---Material train ready to leave
---Running through a station
---Approaching a stop signal at 'on'
---Detained at stop signal
---Crossing stop signal at 'on' after waiting the stipulated time.
-Code [ -- o -- o ]
---Alarm chain pulled
---Insufficient vacuum in engine
---Guard applies vacuum brakes.
-Code [ -- -- ]
---Raise Pantograph (electric loco only)
-Code [ -- o -- ]
---Lower Pantograph (electric loco only)
-Code [ o o o o o o o o o ] (Frequently)
---Apprehension of danger
---Danger signal to driver of an approaching train whose path is obstructed
---Moving in wrong direction on a double line.
---Also used by EMU motormen to warn passengers on a crowded platform of the approach of a fast train which will not stop at that station
