There is no such thing as a "turbo howl" this is the fans and radiators trying to prevent the engine from overheating and altering performance or blowing the motor up. The fans are on the top of the engine next to the exhaust stack and airhorn and they make this sound when they are spinning at maximum potential. Some engines have their fans kick in like this even before the 8th notch is applied, some do it in 6 and 7 and when in 8 it becomes the loudest and fullest of potential. The sound is coming from the top of the engine and towards the rear .
I love that sound. I recall it when I was a boy at the age of 10 in 1963, when I saw the new Alco C-420 locomotives delivered to the LIRR (Long Island Railroad). They used the Alco V12 series 251 engines, 4-stroke cycle design as well, they were very smokey on acceleration from a stand still which was quite impressive, I even like the odor of the exhaust! My Dad took me to the LIRR station in Mineola, NY back in the very early to mid 1960's. We even saw the final service days of my favorite locomotive, the Fairbanks-Morse model CPA24-5 Consolidated Line of locomotive with the 12 cylinder in-line opposed piston diesel engine, unforgettable and fond memories of those F-M locomotives, the LIRR had five (5) of these 2,400 HP cab units, good times they were!!
Why does it sound like one cylinder is louder than the rest? I do like the fact, that it's a turbo-charged 4-Stroke, much more fuel efficient than the super-charged 2-Stroke engines.
Sounds almost like full dynamic brakes with a heavy load moving down grade. I live on a steep grade and hear this exact sound a lot from trains moving down grade, but not so much going up..thats usually more of a deep thunderous droning exaust roar with a mechanical whining and a slight dash of turbo shriek from the EMDs....The GEs just bark and growl and launch plumes of smoke and fire going up grade 😮
Since I used to live in Jonesboro, GA, I model the Central of Georgia. I just got several locomotives and rolling stock in the Central of Georgia livery. I even have a 12 inch piece of mainline rail (120 lb.) from the Central of Georgia Railway Company. That was the official name of the Central of Georgia after it changed a couple of time. Then in 1963 Southern Railways purchased the Central of Georgia and then Southern was purchased by Norfolk Southern in 1982. Cheers from an ex-Georgian in eastern TN
Definitely a great run by I was there in 1990 and got to watch the 611 pull a 22 car passenger train up the grade put on a great show. You can see the video at trebster4501 Just recently posted the trip from Chattanooga to Oneida definitely worth a look.
Doesn't she sound so happy in run 8? lol. edit: It's never really occurred to me before, but christ, imagine if that thing threw a rod or something. Better hope you aren't in the way!
