Anyone who was in their 30’s during the 1980’s were the Baby Boomers. And those who were in their 20’s between 1980 and 1984 were The Young Baby Boomers Born in 1956 and 1964.
This is a pretty bold statement to make, but in my humble opinion, J611's 1992 whistle (0:54 seconds) is the greatest, finest, and most beautiful whistle to ever grace the rails that I've ever heard.
The Claytor Whistle(90s) is my favorite whistle that the 611 ever used. If the team had not removed the Claytor family's honor and replaced it with "Spirit of Roanoke" we would probably be able to still hear it in use today.
My vote is for the '92 whistle. It is really unfortunate that Claytor and the Fire Up 611! group had a falling out. Despite this, it is great that she is up and running once more. Great Video!
I grew up in Roanoke and my grandpa worked for the N&W from the late 40s up to just after it became NS. One of my fondest memories was my grandpa taking me on an excursion on the 611 when I was 11. The 611's low lonely sounding whistle will always be what I imagine when someone talks about a train whistle.
1983 and '87 are my favorites. I like 90's but the ones in the 80's the 611 carried just sound more epic, haunting and had lot's of character that made ole 611 sound and run at her very best. Frank Collins who was her and 1218's main engineer and road foreman of NS steam between 1983-87 was a true master at blowing their whistles like he was playing a finely tuned instrument.
Well, the 1983 and 1987 whistles sure will give me nightmares because they sounded spooky and haunting like ghost trains that could be used for Halloween which was cool, and however the 1992 and 3985 whistles were both the best haunting whistles, and also since 611 returned to service in 2015 her new whistle does sounded like SP 4449’s NP Hancock 3 chime whistle!
611 has a handcock 3 chime steptop longbell. It was a "storebought" whistle as I call it. This is what the N&W put on the J's when they originally built them but they were fairly common. Union pacific for sure and I believe the western Maryland used them as well. In fact, 611's whistle from the first steam program belonged to the Claytors (I believe) and was an original J whistle. Don't quote me on that part though. However I know that the whistle put on her in 2015 is actually off a UP locomotive. Same exact type of whistle though. General wear on whistles can give them slightly different sounds so that might be what you hear.
Love the 1983 whistle! In fact, the sounds of the whistle and bell in the 1983 footage perfectly match the whistle and bell sound files for the 611 in Microsoft Train Simulator!!! Today (Monday, August 20, 2018) marks the day that I FINALLY realize where those sound files came from!! The particular film from 1983 is obviously where the sound files were recorded from!!
Most of the comments here are wrong. From 1982 through 1994, she wore the same whistle. The placement of the whistle from 1982 until about 1991 was further forward in the casing. From 1991 on it was in the original position as built. Fast forward to 2015 and we have a slightly anemic Hancock three chime that is not nearly as loud or tuned as well as the one and only whistle she carried between 1982- 1994.
All of them can heard the 611's whistle from the density. I really notice the whistle on the Steam Train 611's whistle was Up 838 during 2015 until 2016, it was replaced by her sister 610's whistle.
I'm with you, Brandon, that long bell 3 chime is the best sounding Whistle, and it's PERFECT for the 611. sure wish they would put it on her for this year's runs.
+NSNW11 Lucky. 611 is supposed to return to Spencer sometime next month for her required Truck Wheel set replacement. I need to see if I can visit her around that time.
This video has certainly generated a lot of discussion, and I'm glad it has. I've learned quite a bit from those of you who have posted and I really appreciate everyone's input. Thank you and keep the comments coming.
***** Absolutely. It's a shame that she didn't wear it this year. Hopefully that whistle finds its way back to its proper position atop 611's mighty boiler.
I've just watched a bunch of clips of UP 4014, and it's very interesting to hear the difference between the Hancock chime on it and 611's. 611 produces a deep musical call, while Big Boy makes a more powerful roar.
Its all about the boiler pressure and what kind of steam (saturated or superheated) is being blown. But indeed it's interesting how the same whistle can have different tone on different locomotives
I may get some hate from this but ohwell. The whistle that is on her right now is in fact the original whistle for her back when she was first built. The one that she had during the 90s was a loaner. When they painted "the spirit of Roanoke" on the cab the owner of the whistle from the 90s that we all know and love took it off. Either way I'm just happy I was able to see her under steam last Sunday even though that was her last scheduled trip for 2015.
mudder300 Yes, I love and cherish Preston Claytor's friendship just as much as the next guy, and I'm sad he became offended by "The Spirit of Roanoke" being put under the cab and stepped down from being chairman of the committee. It is also very much a shame that the 90s whistle went with him as well. I hope I don't get any hate from anyone for saying this, either, but I absolutely DO NOT LIKE the new whistle on 611 now, and I wish Preston's were on her again, just like the "good ol' days". :) REGARDLESS, though, it is a wonderful thing to have Lady J on the high iron once again.
The whistle used on the 1983 and 1992 videos has a clearer and deeper tone to it than the other(s). If you listen to O.Winston Links N&W steam recordings of J's in regular svc, you hear that same slightly deeper pitch. I'm sure those "into" whistles can prob explain why.
Fascinating to hear. Interesting fact: 611's current whistle (2016-) is another real J whistle off one of her sister engines, most likely 610. A real shame that 600 or any of the others were not preserved too, the first five Js were slightly different in design.
