Finally have just about everything I need. I will probably need another trip to the hardware store…but all of my core parts are here and ready. I didn’t want to throw a whole ton of cash on this, and I think I’ve done pretty good for the most part. Any feedback or suggestions at any point during this thread…please don’t be afraid to reply. Since most of you have been through this…I’m hoping to learn something from you all from your experience.
My horns…Nathan P3’s. These are from the west coast, a former co-worker has a dad that is a major train enthusiast. This was the last set (of many) different horns he had saved up…which I got for shipping cost ($40).
I have a Viair 450C compressor, SMC 1/2" valve, 5 gallon tank, as well as various other parts that Garrett at Hornblasters threw together for me. Here is the upside-down mockup.
I took the spare out, and ziptied up the spare hanger out of the way. I got some angle iron from the local big box store, and have most of the chassis bolted into place. The goal was to make this as non-permanent as possible. I think I am going to be able to get away with not having to drill anything.
Here is what I have so far on the chassis.
I plan on tying the front end together, since the compressor is going up there. I have considered bolting in two more pieces to go laterally or longitudinally, and using the spare tire hanger between the two additional braces…for some extra support.
I’ll post more as I progress. Sorry for the poor quality pics…they were with the cell phone.
While we are into this as well…several people that have previously had train horns have told me that I need to angle them downwards towards the road, so they will “drain” and so they will deflect onto the pavement.
The zipties were to help hold the horns up so I could get these big oven grade 8 bolts through the manifold and bolted up. I will probably leave them on, just for extra support. I’ve got some metal strapping around them now too though…they aren’t going anywhere.
All I need to do is run my 12v constant from B+ to the pressure switch, and wire my switches…then I’ll be live. Just a double checking for air leaks then, and I should be ready for some video.
Ok, I am all wired up. Compressor kicks on just like it should…be there is a problem. I temporarily wired everything up initially to test everything…and the compressor kicked right on and started filling the tank. After several seconds, I heard a loud pop…then the gauge on the tank stayed at zero. I checked all of my lines, everything is installed snug.
I can’t think of any reason that anything made the popping sound, or what I can’t build any pressure. The pump is a reman’d unit that I got from Hornblasters.
Also, I can’t seem to find/hear any air leaking from any ports on the tank. Any suggestions?
Pitch will change cause there is no back pressure on the pump. You wont find a leak cause the air escaped with the pop. Faulty pop off switch, bad fitting, or bad airline. Put a set of earplugs in and safety glasses on, then use your hand to feel where the air is escaping when it pops. If you cant feel the rush of air, start spraying soap and water on everything to see where the leak is coming from, do this while the compressor is running. You should find the problem in a few minutes.
I highly doubt anything is wrong with the compressor itself. It sounds fine.
Cool, that is reassuring. I have another popoff valve, I suspected that first.
The thing is, I just finished the wiring yesterday…and I let the compressor run. I’m not getting any air at all into the tank…but yet I can’t feel any air escaping from any of the ports. Its kind of baffling…but the reason I suspected the pump itself.
Apparently I missed the dummy plug on the topside of the tank (where the bracket mounts are). I don’t know how, considering I was looking at the tank sitting on the ground for several days.
Just buttoned it all back up, and fired the horns at around 75psi…wow! Lol :D:D:D:D:D
Yup, poop happens. Thankfully alot of the time its simple stuff, like this. It just goes to show you that the attention to detail…and taking your time, can really help out. At least no damage was done…and no parts were messed up.
I now need to find a better momentary button/switch. Can anyone recommend something? Maybe something a big box store or automotive chain carries. I got a cheapo from OReillys…and it didn’t work, right out of the package.
