COLIN PETERSON'S TAKE ON TRAIN HORNS
Below, you’ll find our take on an article written by Diesel Tech Magazine Assistant Editor, Colin Peterson. In his piece, Colin explains the difference between real horns and imitation horns, shares his passion for genuine locomotive train horns, and discusses how train horn kits have become the new standard for all trucks. Enjoy!
FIRE UP YOUR TRAIN HORNS
As Colin mentions in his article, nothing complements an aggressive-looking truck like a powerful train horn. A quick search on Google reveals numerous videos of these extraordinary horns, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. While many train horn videos involve startling unsuspecting people, these systems also serve as excellent warning devices.
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely seen videos of people using their horns to get a reaction. However, what you don’t see are the countless instances where train horns are used for safety. Have you ever had someone pull out in front of you? Or had another driver dangerously drift into your lane on the highway? Perhaps you've tried to get the attention of a distracted driver on their phone? While stock horns can sometimes get the point across, they often fall short. A train horn, on the other hand, ensures you capture attention in any situation.
Colin’s article delves into the differences between real horns and imitation horns. Real locomotive horns require large volumes of air and substantial mounting space, often found on larger vehicles like lifted trucks. HornBlasters carries authentic locomotive horns, including the Nathan AirChime series, featuring the K5, K3, P3, and P5 models. These horns deliver the loudest genuine locomotive sound, but the world of train horns and air horns is vast.
HornBlasters manufactures a variety of horns that rival the Nathan AirChime in loudness and tone. Our most popular model, the Shocker XL, is the loudest horn you can get before stepping up to the Nathan AirChimes. The Shocker XL produces an impressive 147.7 decibels, compared to the Nathan’s 149.4 decibels. Hand-tuned to sound like the Nathan AirChime P5, these horns deliver an authentic tone without requiring a massive air system or extensive installation space. They can operate with a tank as small as one gallon, providing respectable honk times. Additionally, the Shocker XL’s four individually mounted bells offer versatile installation options, making them suitable for anything from a golf cart to a smart car to a pickup truck.
Beware of imitation horns on the market claiming to match the performance of real locomotive horns. These knock-offs often boast exaggerated decibel levels that are unrealistic and potentially harmful. The loudest recorded sound on earth was the Krakatoa volcanic eruption at 180 decibels, while real locomotive horns register at 149.4 decibels. Any train horn claiming higher numbers is likely misleading. Be sure to listen to sound samples and look for signs of a bogus horn.
At HornBlasters, we take pride in the volume and sound quality of our horns. Even our more affordable starter or electric horns deliver impressive performance. Our air systems provide room for upgrades, allowing you to start with a budget-friendly option and build up to your dream system.
We hope this information helps you make an informed decision when choosing the right horns for you. Thanks for reading, and catch you next time! Happy Honking!
