Historic Folk Toys: Music, 'Four Note Train Whistle'

Four Note Train WhistleOur wooden Four-Note Train Whistle is approximately 7-1/2 inches long and includes short and long whistle patterns of actual train whistle signals. The precise depths of the four inner holes make it sound like a real train whistle.Historical Background: The train whistle played a significant role in the history of American trains. The crew of the train needed to be able to communicate with each other from the front of the train (the locomotive) to the end of the train (the caboose). They devised three different ways to communicate without yelling. They basically used bells, flags and sounds, but they also used lanterns, as well as hand and color signals.Generally, railroad trains are required by various state laws to sound their horns in advance of all crossings. These horns are extremely loud at 96 decibels and have become a nuisance to those who live near such crossings. But the reasons for these loud train whistle sounds are for our own safety. Train whistles