Train Conductor's ?

We are currently in Benson AZ, not far from some railroad crossings. What I have noticed is the difference in the train horn cadence at night. So is there no policy, law, mandate, etc. etc., or is it completly up to the conductor on how often or long he toots his horn ( much like the OT) HOP have you ever been a train condutor also? What says the OT?

I live next to bnsf and I can tell who's coming by the horn sound.

Actually the train horn communicates in a Morse Code translation. To the trained individual they know by the cadence exactly the size, load weight, and speed of the on coming train. Pretty remarkable really. Now this is all speculation since I have absolutely no railroad company experience but it sounds plausible.

It's the Engineer on the horn, not a Conductor

I was going to mention this also! These non train folks are a little slow if you know what I mean.

I don't think freight trains have conductors anymore. I think they are called Brakemen.

I was going to mention this as well! Thank You for helping keep the uninformed informed.

I always wondered if the engine had a glovebox.

The one leading usually does.

Sometimes I would like to grow a Jack Dorsey beard and hop a train to knowhere.

My understanding is that the signal is. Long. Long. Short. Constant when the front of the engine hits the highway until it passes over the other side. No other knowledge about trains. My bucket list is to ride in the cab of a working locomotive. I also know 'it ain't happening'.

All I know is it is required by law for them to blow their horns at crossings and yes there is a form of communication they use, but not about weight and speed and all that stuff. Was watching something on Modern Marvels about it the other night, but fell asleep during that part.

used to see hobos on the trains along the deschutes river in oregon when I was teaching up there for a yr.

looked like fun for about 3 mins.


https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26193/Required-Train-Horn-Signals?bidId=

Back in the early 60's my granny lived close to the railroad in Hugo,Ok. When we would visit her I would wonder around by the tracks and found hobo camps,most were friendly and had some interesting stories to tell a little kid.

I will have to check with my conductor buddy, Floyd Smoot.

Boxcar Willy could've answer all of your questions!

lvillelrat is a train man... may even be an Engineer or conductor...
maybe he is lurking round here today

I doubt his toots are regulated

I believe coming to a grade crossing the pattern is Long-Long-Short-Long.
Grade Crossing = where train tracks cross roadways

I see no reason to doubt this information...much unlike some that have doubted mine! Maybe if Lanman71 hadn't of fallen asleep he might have discovered I might have been right, maybe.