Theoretical maximum time the horn could be used?

[Alan Snelson]

As for loudness, I know that the noise level beside a fully wound-up turbo charger was 120-122 decibels, measured by the health department team (and was the same day we discovered how many deaf engineers we had on board).
120-122 decibels is the same as standing at the back end of an early Boeing 737 engine on take off, so the two mast whistles would be above that, maybe up to 130.

Skilly

Thanks for that Skilly. I think I have mentioned it elsewhere on the forum that when the brand new Norway was leaving New York on her maiden cruise, I was sitting right on top of QE2's wheelhouse with Tony Secker. We had been allowed up there so that we could get some photos as the ships passed each other in the Hudson. Obviously whistle salutes were exchanged and at the time it was the loudest thing I had ever experienced. Only exceeded since then by an 8000hp Top Fuel dragster at 150 decibels.

[Conor]

"7 or more short blasts, followed by one long blast on the ships whistle. The first blast will indicate the exact time of 12 noon."\
In fog I believe there were one second blasts...timing to be decided. The noon whistle...7 one second blasts followed by a 3 second.

I wouldn't want to heading down for afternoon tea after heating 7 short and 1 long blast of the whistle. Might end up with more than you bargained for

Bu thanks for your responses guys, it's been really informative!

[Twynkle]

And for another great whistle fix
Take a look here too!
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,206.msg46896.html#msg46896

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

As regards the decibels...


Serious notice on the QE2 Mast by prondis_in_kenya, on Flickr

This notice on the QE2 mast reads as follows :

IMPORTANT
Ear muffs must be worn whilst working up or in mast unless all whistle control gear is inoperative

[Twynkle]

As regards the decibels...


Serious notice on the QE2 Mast by prondis_in_kenya, on Flickr

This notice on the QE2 mast reads as follows :

IMPORTANT
Ear muffs must be worn whilst working up or in mast unless all whistle control gear is inoperative

Isabelle - This is amazing!
Well spotted, well captured and well done to You!
Rosie

[Adam Hodson]

As regards the decibels...


Serious notice on the QE2 Mast by prondis_in_kenya, on Flickr

This notice on the QE2 mast reads as follows :

IMPORTANT
Ear muffs must be worn whilst working up or in mast unless all whistle control gear is inoperative

Thanks for sharing that with us Isabelle. 

[Lynda Bradford]

Great topic, a mixture of serious techy info and some funny suggestions!

I for one was completely under-whelmed by the QM2's horns.  Yes one came from the Queen Mary and the other is a replica but they were nothing like the boom of QE2.

I'll never forget the first time I heard that noise and that whatever I've travelled on since, it just hasn't felt the same.

jdl

I agree with JDL about this being a great topic and one to return to again and again.  There is so much knowledge shared by forum members and a little bit of humour is good as well.