Trumpet Valve Guard
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US $5.99
Most new buyers purchase their train horn in a complete kit for an easy no-fuss installation. Obviously, these components are not true train horn locomotive components. They are scaled down so they fit most trucks, even down to SUVs and compact pickups and cars.
Here are basic parts of the train horn package.
Air Tank
Air tank cylinders come in different sizes. The most common sizes for personal truck installations are between 1 -5 gallons. These are simple structures that accept and hold the pressure that the compressor gives. It contains any numb3er of air hose ports. An air gauge is often attached to the tank.
Compressor
A compressor is an air pump that when activated fills the tank with compressed air. Compressor capacities are generally matched to the size tank. First fills may take several minutes, depending on the size of the tank. Re-fills are much quicker. It is governed by a pressure switch which tells it when to re-fill and to what pressure. A train horn kit may have one compressor or two working in tandem. Air compressors are used to fill other devices, such as tires or an air suspension.
New buyers sometimes get hung up on pressure readings. If one compressor is said to fill a tank up to 150 psi, and another 120psi, one would think the 150 psi would be the natural pick. This is misleading for three reasons. First, the sound difference between the two may hardly be noticeable. Second, a chronically high pressure may tax the compressor if the user is overly "horn happy." Over-use equals overheating which may cause a premature failure. Third, a train horn tone should be of high undistorted quality. We frequently find a practical sweet spot in the 110-125 PSI range.
Decibel readings are sometimes given as well. Again, to adequately compare across brands, the reading must be taken with the same instrument, properly calibrated and at the same distance from the horn. This is rarely the case so keep these specifications in perspective.
The Air Horn
Train horns run the gamut of sizes and shapes. Separate trumpets are slim and can be up to two feet long. In an attached array, there are two trumpet horns, three trumpet horns and even four trumpet horns. It's generally believed that you need three or more trumpets ("chimes") in the array to product as authentic train horn tone. Each trumpet sounds a different note. It's the combination of these notes that produce the distinction "blat" that immediately says "train horn."
The better train horns are made of metal. Plastic horns are OK in low priced value kits but they are not considered the "real deal" by most train horn enthusiasts. Steel, zinc, brass and copper are common metals. Horns are either chrome or gold plated or painted black.
Horns are activated by a solenoid air valve. Horns (and compressors) are energized by a 12 volt source. The horn can be activated by your regular horn button or you can install a separate horn switch. It's all in the installation.
These are the basic components of any kit. You should receive enough air hose, fittings and hook-up wire to do the job. Don't be shy about having a pro do the job. Shops that specialize in aftermarket installations of sound systems and alarms would be an appropriate choice. Whichever you choose, get ready for train horn nirvana!
Gene Brenner is a webmaster of a company that offers train horns and train horn kits to car and truck drivers who want a true train horn sound. He also buys and sells websites which makes him knowledgeable in several disciplines.
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Denis Wick Trumpet Valve Guard $14.99 Denis Wick Trumpet Valve Guard |
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Bach 8311 Series Velcro Trumpet Valve Guard Black $5.99 Bach 8311 Series Velcro Trumpet Valve Guard Black |
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Bach 8311 Series Lace-Up Trumpet Valve Guard Black Leather $5.99 Bach 8311 Series Lace-Up Trumpet Valve Guard Black Leather |
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Bach Trumpet Valve Stem $4.99 Bach Trumpet Valve Stem |
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Woodwind & Brasswind Trumpet Valve Cover $5.99 Woodwind & Brasswind Trumpet Valve Cover |
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Protec Leather Valve Guard Black $8.99 These valve guards are crafted of the finest full grain leather and lined with a soft velvoa lining to protect the finish of your trumpet. To keep moisture away, they are embedded with a waterproof nylon layer. Velcro closure. |
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Schecter Guitar Research Special Trumpet Hand Guard Black Cherry $499 The Bb/C Trumpet #1 Special hand guard covers the valve section and the undersides of the bell and leadpipe. The guard uses velcro to close around the valves. Extra flaps on the top side of the guard protect the bell and leadpipe from your thumb and forefinger. It is made of the finest quality American leather and has Leather Specialties patented Tripotec Layering System to keep the valve section clean and protected from moisture and acids.Quality leatherProtects your instrument's finishVelcro fasteners |