Why the short 'toot' on the horn?

Even older tom · Why the short 'toot' on the horn?

I've been decorating a flat near to Haywards Heath station (on the main London/Brighton line) and every so often I'd hear a loco give a short 'toot' on the horn. It's a very busy line so I think it would be heard more often if there was a 'whistle' sign directing drivers to signal. It could happen twice in 10 minutes or there'd be none for hours.

Anyone got any ideas what the reason might be? Is it a driver getting fed up waiting?

poliss

Is there a signal box nearby?

Even older tom

I don't think there is Pol, I can't remember seeing one. I can have a look on Monday. If there is, what might be going on?

poliss

One of the worst railway accidents ever was caused by a signalman forgetting about a loco waiting at a signal. One such incident occured at Norton Fitzwarren in 1890. Rule 55 was brought in which says 'when a train is brought to a stand at a stop signal the driver must sound his whistle'.

poliss

Details here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norton_Fitzwarren_rail_crash_(1890)

Even older tom

That could well be the reason... HH is at the junction of the SE/SW coast lines and trains can be brought to a halt by signals while waiting for the line to clear.
I'll have a good look on Monday.

Cheers.