Reader comments
Silence trains' horns

As a mechanic for the railroad for over 3 decades, I know what train horns sound like. And Federal Law requires the engineers to sound at all railroad crossings, regardless of time of day. In other words, the engineers aren't doing it to be ignorant, but are obeying rules they are required by law to obey.

They are required by law to do it to warm everyone that they are near. They do it to warn any cars or any one near the tracks to watch out.

Personally, I love the sound of the trains running, even early in the morning. Just something that makes me nostalgic.

The sound of the train brakes as it pegs the odd car or pedestrian won't be a nuisance then?

There are laws on this, my friend. Trains don't sound their horns except as necessary. Want no horns, move away from train tracks.

That would be government interference with free market capitalism.

Either let the markets decide,
or allow government controls [restrictions, take aways of freedom]

You can't have it both ways.

Noise pollution caused by trains is a warning to cars and pedestrians that a train is coming. Noise pollution caused by trains is a life-saving activity.

I am sorry that it inconveniences you.

Perhaps you would also like us to remove stop signs so they don't block your view?

If you don't like the trains blowing their horns, the move farther away from the tracks. Trains are required to sound their horns at railroad crossings.

Did you move to the area when the train was already there. If so, you knew there would be horns.

Alan Schulz, Et Alia:

Are you kidding me?

I LOVE railroad trains, either watching them or riding on them!!!

A guy on one of the railroad fan web sites that I visit chided me for saying "horn".

He said that it's always called a "whistle", even though it is an air horn.

When I was living in downtown Salt Lake City, the distant sound of a passing railroad train helped motivate me to compose one of my best songs, "INSPIRED BY THE FULL MOON".

Even here in the Old Soldiers' Home, I sit in front of my computer and watch video after video of railroad trains posted at the YOU TUBE web site.

As a matter of fact, I'm on the list to transfer to the newly rebuilt Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Not only is it located right on the ocean, but there's a railroad train that passes right by that building!

Or, maybe Alan Schulz and I should trade places?

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

You might like to re-read Lee Benson's Oct. 20 column about the train/school bus crash in Sandy.

It's funny how the nutcakes get all upset because of train horns and yet let so many others things pass free without criticism.

Trains don't blow their horns to disturb the peace. It's federal law that they have to sound their horns when approaching a grade crossing.