+Dustin Lehman (NCX) She still doesn't have her whistle back. It's just an off the shelf 3 chime hancock. Someone on the crew has her whistle and hasn't put it on the engine yet.
+stevelerro she has a j whistle on right now. VMT found it for sale and it was from the 610. Its been confirmed from numerous users taking video of the move this year and i even spoke to the person that installed it. Its the real deal this year
+Dustin Lehman (NCX) I was thinking it was the N&W Class J whistle that Southern #630 was using in the year 2012. That was probably 610's whistle used on 630 in 2012. Yeah that's awesome that 611 finally has a Class J Whistle now. I still wish she had the 1992 whistle or the 1987 whistle.
+GT Rail Fan As far as steamboat whistles 630 wore the past few years on the mainline, in 2012 she carried a Virginia & southwestern 3 chime which sounded more like a Southern PS-4 type. When she ran in Virginia and made a ferry move to Spencer, NC in March 2013, she carried reportedly a N&W J Hancock 3 chime that was off one of the passenger sister engines to 611 that is now part of TVRM's collection. 630 herself to this day now wears a much more fitting Central of Georgia 6 chime whistle.
My initial thought when watching the recent videos of 611 was "she sounds different, must be because of new recording technology." My most vivid memory of 611 was '94, and she doesn't sound the same way that I recall (the clip of '92 is how I remember it.) However, watching this video she sounds just like she did in the early and mid 80's. I'm thinking now for the whistle it's a matter of tuning and placement within the shrouds and not so much recording technology. I'd imagine the sound of her whistle can be inadvertently altered by simply taking it off for a cleaning and not being reinstalled the same exact way. Regardless, I was almost in tears when I first learned of Fire Up 611.
Chris Lindsey the reason she actually sounds different is because she is running an ex Union Pacific Hancock 3 chime longbell, not her original Norfolk and Western Hancock 3 chime
No its actually (maybe beacause I didn't read the entrire comment ) but whoever decided to write sprit of roanoke on the made them claytor boys so mad they took the original whistle
Gross Domestic Plums You sure? She sounds an awful lot like she did in the early 80's. If you're correct, then I know there are prints out there to build her original whistle and it should be done.
i know they put an ex UP whistle on her, they should put the one they had on her in 1992 to 1994, that one was off #600, the very first one. now its like you said sounds like it did in the early 80's.
I think the different tones have to do with the speed of the train, atmospheric conditions, how the whistle is "tuned", surrounding buildings/hills/etc. Also, the different cameras/recording devices could make a difference too.
I like the whistle from the 90's and the current one 611 has from 2016-present (it's from j engine 610 which I find as a better whistle for the 611 than the one she had on during her return in 2015)
610's whistle was preserved and put on 611? Well that makes me happy because I like the 610 for originally being one of the ones that was originally not streamlined and pulling famous PRR trains
Yes they are similar. Both Hancock 3 Chime whistles. Boiler pressure and proper tuning play a big roll in how the whistle sounds. 3985, 844, 4449, and 611 all have the Hancock 3 Chime.
1:18 perfect. If I knew how, I'd modify the decoder in my Bachmann HO scale N&W J to change the whistle from the stock one to this. (the whistle chosen for the model sounds nothing like one of the J's whistles anyway)
Honestly I'm gonna say a big factor in these differences is gonna be the quality of the audio of these recordings. The latest footage is the clearest so there will be more high treble frequencies you hear allowing more "detail" of the sound. The old VHS tape looking footage audio is and always will be less clear, but still the 92 whistle seems to have the most depth to my ear. Wish I could have been there to hear it then, but I was one at the time Lol! All pretty similar though. I would think the same whistle would sound slightly different on a different locomotive due to differences in PSI and maybe where it's placed on the engine.
Nicholas Medovich no it doesn't sounds like she coughing up a lung, when claytor left the fire up 611 committie, the original whistle left too. if i were there when he left, i would have said, atleast let the queen keep her voice
That transition at 2:48 is SO smooth. (But why is UP 3985 included in this when it isn’t really wearing a 611 whistle? There had been times when PM 1225 and C&O 614 wore that whistle so you should have included those.)
Although 3985 didn’t have the same whistle, it was similar because it was a Hancock, maybe even a longbell 3 chime. The whistle on UP 4014 sounds a lot like 611 when 4014 hits the lower notes on the scale. This is the first time I’ve heard about 1225 and 614 using the 611 whistle. I would have looked for videos of them to illustrate how the 611 whistle sounds on other locomotives. Thanks for the feedback.
