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While they might be considered irrelevant in today's era of radio communications, ALL engineers are *required* by transportation law to sound certain coded signals at certain times.
There are whistle sequences for 'train stopped' 'northbound train approaching station', 'westbound train passing on main track'' et cetera. One signal which is mandatory is "Train approaching grade crossing" and the signal is two long whistles, one short and one long. -----! -----! --! -----------!
The whistle signals are required in order to ascertain the correct location, speed, direction and activity of the train. To someone who knows the signals, they can tell all these things, along with the identity of the railroad company the train belongs to. In a town where the railroad is the main employer, and people know each other, the listener can even identify the engineer by his style, cadence and differences from other engineers.
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Who has lain awake more than once listening for "slow Bill" westbound out of town. THERE he is! Now I can sleep!
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