My impression from reading others reviews is that I would be disappointed in the effects. Other opinions welcomed. Thank you.
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This question is posted in 3-rail tinplate. If you are asking about the American Flyer 2029 two tone whistling billboard of 1937 and 1938 I cannot help since they are somewhat uncommon and I have never heard one. If you are asking about the Gilbert AF 577 whistling billboard introduced in 1939 and made with varying numbers (566, 577, 762, and 23568) through 1964 I have heard them all and own all the variations. I think the three digit whistles sound great, the 5 digit billboard is plastic and the sound is good but to my ears not quite as good as the metal three digit whistles. The modern Lionel Legacy quilling whistles are far better but the Gilbert billboards are not bad.
The 561 billboard horn and the 23561 plastic version sound terrible to me. Interestingly, the horns on the San Diego light rail system cars sound almost identical to the 561 billboard. Maybe the 561 is close to some prototype, but I do not care for it.
I had a American Flyer Whistling Billboard from 1948 till 2000 and loved it. I also had a Diesel Horn Billboard from the 1970's till 2000 and loved it. I had a two in one whistling billboard and it worked great. The one I had was made in either the forties or fifties. I loved all my Flyer billboards. I never cared for the air-chime horns in the diesels or tenders.
The 762 two in one whistling billboard was made in 1949 and 1950. I also thought they were great.
Great Info here! I've been thinking about finding a diesel one. But the three digit Gilbert whistles sound great too.
Mannyrock
I've got one of the Ringling Brothers versions. It's a total rehab project so looks and works great. Love the sound!
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I may have one, had it for a long time, if I can find it I'll give it a try. It won't be going on my board...but its nice to know what some of these things were intended to do. OGRR is a great place folks.
My Ringling Brothers metal whistling billboard from the early 1950's (during my youth) has fond memories for me. 😀
SORRY, but I do not recall the number, but it was also lighted.
It is a 577 if it has the Ringling Bros poster on it.
Tom: Thank You! 😀
