Essential Train Horn Kit Components

Most new buyers purchase their train horn in a complete kit for an easy no-fuss installation. Obviously, these components are not true train horn locomotive components. They are scaled down so they fit most trucks, even down to SUVs and compact pickups and cars.

Here are basic parts of the train horn kit.

Air Tank

Air tank cylinders comes in different sizes, the most common for personal truck installations being between 1 -3 gallons. These are simple structures that accept and hold the pressure that the compressor gives. An air gauge is often attached to the tank.

Compressor

A compressor is an air pump that when activated fills the tank with compressed air. Compressor capacities are generally matched to the size tank. First fills may take several minutes, depending on the size of the tank. Re-fills can be 60 seconds or less. It is governed by a pressure switch which tells it when to re-fill and to what pressure.

Air compressors are used to fill other devices, such as tires or an air suspension.

New buyers sometimes get hung up on pressure readings. If one compressor is said to fill a tank up to 150 psi, and another 115psi, one would think the 150 psi would be the natural pick. This is misleading for three reasons. First, the sound difference between the two may hardly be noticeable. The horn has a lot to do with perceived volume and you must compare "apples with apples" all the way through the components. Second, a chronically high pressure may tax the compressor if the user is overly "horn happy." Over-use equals overheating which may cause a premature failure. Third, a train horn tone should be of high undistorted quality. We frequently find the sweet spot in the 110-125 PSI range.

Decibel readings are sometimes given as well. Again, to adequately compare across brands, the reading must be taken with the same instrument, properly calibrated and at the same distance from the horn. This is rarely the case.

The Horn

Train horns run the gamut of sizes and shapes. Separate trumpets are slim and can be up to two feet long. In an attached array, there are two trumpet horns, three trumpet horns and even four trumpet horns. It's generally believed that you need three or more trumpets ("chimes") in the array to product as authentic train horn tone. Each trumpet sounds a different note. It's the combination of these notes that produce the distinction "blat" that immediately says "train horn."

The better air horns are made of metal. Plastic horns are OK in low priced value kits but they are not considered the "real deal" by most train horn enthusiasts. Steel, zinc, brass and copper are common metals. Horns are either chrome or gold plated or painted black.

Horns are activated by a solenoid valve. Horns (and compressors) are energized by a 12 volt source. The horn can be activated by your regular horn button or you can buy a new separate horn switch. It's all in the installation.

These are the basic components of any train horn kit. You should receive enough air hose, fittings and hook-up wire to do the job. Don't be shy about having a pro do the job. Shops that specialize in aftermarket installations of sound systems and alarms would be an appropriate choice.