They are all the same model whistle, Hancock Long Bell 3-chime, made by the Hancock Inspirator Division of Manning Maxwell and Moore, a locomotive appliance supplier. The 1983 and 1992 videos feature the same whistle, owned by the late Robert B. Claytor, and now in the possession of his son Preston. It is supposed to be the Hancock off of the very first J, number 600. When she was initially restored in 1982 the whistle was mounted near the middle of the locomotive, piped off the steam dome. That's where it is in the 1983 video. Later, the whistle was returned to it's original location, near the cab, on the fireman's side and piped off the turret. You can see that's where the steam is emanating from in the 1992 shot. Preston Claytor was going to provide his whistle again for this resurrection of the locomotive, but he had a falling out with the owners, the Virginia Transportation Museum, purportedly over the museum's insistence that the engine wear the name "Spirit of Roanoke" on small decals attached to her cab sides. As a result, she is wearing a different Hancock, said to be from a UP Big Boy, owned by a member of the restoration crew. That's why it sounds different. It is not a different model whistle, just a different whistle of the same model. Steam whistles were not precision instruments, and as such did not sound perfect musical pitches, even when brand new. Variables such as steam pressure, steam temperature, mounting position on the locomotive, objects (such as baffles, domes, etc) in the near field of the whistle (detuning one or more of the chambers), casting flaws, and wear and tear etc. could and did vary the sound of whistles. The UP whistles were blown on 300 PSI superheated steam, anywhere from 200º to 250º higher in temperature than the 300 PSI saturated (wet) steam that the 611 whistle is fed. Plus they were mounted in the open, whereas the J whistles were in a recess in the skyline casing. FYI, the 3985 video was shot by me.
yankinga I have a Manning Maxwell and Moore bridge crane in my shop. No idea they made train whistles too! No idea why someone would get offended by putting the Spirit of Roanoke on the loco, that is afterall its home and birthplace. But whatever. I think they all sound pretty similar except that 92 bridge crossing scene. Maybe just an effect from the location or low boiler pressure?
bcbloc02 That's interesting. I didn't know they made bridge cranes. I have only read references to them being a railroad supply firm. Apparently their business encompassed other areas of industrial supplies.
They're all good, but if I had to rank them: 1. 1992 whistle 2. 1987 whistle 3. 2015 whistle 4. 1983 whistle The 83 whistle sounds like it wasn't broken in all the way, and the 92 whistle is beauitful to listen to. I really wish there was a way to find a better sounding whistle for 611 today.
I have no idea why they messed with it. What I’m hearing from 1992 is what I always remembered the numerous times I rode on the 611 and saw 611 run. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
The whistle from 1992-1994 wasn't retuned. It was withdrawn from the engine by its owner, Preston Claytor when the Spirit Of Roanoke moniker was applied to the engine in it's 2014-2015 re-restoration due to the fact that the N&W didn't name their engines. Pretty petty reason if ya ask me, especially considering the name was applied to honor the people of the city where it was built.
@@justahillbilly7777 I get it. I also get why the Claytors took it back. The steam program and NS, as a company overall, is much different than what it used to be in the 80’s and early 90’s. I knew it had to do with changes to the engine. Looking at the spirit of Roanoke, like you said the name was dedicated to the people of that city. It’s hilarious the contradiction with the recent announcement that the Roanoke office and I think the shop as well we’re going to close.
VirginianSpencer I was able to find the story on it. The one for 611’s excursion service is not her original whistle, it’s off another 600 class engine. At some point in the 90s it was put on and then it was taken off after 94 because it was privately owned by Claytor. The only reason it doesn’t have the same whistle now is because Claytor’s son backed away from the program when it was decided to put the “Spirit of Roanoke” on the cab.
The whistle from 1991, 1992, 1993 and 94 most likely originally came off the J#602. If you or anyone else has an opportunity to see the N&W documentary called, "The Modern Coal burning steam locomotive." Which features the early years of both the older J and A class models in the 40's and explains the building of them from the East End Shops and maintenance they received at Schaffer's Crossing engine terminal in Roanoke. At the very beginning of the video as 602 was picking up speed, she blew the same one as you can see from 611 in the 1992- 94 clip. I'm sure N&W when all of their steamers were running in regular service, might have from time to time used to change and place other Hancock J class passenger whistles available on the J's as the years passed. Yes it was Bob Claytor's personal whistle(now his son Preston's) but the only time 611 was able to blow it was during the test fire and on National train day at Spencer last year. For while she sounded great and like her old self again until Bev and the city of Roanoke had to put the tacky decals on the locomotive and had to ruin everything for Preston and his family heritage the "TRUE" and soulful voice we all know and love. I'm always grateful and happy the engine itself is back where she belongs but ain't truly right and fair without her sounding a real voice from the railroad and class she was from. Someday needs to go to or email the VMT because that is NOT a J class hancock long bell 3 chime she is wearing.
Difference from 87 and 92 was PSI and location. 87 was near the back of the smoke box and the 92 i think was in the front of the firebox IIRC correct me if I’m wrong
Norfolk Southern (back then): "lets revive some of our predecessors steamers for excursions!" Norfolk Southern (today): "lets not allow our predecessors steamers on our mainlines! we can't be liable for everything!" *Norfolk Southern Logic*
611 has had many Different whistles over the years. The Whistle she has now sounds very Simalar to the whistle she had in 1982. I'm not sure what the whistle she was wearing in 1987 was. And I don't know what the whistle she wore from 1992 to 1994 was either. But I know this. During Restoration there was a disagreement to some changes to the engine. Because of that, Preston Claytor removed the whistle from her that she used in the 90s. To replace Claytor's Whistle, They used a Union Pacific Hancock 3 Chime whistle. Which sounds very simalar to the original one. That's why they sound somewhat the same. But it is a different Whistle. (Thanks Delay in Block Productions for providing information. XD)
+The Creepernator 611 had her original whistle through 1994. With this rebuild by FireUp611 she was fitted with a "reproduction" whistly built by the whistle shop.
