Railroad Signal International (RSI) surprised signalfans in 2015 when an E-Bell sporting RSI branding was featured in an advertisement for their high wind brackets. By April of 2016, RSI had published a section on their website highlighting the features of their new E-Bell, which received the model number "ELE-314". The exact date the bell was placed on the market is unknown, but sometime in early 2016 is a solid guess.

One can easily recognize an RSI E-Bell by its appearance, which is reminiscent of a vintage factory whistle. Some models are equipped with a flashing white beacon, which indicates whether or not the bell is functioning. The base of the bell is very similar to those used on Safetran Type 3/Invensys Rail E-Bells, but with one key difference—the base cannot be removed. The cap, however, is removable. Removal of the cap presumably provides access to the circuit board, the design of which is still unknown.

RSI E-Bells emit a sound identical to that produced by GS Type 2 and NEG E-Bells, albeit slightly lower in quality. In addition, RSI E-Bells are noticeably quieter than most E-Bells. They also have a few seconds of silence after receiving power before they fully turn on. RSI did offer a version of their ELE-314 bell with a volume adjustment feature, but none have been confirmed in service. RSI claimed their bells produced sounds at 90-100 dB.

You’ll be surprised to hear that quite a few railroads used/trialed these bells including:

• ADM Railroad
• Canadian Pacific (CP)
• Rio Valley Switching Co (RVSC)
• Tacoma Rail
• Tulsa Zoo

The weight and dimensions of these bells remain unknown, although RSI claimed their E-Bells can mount directly onto 4" and 5" diameter poles.

All RSI E-Bells operate in the range of 7-17 volts DC. 

RSI E-Bells never gained popularity and only 13 or so were ever installed in service before RSI (later OK Rail) went under. For a map of currently existing (and former) RSI E-Bells, click here.

Model Numbers:

ELE-314 ~ RSI E-Bell (price unknown)
ELE-314A ~ RSI E-Bell w/ Strobe (price unknown)
ELE-314B ~ RSI E-Bell w/ Volume Control (price unknown)
ELE-314C ~ RSI E-Bell w/ Strobe & Volume Control (price unknown)