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Reply to "Steam Locomotive Sound Recordings"

Big Jim posted:
Hudson5432 posted:

I haven't played my favorite in years, and the sound quality is not "great", mainly due to the equipment used, I believe.  The person responsible for the recordings was John Prophet, and I understand that he used a recorder that used magnetized wire?  (The recordings were made between 1948 and 1953.)  The record is the "First Collectors Series, Volume 2, which was New York Central steam and issued by Semaphore Records.  One track is identified as the only sound recording ever made behind a live NYC Hudson from starting to track speed, which is just marvelous.  There are several classes of NYC steam that were recorded, but my favorite is a NYC "K" class Pacific with a NYC "long bell" whistle, which to me sounds better than any other steam whistle that I ever heard.  The record is like new, since the only time I ever played it (loud) was when my wife was out grocery shopping...!

Hudson5432,
Thanks for the heads up about this NYC album. I was able to find a nice copy of the LP. It was then that I put two and two together and pulled out my CD "Living With Steam: The Sounds of Railroading in Buffalo & Western New York 1948 - 1955" that is also by John M. Prophet III. In the liner notes, there is a postscript telling about the wire recording machine and how the album came about. This is another recording one should have in their library!

I had been unaware of "wire" recordings until the double CD "Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall 1938" was brought to my attention. The liner notes are downloadable and are absolutely fascinating, telling the history of how this live recording came about! It's a great album. Again, one that should be in your collection...and, don't forget to get the complete liner notes!

I have both recordings, Jim. The cut made while pacing the Niagara is one for the ages. I'm glad I got it when I did back in the day because it doesn't seem to be available any more.

Also, anyone who isn't moved by Jess Stacy's marvelous impromptu piano solo at the end of "Sing, Sing, Sing" has no soul.

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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