Airchime K3L and K3H | |
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These horns were introduced in 1954 as a low maintenance alternative to the M3H
. They were a derivative of the derivative the K5H, using the #1, 2, and
3 bells from that horn to produce the D# minor chord required for use in Canada at that time.
Early K3H's used the same pyramid-shaped manifold as the J3; later horns used
either the high profile H manifold or the low profile L manifold. The horn pictured above
is an early, sand cast K3L produced by AirChime licensee Holden Ltd. Horns produced after 1974
are die cast, and have a much smoother finish. | |
 | Rear view of the Holden K3L. |
 | Some K3H's cast by Holden between 1957 and 1969 came with adjustable back caps, as shown at left (note the adjustment nuts at the centers of the caps). Most K horns are not adjustable. Note also the high profile H manifold, which features a short "neck" below the middle of the manifold. |
 | An American-tuned K3LA illustrating the later die cast finish. The K3H and K3L are primarily Canadian horns, but do occasionally show up on American railroads, notably on the BNSF 960-series Dash 9-44CW's. Subsequent new BNSF locomotives have come with the American-tuned K3LA. All horns and photos courtesy Brent Lee. |
Factory tuning is: D# minor (D#,F#,A#) | |
The K3H and K3L are the predominent horn on Canadian Pacific, Canadian
National, and VIA Rail Canada. They are relatively rare on US railroads.
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K3H or K3L sound samples:BNSF 960-series Dash 9-44CW:Sample 1...41kB...1 second Sample 2...198kB...9 seconds Sample 3...114kB...5 seconds CP Rail, various locomotives: Sample 1...157kB...7 seconds VIA Rail Canada F40PH: Sample 1...203kB...9 seconds River Terminal SW1001: Sample 1...162kB...7 seconds | |