Bells were standard equipment on steam locomotives from around 1940 onward.
Their purpose was to make noise, alerting people and animals of an oncoming
train. Steam locomotive bells were usually made of cast bronze or brass.
They were often up to 15 and 16 inches in diameter (measured at the widest
part). They could weigh hundreds of pounds. When a steam locomotive was
scrapped, the locomotive bell was often one of the few items saved from
the torch.
The bell assembly included several parts:
- The Bell: The bell itself is one solid piece.
- The Cradle: The cradle is the framework portion that attaches to the locomotive.
- The Yoke: The yoke holds the bell and allows it to swing in the cradle.
- The Clapper: The clapper is the metal piece hanging inside the bell. When the bell swings the clapper hits the bell causing it to ring.
- The Pull-Arm: The pull-arm is attached to the yoke. A rope is attached to the pull-arm so that the engineer or fireman can cause the bell to swing.
On early locomotives and others that did not have clearance issues,
bells were mounted on top of the boiler. On larger locomotives where height
clearances became an issue, bells were mounted on the front of the smokebox.
There were also cases where steam locomotive bells were mounted in odd places
like under the smokebox or under the running board.