Train Horn Air Setup / Install and K5LA Runby

[@rnrailproductions5049]

I think I’ll use this video as inspiration and a model for the future. Thanks for this great explanation!

[@EPWI92]

R&N RailProductions awesome! If you ever need some help feel free to ask.

[@m3nathan]

Sensational set up mate, very tidy and simple.

[@midwestmodelrailroadworkshop]

Extremely well done my friend! Loved the very detailed walkthrough and explanation of the new setup! Simple, clean, works great and looks great!

[@EPWI92]

Blake K5LLA K5LA thanks Blake! Appreciate that 👍🏻

[@NickSilcox3]

Excellent video setup, well explained:) and maybe I could use this for my pickup setup. I do believe there are holes drilled by the factory underneath that had grommets over them, hopefully there is, don’t want to put any holes in your new truck haha

[@EPWI92]

Nick Silcox thanks Nick! I know you’ll put something great together as you always do!

[@sepa2401]

Another thing on the portable air tank setup; I recommend setting up the graham white valve so the handle faces upwards. I have the knockoff horn blasters version and it works much better that way.

[@cole909cole]

Great video man. Fyi there are holes already in the bed and back of the cab you could run the lines through just so you could close your window.

[@joshuageorge979]

So glad you made this video, I have a 12 gallon tank I wanna rig up the same way you got the test tank set up. I already have Graham white valve that I haven't been able to use so that would make good use of it.

[@EPWI92]

Glad to hear that 👍🏻 feel free to let me know if you have any questions

[@jmream2618]

Love your Amtrak AEM7 strobe lights

[@jerseyrailbuff4147]

What is the piece or bracket that the GW Valve is mounted on on the interior and how did you install it/ where does it connect to by your driver seat, I was thinking about doing the same thing, is it something I can order or is it custom made?

[@EPWI92]

@@jerseyrailbuff4147 I believe I just went to the hardware store and bought a piece of pre cut steel. I then drilled a few holes into it and secured it with one of the driver seat bolts.

[@Traincraft101]

I have a question: How well do those 1/2" unions seal since there's no rubber gasket? I'm looking for an alternative to quick disconnects that doesn't require a wrench like garden hose fittings

[@EPWI92]

They actually seal quite well but will eventually leak down over time. If not there, then somewhere else. But nothing noticeable in my opinion. I’m sure there are other options you can try. Like push-to-connect fittings (PTC) that you can also remove if you need to.

[@Traincraft101]

​@@EPWI92 thanks! I'll give them a try then.

[@brianvictor9642]

Thanks for the video, dumb question here, what is the cap called that has the gauge, quick coupling and drain on the portable tank?

[@EPWI92]

Not a dumb question. And to be honest I have no idea. That particular piece was ported into the tank straight from the manufacturer. I just relocated it. 👍🏻

[@albertogonzalez3025]

Those front covers on your train horns are home made and what did you use

[@EPWI92]

Alberto Gonzalez those are actually cones used by the railroad. I’m not really sure who actually made them but they are STRONG

[@andrewbnsf]

What’s a good way to get in touch with you? Couldn’t find the IG handle. I’ve got some questions about your set up and what I’ve got on my truck. Thanks!

[@johnhancock1833]

Great video. Where did you find the valve in your truck. I’d like to have 1 like it. Thx

[@EPWI92]

Thank you. You can find them on eBay or on hornblasters website. They sell the Graham White and also a knock off version that is cheaper

[@STLMetroSirensMain]

Do you have to use the pull cord on the engine to start the compressor or do you have a remote switch tied into it to start it?

[@EPWI92]

@@STLMetroSirensMain I can do both. I have a battery tied in or I can use the pull cord as well.

[@STLMetroSirensMain]

@@EPWI92 thats smart, good to know! While im here, do you have any tips on putting a K5LA on a 2021 Camry? Im planning on doing that here soon. I already have a 8 gallon air tank, 3/4 inch tubing, solenoid valve, wires, and a compressor

[@EPWI92]

@@STLMetroSirensMain couldn’t really give you any tips on that! That’s what’s cool about this hobby. There is no manual or procedure. It just depends on how crazy you want to get.