I'll admit, I don't know what I'm talking about, but did she really have a different whistle? I ask because I have a single chime in my possesion that was repurposed to be a "lunch time" whistle at a factory. On my little pancake compressor, I can get 125 psi to it, just not much volume. With some tuning, I can get the sound close to that of the recordings of a Class M. So, is it a different whistle or just tuning?
Without reading other opinions, I'm going to say they all sound the same to me. And the some one in the know will say the horns have been changed, and I just sound like a fool. But I do know they all sound pretty wonderful!!
Good, the 2015 whistle wasn't bad but it really didn't suit her. I know why they couldn't get the 92 whistle, but I think they could've found a better matching one.
All of the Js originally were equipped with 3 chime long bell Hancock whistles. 611 had one from 1982 through 1994. But, slight differences in installation, steam pressure, environment, and recording equipment can still make them sound slightly different. The information I have is that in 2015 611 was equipped with a reproduction whistle that was supposed to sound the same, but obviously did not. It's been rectified, and I for one am very happy.
The whistle 611 had in the 90s is my personal favorite I sure miss it and I think it won't ever be used again on 611 for the foreseeable future plus the whistle it uses now I actually hate it and don't like it. plus it doesn't suite it
It's crazy to think that the 611 was still only in it's early 30's back in 1984
Im a bit late to reply, but yeah! Thats pretty nuts!
She’s only one year older than my grandmother
In her 70s now... That is crazy to think about!
Anyone who was in their 30’s during the 1980’s were the Baby Boomers. And those who were in their 20’s between 1980 and 1984 were The Young Baby Boomers Born in 1956 and 1964.
This is a pretty bold statement to make, but in my humble opinion, J611's 1992 whistle (0:54 seconds) is the greatest, finest, and most beautiful whistle to ever grace the rails that I've ever heard.
Jeremy Signorelli I like all the iterations except for 2015.
The sound of that whistle resonates in your soul
that's her actual, normal whistle that the other J's all had. not a whistle from the UP to replace the OG whistle that she worn sometimes
It’s up there IMO. That said, nothing tops 4449’s 6 chime. That wasn’t a whistle but rather a beautifully-tuned musical instrument
The Claytor Whistle(90s) is my favorite whistle that the 611 ever used. If the team had not removed the Claytor family's honor and replaced it with "Spirit of Roanoke" we would probably be able to still hear it in use today.
My vote is for the '92 whistle. It is really unfortunate that Claytor and the Fire Up 611! group had a falling out. Despite this, it is great that she is up and running once more. Great Video!
It is on the Big Boy now
@@danielday8828 no its not
@@danielday8828 No?
@@danielday8828 It’s not.
@@Train_Tok_Man I wanted to believe that it was but it definitely isnt, youre right
I grew up in Roanoke and my grandpa worked for the N&W from the late 40s up to just after it became NS. One of my fondest memories was my grandpa taking me on an excursion on the 611 when I was 11. The 611's low lonely sounding whistle will always be what I imagine when someone talks about a train whistle.
There's a recording of it on You Tube. It sounds great.
1983 and '87 are my favorites. I like 90's but the ones in the 80's the 611 carried just sound more epic, haunting and had lot's of character that made ole 611 sound and run at her very best. Frank Collins who was her and 1218's main engineer and road foreman of NS steam between 1983-87 was a true master at blowing their whistles like he was playing a finely tuned instrument.
I really liked the whistle that had on her back in 1983, wish it was like that today.
1:11 - 1:33 sounds like the 611's true Hancock whistle.
It was. Apparently the guy who owned it and the 611group had a falling out, and he's kept it ever since
Well, the 1983 and 1987 whistles sure will give me nightmares because they sounded spooky and haunting like ghost trains that could be used for Halloween which was cool, and however the 1992 and 3985 whistles were both the best haunting whistles, and also since 611 returned to service in 2015 her new whistle does sounded like SP 4449’s NP Hancock 3 chime whistle!
the one from '92 sends chills down my spin
The 87's whistle is more nightmare or sad to me, my favorite or favourite whistle is on the 92's and 15's (2015)
611 has a handcock 3 chime steptop longbell. It was a "storebought" whistle as I call it. This is what the N&W put on the J's when they originally built them but they were fairly common. Union pacific for sure and I believe the western Maryland used them as well. In fact, 611's whistle from the first steam program belonged to the Claytors (I believe) and was an original J whistle. Don't quote me on that part though. However I know that the whistle put on her in 2015 is actually off a UP locomotive. Same exact type of whistle though. General wear on whistles can give them slightly different sounds so that might be what you hear.
Yeah depending on how well each whistle is maintained can determine the sound. It's 1990s whistle still stands out to me though.
Love the 1983 whistle! In fact, the sounds of the whistle and bell in the 1983 footage perfectly match the whistle and bell sound files for the 611 in Microsoft Train Simulator!!! Today (Monday, August 20, 2018) marks the day that I FINALLY realize where those sound files came from!! The particular film from 1983 is obviously where the sound files were recorded from!!
Most of the comments here are wrong. From 1982 through 1994, she wore the same whistle. The placement of the whistle from 1982 until about 1991 was further forward in the casing. From 1991 on it was in the original position as built. Fast forward to 2015 and we have a slightly anemic Hancock three chime that is not nearly as loud or tuned as well as the one and only whistle she carried between 1982- 1994.
