What's that random noise that you sometimes hear in Virgin/CrossCountry trains?

[phil35]

Its similar to the noise played over the loudspeaker when the train manager is about to speak, but more... 'siren-ey'. No-one ever bats an eyelid. I've been wondering what it means and why its sounded, but all I can guess is that it means something to the staff on the train. First time I heard it I thought we were in some sort of emergency runaway train sort of thing. :roll:

 

[scotsman]

There's 2

A rising set of beeps indicates there is an issue which requires the Train Manager/Driver's attention (assistance alarms etc. - not pass comm)

I think a falling set of beeps indicates a crew call (one member of train crew calling the other).

You'll find the pax will happily ignore most announcements they here!

 

[Geezertronic]

There's 2

A rising set of beeps indicates there is an issue which requires the Train Manager/Driver's attention (assistance alarms etc. - not pass comm)

I think a falling set of beeps indicates a crew call (one member of train crew calling the other).

You'll find the pax will happily ignore most announcements they here!

There's actually 3 on the 390s as I hear them and sad as I am I can hum all three. As I understand it, they are:

a) three notes from low to high - toilet alarm (usually set off by some donut trying to turn the light off )

b) two notes low to high - crew call?

c) three notes, slow high to low - TM contact driver?

Could be wrong but that is what I understand them to be. I dread the 3rd one because it is usually followed by a delayment announcement from the TM

 

[ainsworth74]

b) two notes low to high - crew call?

I thought it was 3 notes from low to high for a crew call

 

[Pumbaa]

I thought it was 3 notes from low to high for a crew call

2 notes 3 times; ba dah, ba dah, ba dah.

 

[Geezertronic]

I thought it was 3 notes from low to high for a crew call

I could be wrong, I'll have to make a point of asking one of the TMs then we can know for sure

 

[WestCoast]

There is a variety of beeps that you will also hear on Voyagers and Pendos. The disabled toilet alarm is a frequent one and "train manager contact the driver" can also be heard.

Speaking of announcement chimes
I think Arriva Trains Wales 175s make a very nice sound. It's on this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RD8Kit7Hw&feature=channel