[@STLMetroSirensMain]

@@EPWI92 I got ya, ill build it into a K7 first and then ill go from there 🤣

[@sepa2401]

Would the O Ring or a Rubber Flange Gasket work better on the riser?

[@EPWI92]

I’ve used both and have had no problem with either. O ring works perfectly fine. Assuming the base of your horn is flat. If it has some damage or something along those lines than I believe a rubber base gasket would be the better choice. O ring has been fine all these years though, even with being exposed to the sun 99% of the time.

[@sepa2401]

@@EPWI92 How about using the pipe threads on the horn?

[@EPWI92]

@@sepa2401 you could. Nothing wrong with that. The only way I see a problem there is if you were to be threading and unthreading a nipple or fitting frequently. The threads could become weakened or damaged over time. If it would be a permanent install I’d think you’re totally fine.

[@sepa2401]

@@EPWI92 Would teflon tape be necessary.

[@EPWI92]

@@sepa2401 I use Teflon tape on all of my threads

[@sheldonceria9301]

where did you mount that graham white valve braket to? is it custom made?

[@EPWI92]

It was mounted using one of the bolts that mounts the seat to the floor. And yes. I cut and drilled the piece of metal that holds the valve.

[@SouthernCaliforniaRailfan]

hey, i have a question. I am trying to get a setup for my car. I have a horn, but, i'm kinda tired of honking it right by my house. Are there any tanks or compressors you recommend? Also, im looking for more than just a crossing sequence. maybe a good 30 to 50 seconds of horn. car is nissan xterra

[@EPWI92]

Well you’re going to be limited on space but I’d say try starting with a 20G tank and see what else you can fit. Hornblasters sells a good 20 gallon tank. Not sure how much it is these days but you could also try checking Craigslist in your area for another horizontal style tank. Just make sure whatever tank you get has some 1/2” ports. As far as a compressor goes it’s really your preference. I think harbor freight makes the cheapest wheelbarrow gas compressor. You’d be able to fill your tanks pretty quick. Or if you actually wanted on-board air I have used Viair 480c compressors in the past. I started with 1 and ended up having 3 for 17gallons total

[@SouthernCaliforniaRailfan]

@@EPWI92 thanks for the info.

[@TWIGYBNSF]

Very well done with this video! I do have one question, who makes the strobes on your horn rack?

[@EPWI92]

Thank you 👍🏻 star strobe makes them.

[@TWIGYBNSF]

@@EPWI92 Awesome thanks :)

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

Currently running a k3la on 1/2 o.d Line so assuming that’s 3/8 I.d. I just ordered 3/4 inch o.d with roughly 1/2 I.d. To make them louder. Will this give me a better sounding louder horn

[@EPWI92]

There’s a good chance you’re going to hear quite a noticeable difference. When I junked all of my hoses with reductions and made sure I had 1/2” I’d all the way through every turn and valve I was much happier with my sound.

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

@@EPWI92ty sir and for the quick reply

[@EPWI92]

@@LyftedDieSeL_Wv not a problem my friend. Let me know what the result is when you swap out your lines.

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

@@EPWI92is the manifold thread size 1/2 npt? I was looking for a 1/2 male to 3/4 female elbow with the shark bite. Any suggestions where to get that

[@EPWI92]

@@LyftedDieSeL_Wv I would say you should be able to get those in the plumbing department at Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. I’ve never used actual shark bites so I’m unsure if they will be 100% air tight.

[@CSX453]

Awesome! Thanks

[@joshuageorge979]

What would you suggest for getting a lot of air without goin with a belt driven compressor? I'm putting a K5LA on my F150 limited. I'd like to have two 20 gallon tanks but I dont know what would be good for filling them without goin crazy expensive on a air compressor.