All of them can heard the 611's whistle from the density. I really notice the whistle on the Steam Train 611's whistle was Up 838 during 2015 until 2016, it was replaced by her sister 610's whistle.
I'm with you, Brandon, that long bell 3 chime is the best sounding Whistle, and it's PERFECT for the 611. sure wish they would put it on her for this year's runs.
I'm just glad she's running and I got to ride her. Can't wait till next year
+NSNW11 Lucky. 611 is supposed to return to Spencer sometime next month for her required Truck Wheel set replacement. I need to see if I can visit her around that time.
Will she go under her own power?
+NSNW11 In all likely hood yes.
1992 longbell sounds the best and thank god they have it back i remember like yesterday
This video has certainly generated a lot of discussion, and I'm glad it has. I've learned quite a bit from those of you who have posted and I really appreciate everyone's input. Thank you and keep the comments coming.
well you may have to make an updated video because 611 has a new whistle it's cotton belt 819's I think
+The RailRoad Gamer (TRRG) lol, no, no its not lol
Dustin Lehman well what is the new whistle then
That Longbell 3 chime from 1992 is my absolute favorite, wish she still had it.
EDIT: She has her longbell back!!
***** Yeah, I agree!!!
***** Absolutely. It's a shame that she didn't wear it this year. Hopefully that whistle finds its way back to its proper position atop 611's mighty boiler.
Fan Railer The whistle belongs to Preston Claytor. He is no longer with Fire Up 611! or the VMT. So chances are very low.
Yea, I know ... like I said, it's a shame.
+Brandon Giaquinto I know, I hate the new whistle
I've just watched a bunch of clips of UP 4014, and it's very interesting to hear the difference between the Hancock chime on it and 611's. 611 produces a deep musical call, while Big Boy makes a more powerful roar.
Its all about the boiler pressure and what kind of steam (saturated or superheated) is being blown. But indeed it's interesting how the same whistle can have different tone on different locomotives
@@tnewton7762 I like the up big boy,s hand Cock long bell three chime sp daylight,s three chime nkp,s whistle n&w hooter
1:47 is the best whistle that 3985 had in my opinion
I may get some hate from this but ohwell. The whistle that is on her right now is in fact the original whistle for her back when she was first built. The one that she had during the 90s was a loaner. When they painted "the spirit of Roanoke" on the cab the owner of the whistle from the 90s that we all know and love took it off. Either way I'm just happy I was able to see her under steam last Sunday even though that was her last scheduled trip for 2015.
mudder300 Yes, I love and cherish Preston Claytor's friendship just as much as the next guy, and I'm sad he became offended by "The Spirit of Roanoke" being put under the cab and stepped down from being chairman of the committee. It is also very much a shame that the 90s whistle went with him as well. I hope I don't get any hate from anyone for saying this, either, but I absolutely DO NOT LIKE the new whistle on 611 now, and I wish Preston's were on her again, just like the "good ol' days". :) REGARDLESS, though, it is a wonderful thing to have Lady J on the high iron once again.
+Jeremy C. Schultz There is NO difference in either whistle, it can be Tuned just like the pipes on an organ.
Truly an amazing whistle. The one in the 90s was especially awesome.
It’s my favorite also. The 1992 whistle would sound great on the 4014 Big Boy.
@@boardman49 I honestly agree
The whistle used on the 1983 and 1992 videos has a clearer and deeper tone to it than the other(s). If you listen to O.Winston Links N&W steam recordings of J's in regular svc, you hear that same slightly deeper pitch. I'm sure those "into" whistles can prob explain why.
The whistle on 611 in 2015 was SP 4449's old whistle. I've been told this by multiple SP 4449 crew members, including Doyle L. McCormack himself!
Fascinating to hear. Interesting fact: 611's current whistle (2016-) is another real J whistle off one of her sister engines, most likely 610. A real shame that 600 or any of the others were not preserved too, the first five Js were slightly different in design.
Nope, 611's whistle in 2015 was from a UP FEF. They were given 4449's old whistle a year or two ago
@@thunderbird1921 it was a replica of 611's whistle
@@maxwellsteam5810 That's cool that they got SP 4449's old whistle a couple of years ago!
Might want to edit this to include todays whistle! :D
So happy she got her voice back today
+Dustin Lehman (NCX) Me too. She deserves to have a whistle that's worthy of her.
+Dustin Lehman (NCX) She still doesn't have her whistle back. It's just an off the shelf 3 chime hancock. Someone on the crew has her whistle and hasn't put it on the engine yet.
+stevelerro she has a j whistle on right now. VMT found it for sale and it was from the 610. Its been confirmed from numerous users taking video of the move this year and i even spoke to the person that installed it. Its the real deal this year
+Dustin Lehman (NCX) I was thinking it was the N&W Class J whistle that Southern #630 was using in the year 2012. That was probably 610's whistle used on 630 in 2012. Yeah that's awesome that 611 finally has a Class J Whistle now. I still wish she had the 1992 whistle or the 1987 whistle.
