Locomotive Whistles

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 177, 28 July 1928, Page 14 (Supplement)

Locomotive Whistles

Locomotive whistles are due for some radical changes if heed is given by the railroads to the suggestions of Professor Arthur L. Foley of the physics department at Indiana University. The whistle blows the wrong direction, according to Professor Fo'ey. 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, steam 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 cars in the direction from which the sound comes.” All that is necessary is to place the whistle on the very front, of lhe locomotive and place a concave reflector behind it. Then the whistle b'ast 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 annually are used for nothing but blowing locomotive whistles. That is why the railroads are giving serious consideration to the idea. If tho railroads ever apply this simple piece of good sense, Professor Foley will be the. benefactor of those who live near railway tracks.