[@EPWI92]

Viair makes good 12V compressors. I used to have three 480Cs to supply 17 gallons. The 480C are rated for 5 gallons each so if you wanted to have 40 gallons technically you’d need eight 480Cs and that’s crazy lol. I know someone that used to fill around 50 gallons with one 480 but it took a very, very, very long time. Probably got dangerously hot too. If you find me on Instagram you can look at some of my older posts where I used to have the 12v compressor setup to get an idea. Other than that, OASIS makes good 12V compressors that pump much more air, but they are also more expensive. I’ve never used one so I don’t have any experience with those. Something you may want to check into though. I’m assuming you don’t want to go with gas. Hope this helps.

[@joshuageorge979]

@@EPWI92 yeah I'd rather stay away from gas tryin to keep it still pretty simple and easy. I thought about just manually filling them but I'd imagine even with 40 gallons it would go pretty quick without having a air compressor filling the tank and would most likely get annoying constantly having to fill them so I already know I need at least something keeping the pressure up a little bit. I'm gonna have to look into the oasis.......I actually awhile back use to have dual viair 444c compressors filling a 12 gallon tank for my K3LA I use to have. But I ended up selling them. Probably should have held on to them.

[@EPWI92]

@@joshuageorge979 I’d check into the OASIS. It’ll be more expensive but would be good for your application.

[@aubergm3p583]

How was it mounting the compressor in the box? I just got a quincy and will be doing the same very soon

[@EPWI92]

Wow nice compressor 👍🏻 it should be easy for you. It’s just going to be four bolts thru the bed. Just make sure you don’t drill into the fuel tank or something like that. I’d recommend getting some isolator pads. I got these at Grainger, it would around 50 or 60 bucks for the 4 of them. I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting the compressor mounted. Look forward to seeing it

[@aubergm3p583]

@@EPWI92 it actually came with the 4 isolator pad/bolts so that was awesome! I was just curious how it was drilling through the bed. I've got an f150 just a few years older then yours.

[@EPWI92]

@@aubergm3p583 oh cool. It’ll be super easy to drill thru. I’d say once you think you have it placed where you want it to be, drill a small hole first and go under the truck again and make sure it’s still going to work out. That way if you make a mistake you only have a tiny extra hole instead of a 1/2” hole lol.

[@aubergm3p583]

@@EPWI92 good idea. That's for the help. I tested her out with a k5lla of mine this last weekend and Holy cow what an upgrade. No longer need to be "stingy" with my air!

[@aubergm3p583]

@@EPWI92 the Quincy is bolted into the bed. It wasn’t the easiest job as clearance between the fuel tank and bottom of bed were less then desirable. But it’s done and ready to ROCK!

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

Hey man sorry to bother you again. Can you give me a forum or something where people look for train horns to buy or anything like that if you know of any ?

[@EPWI92]

No bother at all. There used to be a forum called the horn whistle board. Unfortunately it disappeared but it used to be very active and had a wealth of information. Lots of buying and selling. This new one started up but is basically dead which is too bad. www.hornwhistleforum.com/viewforum.php?f=25 Other than that I really only know of Facebook marketplace. I’m not on FB though and have never used the marketplace in my life. But from my understanding there is a lot of buying and selling there. All of the connections I’ve made are mainly from the old HWB. I wish it was still around.

[@alijawad239]

👌👍

[@SUMDUDE.]

And I thought my truck was useless lmao

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

Sorry for bothering you yet again lol. So I run my horns now on 3/4 line and 200psi pressure switch which they sound really good and super loud. Will this hurt anything or just wear the diagrams out faster and if so will that be a fast process or we talking months or years ?

[@EPWI92]

That’s a good question and I’m not totally sure if 200psi is going to blow out your diaphragms. Standard locomotive PSI is about 140psi. If it was consistently 200psi I think it could be a problem but since you only have 8 gallons of air, as soon as you hit the valve that pressure is going to drop significantly. I don’t think you’ll have a problem with your current setup 👍🏻

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

@@EPWI92thank you sir and for always helping. Between you and HornBlasters you’ve been a life saver lol.

[@EPWI92]

@@LyftedDieSeL_Wv glad to help if I can!

[@LyftedDieSeL_Wv]

Well I pulled the trigger on a k5lla hope I’m not disappointed lol I sold me k3la or in process of trying to sell

[@EPWI92]

@@LyftedDieSeL_Wv major congrats 👏 you won’t be disappointed.