RAILforum: Air horn madness!

This is topic Air horn madness! in forum Eastern US at RAILforum.

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Posted by ohwellek (Member # 1025) on :

As a volenteer for Steamtown, Scranton, Pa. and a diesel air horn collector, I appproached management at Steamtown to restore the poor sounding horns on their only operating diesel NKP. EMD. GP/9 514. I rebuilt the Nathan M-3 on the long hood, and donated a Nathan P-5 from my collection to mount on the short hood, not asking to be reimbursed in any way for this contribution.

The 514 carried these horns for about a year, when all of a sudden, upper management decieded they were too loud! As far as deciples go their only operating steam locomotive CNR. S-1b 3254's whistle is just as loud.As a result these horns were removed and a single note honker, a worn Leslie A-200-156 was installed.As if this move was wasn't bad enough, the regular engineers were instructed not to blow this horn at full valve! Whats next, electric car horns?

Is this a Railroad Museum for the public?
It seems to me that Steamtown's upper management should be concearned about what the visiting public likes rather than worring about offending their ears! Most of upper management are not rail knoledgable.I've recieved many favourable comments on the horns.

This is only the tip of the iceberg at Steamtown, Management seems intent on seeing Steamtown fade into oblivion! This would be a shame.

If you suport this commentary, let Steamtown know.
Contact them at-----1-888-693-9391
stea_visitor_information@nps.gov

Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :

"Most of the upper management are not rail knowledgable."
That seems to be a recurring phrase these days.

As for the horns... let 'em blow!!!!
In my opinion, the best sound in the world is an Amtrak K5LA, with an engineer who can really make it sing. If you don't like it, cover your ears!