+GT Rail Fan As far as steamboat whistles 630 wore the past few years on the mainline, in 2012 she carried a Virginia & southwestern 3 chime which sounded more like a Southern PS-4 type. When she ran in Virginia and made a ferry move to Spencer, NC in March 2013, she carried reportedly a N&W J Hancock 3 chime that was off one of the passenger sister engines to 611 that is now part of TVRM's collection. 630 herself to this day now wears a much more fitting Central of Georgia 6 chime whistle.
There's a possibility she'll be wearing a different whistle for 2016. We'll find out in a few days.
And so it's true.
She's wearing class J 610s whistle
I love your videos!!!!!
@@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast No, that's actually SP 4449's old whistle.
@@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos no, it’s 610s. Her 2015 whistle was 4449s.
My initial thought when watching the recent videos of 611 was "she sounds different, must be because of new recording technology." My most vivid memory of 611 was '94, and she doesn't sound the same way that I recall (the clip of '92 is how I remember it.) However, watching this video she sounds just like she did in the early and mid 80's. I'm thinking now for the whistle it's a matter of tuning and placement within the shrouds and not so much recording technology. I'd imagine the sound of her whistle can be inadvertently altered by simply taking it off for a cleaning and not being reinstalled the same exact way.
Regardless, I was almost in tears when I first learned of Fire Up 611.
Chris Lindsey the reason she actually sounds different is because she is running an ex Union Pacific Hancock 3 chime longbell, not her original Norfolk and Western Hancock 3 chime
No its actually (maybe beacause I didn't read the entrire comment ) but whoever decided to write sprit of roanoke on the made them claytor boys so mad they took the original whistle
i don't know why it made them mad, they should have been proud about it
Gross Domestic Plums You sure? She sounds an awful lot like she did in the early 80's. If you're correct, then I know there are prints out there to build her original whistle and it should be done.
i know they put an ex UP whistle on her, they should put the one they had on her in 1992 to 1994, that one was off #600, the very first one. now its like you said sounds like it did in the early 80's.
My top 4.
1. 1992
2. 1987
3. 1983
4. 2015
I'm a fan of all 4. Love live 611!
I think the 611's 1992 whistle and Union Pacific 3985's whistle sounds very similar!
I think the different tones have to do with the speed of the train, atmospheric conditions, how the whistle is "tuned", surrounding buildings/hills/etc. Also, the different cameras/recording devices could make a difference too.
Boiler pressure makes a big difference.
Great compilation. Thanks for putting this together.
Very nice, the 611 has always been my favorite locomotive 😊😊
I like the whistle from the 90's and the current one 611 has from 2016-present (it's from j engine 610 which I find as a better whistle for the 611 than the one she had on during her return in 2015)
610's whistle was preserved and put on 611? Well that makes me happy because I like the 610 for originally being one of the ones that was originally not streamlined and pulling famous PRR trains
My top 4.
1- 1992
2- 1983
3- 1987
Now if 611 had a whistle from a K2A, that would be lovely
Could you imagine if they put a E2a whistle on it?
N&W 611 now has her whistle she carried in the 1990s for the 2016 operating season
Yes they are similar. Both Hancock 3 Chime whistles. Boiler pressure and proper tuning play a big roll in how the whistle sounds. 3985, 844, 4449, and 611 all have the Hancock 3 Chime.
SP&S 700 also has a Hancock 3 chime whistle.
I think they should put the Whistle they used in 1992 back on the 611, I think it sounds the best out of every one they have used.
1992 is probably my favorite verity of the 611’s whistle
611’s 2015 whistle sounds kinda similar to the whistle SP 4449 used to wear.
That whistle from 2015 is SP 4449's old whistle!
@@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos WRONG, the 2015 whistle is a UP style Hancock whistle, which belongs to Cheri George!
I just noticed the challenger has clinchfield written on the side of it, plus it's now numbered 676. Cool
1:18 perfect.
If I knew how, I'd modify the decoder in my Bachmann HO scale N&W J to change the whistle from the stock one to this.
(the whistle chosen for the model sounds nothing like one of the J's whistles anyway)
I agree that Whistle from 1992 is the best sounding Whistle.
2:00 I recognize that church, I have seen it in tsw2 on the clinchfeild
Honestly I'm gonna say a big factor in these differences is gonna be the quality of the audio of these recordings. The latest footage is the clearest so there will be more high treble frequencies you hear allowing more "detail" of the sound. The old VHS tape looking footage audio is and always will be less clear, but still the 92 whistle seems to have the most depth to my ear. Wish I could have been there to hear it then, but I was one at the time Lol! All pretty similar though. I would think the same whistle would sound slightly different on a different locomotive due to differences in PSI and maybe where it's placed on the engine.
reminds me of the southern pacific daylight 4449 whistle too
That's because it was 4449's old whistle, mounted on 611 back in 2014, and 611 used it until 2017.
Her smile is so cute!
Fun Fact!:
No. J 610's whistle is actually 611's new whistle?
3:31 best whistle of them all I hope it'll return one day again in the 21st century and be put on 611 again
Agreed, especially when it's over the viaduct. The echo it casts out is insane
In 83 that whistle made her sound like the 844
all 4 whistles on 611 sound great :D
+Nicholas Medovich the one now sounds awful
defiantly doesn't sound right at all
Nicholas Medovich no it doesn't sounds like she coughing up a lung, when claytor left the fire up 611 committie, the original whistle left too. if i were there when he left, i would have said, atleast let the queen keep her voice
1992 is my go to
1:08 😍
The 1992 version is the best one.
