Train Fun 

RAILROAD "WHISTLE TALK"

Believe it or not, railroad engineers don't blow the locomotive whistle just for the fun of it. No, Siree!
Every toot has a meaning and helps to keep the wheels rolling.

Some of the whistle "talk" used by our engineers is given below, so that you may know what the engine is saying the next time you hear the whistle echoing over the countryside.

Each • means a short toot.     Each — means a long toot.

• Apply brakes. Stop.

— — Release brakes. Proceed.

— • • • Flagman go back and protect rear of train.

— — — — Flagman return from west or south.

— — — — — Flagman return from east or north.

• • • — Protect front of train.

• • Answer to any signal not otherwise provided for.

• • • When standing, to back up. When running, to stop at next passenger station.

• • • • Call for signals.

— — • —  Approaching highway crossing at grade.

—  Approaching stations, junctions, and railroad crossings.

—  Approaching meeting, or waiting, points of trains.

A number of short toots is an alarm for persons or livestock on the track. 

Fostoria Rail Preservation Society
PO Box 421   ~   Fostoria, Ohio 44830
ontrack@fostoriairontriangle.com  ~  419.435.1781