What do train whistles mean?
Every whistle from a train relays a message. Whistles provide a way for the engine crew to “talk” to the conductor and to you. One of the most important safety features of the train, railroad whistles were standardized in the late 1880s to 1890s.Definition of the WhistleTo make a long whistle, the whistle is held for 3 to 10 seconds or longer. The short whistle is held for 1/4 of a second to 2 seconds.Stop and GoThe whistle for a stop is one short whistle. Two long whistles indicate that the brakes should be released so that the train can move forward.Station or Junction ApproachWhen approaching a station or junction, one long whistle is held. An extended whistle of more than 10 seconds indicates that the train is approaching a road or grade level crossing.WarningWhen signaling a warning or obscured visibility, the whistle is one long followed by one short. A series of short whistles is an indication of livestock on the tracks.RequestWhen a train is requesting a signal, four short whis