That transition at 2:48 is SO smooth. (But why is UP 3985 included in this when it isn’t really wearing a 611 whistle? There had been times when PM 1225 and C&O 614 wore that whistle so you should have included those.)
Although 3985 didn’t have the same whistle, it was similar because it was a Hancock, maybe even a longbell 3 chime. The whistle on UP 4014 sounds a lot like 611 when 4014 hits the lower notes on the scale. This is the first time I’ve heard about 1225 and 614 using the 611 whistle. I would have looked for videos of them to illustrate how the 611 whistle sounds on other locomotives. Thanks for the feedback.
the 1992 whistle just makes my day
That Seaboard Air whistle from 92 is the best of the bunch....most of em sound the same..
1:43 poor guy in orange shirt
They are all the same model whistle, Hancock Long Bell 3-chime, made by the Hancock Inspirator Division of Manning Maxwell and Moore, a locomotive appliance supplier.
The 1983 and 1992 videos feature the same whistle, owned by the late Robert B. Claytor, and now in the possession of his son Preston. It is supposed to be the Hancock off of the very first J, number 600.
When she was initially restored in 1982 the whistle was mounted near the middle of the locomotive, piped off the steam dome. That's where it is in the 1983 video.
Later, the whistle was returned to it's original location, near the cab, on the fireman's side and piped off the turret. You can see that's where the steam is emanating from in the 1992 shot.
Preston Claytor was going to provide his whistle again for this resurrection of the locomotive, but he had a falling out with the owners, the Virginia Transportation Museum, purportedly over the museum's insistence that the engine wear the name "Spirit of Roanoke" on small decals attached to her cab sides. As a result, she is wearing a different Hancock, said to be from a UP Big Boy, owned by a member of the restoration crew.
That's why it sounds different. It is not a different model whistle, just a different whistle of the same model.
Steam whistles were not precision instruments, and as such did not sound perfect musical pitches, even when brand new.
Variables such as steam pressure, steam temperature, mounting position on the locomotive, objects (such as baffles, domes, etc) in the near field of the whistle (detuning one or more of the chambers), casting flaws, and wear and tear etc. could and did vary the sound of whistles.
The UP whistles were blown on 300 PSI superheated steam, anywhere from 200º to 250º higher in temperature than the 300 PSI saturated (wet) steam that the 611 whistle is fed. Plus they were mounted in the open, whereas the J whistles were in a recess in the skyline casing.
FYI, the 3985 video was shot by me.
yankinga I have a Manning Maxwell and Moore bridge crane in my shop. No idea they made train whistles too! No idea why someone would get offended by putting the Spirit of Roanoke on the loco, that is afterall its home and birthplace. But whatever. I think they all sound pretty similar except that 92 bridge crossing scene. Maybe just an effect from the location or low boiler pressure?
bcbloc02
That's interesting. I didn't know they made bridge cranes. I have only read references to them being a railroad supply firm. Apparently their business encompassed other areas of industrial supplies.
They're all good, but if I had to rank them:
1. 1992 whistle
2. 1987 whistle
3. 2015 whistle
4. 1983 whistle
The 83 whistle sounds like it wasn't broken in all the way, and the 92 whistle is beauitful to listen to. I really wish there was a way to find a better sounding whistle for 611 today.
The 83, 87, and 92 IMO are tied for first place.
The 1987 whistle sounded more like SP&S 700's whistle to me.
The 83 whistle was her original whistle
Man I miss that 1992 whistle 😭
I have no idea why they messed with it. What I’m hearing from 1992 is what I always remembered the numerous times I rode on the 611 and saw 611 run. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
The whistle from 1992-1994 wasn't retuned. It was withdrawn from the engine by its owner, Preston Claytor when the Spirit Of Roanoke moniker was applied to the engine in it's 2014-2015 re-restoration due to the fact that the N&W didn't name their engines. Pretty petty reason if ya ask me, especially considering the name was applied to honor the people of the city where it was built.
@@justahillbilly7777 I get it. I also get why the Claytors took it back. The steam program and NS, as a company overall, is much different than what it used to be in the 80’s and early 90’s. I knew it had to do with changes to the engine. Looking at the spirit of Roanoke, like you said the name was dedicated to the people of that city. It’s hilarious the contradiction with the recent announcement that the Roanoke office and I think the shop as well we’re going to close.
For some reason i prefer the 92 whistle. It just is deeper and more clear then the others.
2:37 611: "SUCK MY SMOKE PRIUS OWNERS!"
She had her original whistle through 1994. One of the Claytors now has it.
+VirginianSpencer She now has a "reproduction" built by the Whistle Shop.
VirginianSpencer I was able to find the story on it. The one for 611’s excursion service is not her original whistle, it’s off another 600 class engine. At some point in the 90s it was put on and then it was taken off after 94 because it was privately owned by Claytor. The only reason it doesn’t have the same whistle now is because Claytor’s son backed away from the program when it was decided to put the “Spirit of Roanoke” on the cab.
I come from Britain and my dad travelled to see this loco in the 80s
1992 =Best Whistle 611 Ever Had
the one from 1992 makes me want to cry, it just has that tone
2015 whistle sounds SP #4449.
I agree! It sure does. Somebody even said that 4449's old whistle was put on the 611.
