Has engine power of CSX been increased in the last 6 mo.?

Question

I live between 1 1/2 to 2 mi. from interstate traffic rail lines. It seems even with leaves still on the tree's that the trains sound louder as in using either larger or stronger engines.

Answer 1

The decibels produced by the locomotive should not have gotten any louder.  If I remember correctly, the locomotives usually range between 60db to 90db.  I would think that the FRA has a regulation for this, that restricts how loud an engine can be.

The strongest engine that I am aware of is a 6,000 hp locomotive that is made by GE.  As far as I know, Union Pacific is the only company to employ this much power to date.  However, that would still not increase the sound produced by the engine running.

Answer 2

CSX has some of the new GE EVO locomotives in their fleet. They also lease some older rebuilt EMD locomotives from HELM. Just because the tracks are owned by CSX it doesn't mean they are the only railroad operating on those tracks.

Answer 3

Speaking as an audio engineer, as opposed to a locomotive engineer, my guess would be the prevailing winds have shifted (perhaps this is seasonal where you live) earlier than usual.

As sound waves propagate through the air they are significantly affected by the wind, as well as humidity, barometric pressure and temperature.  If you are having some unseasonal weather conditions, this is most likely the reason the engines sound louder.

Answer 4

Maybe they are just putting the peddle to the metal. What type of train engines are they. There are different engines for different purposes. Some are for switching in rail yards, others are for hauling cross country. I think that even trains that go through mountains are different. Maybe CSX bought some new engines. If they did I would think they would be quieter not louder.  Maybe your hearing has improved or the humidity is high certain days and things sound louder because of one or both?!!!  I don't think it is anything CSX did.

Answer 5

Not really they operqte dash 9 4400's and 6000 hp locos and everything else made in the last 30-40 years  . The noise level also will change depending on what direction the wind is blowing , and they now are putting horns on locos that are so loud they set off car alarms within 150 feet of rails