How does the automatic bell ringer on a steam locomotive work?

[PradKe]

Most of the steam locomotives I've seen require the fireman to pull a cord attached to the bell, thus ringing it, however I've started seeing locomotives with automatic bell ringers; the fireman does not touch the cord but the striker in the bell automatically, rhythmically strikes the bell. How do these automatic bell ringers work?

 

[squeakyguineapig]

Most likely an electric bell powered by a battery or a generator on the engine. In the cab, the fireman or engineer pushes a button to activate the bell.

 

[SamuraiHoghead]

The one constant when comparing steam to diesel electric is the air. Automatic, air driven bell clappers are nothing new.

When air driven, the bell doesn't move. The clapper does.

On older steam engines, the bell is rung by pulling on a rope (wire), which first moves the bell itself (on a yolk), not the clapper, although both were moving, while with later models (diesel and steam), the air moves the clapper, not the bell, and therefore the bell is not on a yolk, but of fixed mounting.

Either way, it's a ringeddy ding dong time. And if you hear one, better look over your shoulder. The bell is ringing for a reason, usually telling someone to get out of harm's way or to announce equipment is about to start.

A very good question and safety related, which always rates a star.

Thanks for asking.