24 August 2004 Sound May be Playing Tricks Re:  Engineers ignore rules, Times Mailbag, 20 Aug 2004   I certainly sympathize with anyone that has their sleep continuously interrupted, whether it be by train whistles or other factors.   However, my observations of train engineer's adherence to the regulations concerning whistle use are quite different than Mr. Dafoes. I cycle almost every day either in the Hammond/Port Haney or Albion areas, and also often pick up or drop off my spouse at the Albion ferry. Consequently, I encounter a considerable number of trains. I have not heard, not even once, anything other than the two long, one short, one long pattern at a crossing.   Nevertheless, I am not questioning Mr. Dafoe's observations on whistle counts. I do have a couple of possible explanations though. First, in the Hammond area there are several crossings in quick succession.   This means that as soon as a locomotive has cleared the first crossing, the signage on the railway signals the engineer to start whistling for the next crossing. This would indeed sound like eight whistles in a row. Secondly, since the line is double-tracked, two freights passing in opposite directions over all these crossings could easily create the "musical" effect.   Ross Davies - Maple Ridge