This vintage railroad film, produced by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1942, describes the construction and operation of the 4-8-4 J-Class locomotive. Wikipedia; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_and_Western_Railway_class_J_(1941)
My step grandfather (granny's 2nd husband) was a boilermaker in the Roanoke, Virginia N&W shops. My parents rode behind those class J built in Roanoke when still in revenue service.
I have always admired the N&W J engines along with NYC Niagara as probably the finest steam locomotives ever. Pity the NYC didn't preserve any. Nice video, thanks
I have watched this many times, it is so interesting. My 11 year old likes it too. Anyone know the location of bridge shown at time point 7:07? Thanks!
You would not be wrong. Although I'd argue that by nature of the same medium being used to produce the sound, it isn't very surprising. And, not to offend any British/European railroad buffs but I think that the flat, low tones of American whistles embody the power and scale of a steam locomotive far more than something reasonably described as a peep.
We call a couple of ours “steamboat whistles”, when referring to the longbells. However I think some had better tones than the N&W Hancock variants, including the IC 3 chime.
@@grandson_0623 there was a video about how the Flying Scotsman coming over here, she had to sport a cowcatcher and a bell, reminded like how a tourist go get themselves a kilt when visiting Scotland, except in reverse! Your comment about not wanting to offense either ends of the pond just brought that up as something to share.
American steam whistles reflect the nature of the country, brash young bucks challenging the world saying, "get out of the way, I'm coming through", European whistles seem sedate, almost apologetic in nature, like, "excuse me but I've got toot now". I love them both.
