If I put my ear to a train track, what sound does an arriving train make against the rail?

Question

I'm not crazy enough to do this, but I'm just wondering. Assume that it is a freight train

Answer 1

it makes a sound like metal cables under tension are being cut and whipping around



dot put your ear to any old bit of track you dont know which one is live

Answer 2

Depend if it's jointed rail or welded rail and how fast the train is traveling. Also if the wheel have flat spots.

Welded rail at low speed is silent, jointed rail makes a clanging sound, and flat spots has a hammering sound.

Answer 3

Not a good idea. However, welded tracks will start to 'sing' when a train is approaching and this can be heard some distance away.

Answer 4

it's a high pitched hiss but you can hear that from a safe distance as well, no need to put yourself in danger!

Answer 5

crunch!-squash!-dead!

Answer 6

splat!!