LOCOMOTIVE WHISTLES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 243, 14 July 1928, Page 13

LOCOMOTIVE WHISTLES

Locomotive whistles., are- due Tor some radical changes if heed is given by the railroads to the suggestion of Professor Arthur L. Foley, of the physics department at Indianna University (comments the “Des Moines Register”). The whistle blows the wrong direction,- according to Professor Foley. It is intended primarily to be heard in front of the locomotive, and never farther to the rear than the end of the train. By reason of the location of the whistle it is heard three times as clearly from the side as from the front.: The noise ahead of the engine is cut down by placing the whistle behind the smokestack, stea’ dome, and sand box. The remedy is very simple. - Professor Foley points out that “even a mule knows that sound can be reflected, for the mule turns his ears in the direction from which the sound comes.” All that is necessary is to place the whistle on the very front of the locomotive and place a concave , reflector behind it. . Then the whistle blast will be sent ahead where it will do" the most good. The power of the blast can be cut down. The" steam required to blow it can be curtailed and an economy effected in fuel. It is said 4,000,000 tons of coal anually are used for nothing but blowing locomotive whistles. That is why the. railroads are giving serious consideration to the idea. If the railroads ever apply this simple piece of good sense, Professor Foley will be the benefactor of those who live near railway tracks.