Locomotive steams through Ames, Iowa

Challenger No. 3985 steam locomotive roars through Ames, Iowa, on Sept. 25, 2008

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• steam
• locomotive
• Ames
• Iowa
• Union
• Pacific
• Challenger
• No.
• 3985

[AmesTrib]

That horn noise comes from the stationary horns placed at street/train intersections. It sounds when a train is coming, no matter what type of train.

[turnoutjim]

What a great idea. Even though you have about an average of 25 sec. once the lights start to flash and the gates lower before the train crosses, you still have morons that try to beat the train.

Have this added feature to grade crossings help prevent fatal collisons?

[AmesTrib]

We don't have serious stats on that, but it seems we have fewer stories about folks trying to race across the tracks.

Another reason for the horns was to direct the sound in the direction that the traffic would be approaching, rather than in an omni-directional way. The result was supposed to be quieter for areas adjacent to the crossings -- but a train horn still has to be loud to work!

[ncrailfan]

Man I hate thoes electonic crossings! It drownded out the sound of the locomotive!

[BNSFFREAK747]

I missed that :( And i only live 5 min from that crossing!!

[juddfurlong]

BIG BOY!

[ronthecyborg]

what was that horn noise as the train was approaching?

[storycounty]

There's some big train fans on AmesTalk. com

[dutchtrainmanserie22]

Awesome!!!!!!!

[RichardSwayne]

YAY! No Diesel!