@@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos Thats because it's basically the exact same whistle, A Union Pacific 3 Chime
@@jackboy317 hancock 3 chime, "UP 3-chime" isnt a thing
The whistle from 1991, 1992, 1993 and 94 most likely originally came off the J#602. If you or anyone else has an opportunity to see the N&W documentary called, "The Modern Coal burning steam locomotive." Which features the early years of both the older J and A class models in the 40's and explains the building of them from the East End Shops and maintenance they received at Schaffer's Crossing engine terminal in Roanoke. At the very beginning of the video as 602 was picking up speed, she blew the same one as you can see from 611 in the 1992- 94 clip. I'm sure N&W when all of their steamers were running in regular service, might have from time to time used to change and place other Hancock J class passenger whistles available on the J's as the years passed. Yes it was Bob Claytor's personal whistle(now his son Preston's) but the only time 611 was able to blow it was during the test fire and on National train day at Spencer last year. For while she sounded great and like her old self again until Bev and the city of Roanoke had to put the tacky decals on the locomotive and had to ruin everything for Preston and his family heritage the "TRUE" and soulful voice we all know and love. I'm always grateful and happy the engine itself is back where she belongs but ain't truly right and fair without her sounding a real voice from the railroad and class she was from. Someday needs to go to or email the VMT because that is NOT a J class hancock long bell 3 chime she is wearing.
I saw 611 two times!!!
Difference from 87 and 92 was PSI and location. 87 was near the back of the smoke box and the 92 i think was in the front of the firebox IIRC correct me if I’m wrong
the 1983 & 2015 whistle sound a lot alike. Almost like they are the same whistle.
Norfolk Southern (back then): "lets revive some of our predecessors steamers for excursions!"
Norfolk Southern (today): "lets not allow our predecessors steamers on our mainlines! we can't be liable for everything!"
*Norfolk Southern Logic*
1992 is hands down the best
My most favorite 3 chime whistles in my opinion
611 has had many Different whistles over the years. The Whistle she has now sounds very Simalar to the whistle she had in 1982. I'm not sure what the whistle she was wearing in 1987 was. And I don't know what the whistle she wore from 1992 to 1994 was either. But I know this. During Restoration there was a disagreement to some changes to the engine. Because of that, Preston Claytor removed the whistle from her that she used in the 90s. To replace Claytor's Whistle, They used a Union Pacific Hancock 3 Chime whistle. Which sounds very simalar to the original one. That's why they sound somewhat the same. But it is a different Whistle. (Thanks Delay in Block Productions for providing information. XD)
+The Creepernator 611 had her original whistle through 1994. With this rebuild by FireUp611 she was fitted with a "reproduction" whistly built by the whistle shop.
I like the 1983 whistle the best
1987 & 1992 make the best queling out of all her whistles
I love the 1992 whistle because that's the real one
I love the 1987 whistle the best.
they should put the 844's whistle on 611
Yeah, this comment aged like milk.
I'll admit, I don't know what I'm talking about, but did she really have a different whistle? I ask because I have a single chime in my possesion that was repurposed to be a "lunch time" whistle at a factory. On my little pancake compressor, I can get 125 psi to it, just not much volume. With some tuning, I can get the sound close to that of the recordings of a Class M. So, is it a different whistle or just tuning?
For me its the 1992 whistle....that deep melodic howl
Without reading other opinions, I'm going to say they all sound the same to me. And the some one in the know will say the horns have been changed, and I just sound like a fool. But I do know they all sound pretty wonderful!!
Great news: I saw 611 3 times!
As of 5/7/16 at least J 611 has her original whistle back. Sounds good, too.
Good, the 2015 whistle wasn't bad but it really didn't suit her. I know why they couldn't get the 92 whistle, but I think they could've found a better matching one.
All of the Js originally were equipped with 3 chime long bell Hancock whistles. 611 had one from 1982 through 1994. But, slight differences in installation, steam pressure, environment, and recording equipment can still make them sound slightly different. The information I have is that in 2015 611 was equipped with a reproduction whistle that was supposed to sound the same, but obviously did not. It's been rectified, and I for one am very happy.
I saw the 611 in Virginia
1983 sounds like Challenger 3985
At 2:56 it sounds like the whistle she wore on her final runs at strasburg.
Am I the only one that likes the 2015 whistle? 1992 is still the best.
The whistle 611 had in the 90s is my personal favorite I sure miss it and I think it won't ever be used again on 611 for the foreseeable future plus the whistle it uses now I actually hate it and don't like it. plus it doesn't suite it
My video with bev fitzpatrick explains the whistle on 611
I think June 11th should be 611 Day.
Me too.
What happened to its original whistle? There's a recording of 611 in 1958 on You Tube. That's what the whistle should be.
I’m not sure if anyone knows. I heard that the whistle used in 2016 was borrowed from another J class locomotive. That whistle is still on 611.
@@boardman49 The 1958 recording is the best I've heard. The engineer obviously knew how to make the whistle work.
1992 was my favorite whistle because all the other ones sound garbled
What's the whistle in the 1987 shot?
1983 and 2015 sound
Iike daylights whistle
The whistle from 2015 is SP 4449's old whistle!
1983 and 1992's sounded the best and yes, close to the UP 3985's
and 1992 sounds exactly like a j class should sound