Nice work. I feel like the audio side of steam and rail preservation has taken a back seat in recent years because everything is so visual.

With that in mind, we created these pieces with the 765. The first is an excerpt from Listen for the Whistle: The Soundtrack. This project re-imagines the steam era using the guest whistles we've had on the 765 throughout the years.

This track - and the entire suite of recordings are available on our web site.

This next one is a favorite. With O Winston as inspiration, I borrowed a track recorded by one of our crew during a New River run and mixed in some wind and distant church chimes recorded during the holiday season...

We also have the classic "Symphony of Steam" CD featuring the work of Brad Miller and produced by Rich Melvin, available in our web store.

I have two older records of steam engines which I haven't listened to in quite awhile. Might get them out.

In my opinion, the "Symphony of Steam" CD offered by the FWRHS is the absolute BEST recording of a steam locomotive I have ever heard. I have often said that when it came to recording the sound of steam locomotives, there was Brad Miller and then there was everybody else. His work was absolutely perfect. Sadly he is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in this work.

I first met Brad in 1988 in Huntington, West Virginia. The 765 was spotted in front of the old passenger station in downtown Huntington. Brad approached me and introduced himself. He told me he was going to be doing some audio recording over the weekend. He told me where he was going to set up for his first recording spot. He asked me to be sure to blow the whistle as I went by his twin microphones.

I thought he was nuts!

Every recording of a steam locomotive that I had heard up to that time where the mics were close to the track and the whistle was blowing were loaded with terrible distortion. However, the next morning as we approached his recording spot, I did what he asked and blew the whistle as I went by his mics.

A few days later a package arrived at my home. It was a CD with a note from Brad. He told me it was the cut from that first scene where his mics were track side. Now, I am serious about good audio. I have a $10,000 McIntosh stereo system in my living room, with a big McIntosh power amp 8-foot tall McIntosh speakers. I put this CD in the player, turned the volume up to what I knew would provide a realistic sound level and hit play. I prepared myself to hear a lot of distortion in the whistle as the 765 went by.

But...it didn't happen!

An NKP Berkshire roared through my living room and it sounded for all the world like I was track side! There was absolutely ZERO distortion on the whistle. The sonic impact of the recording was astounding! I could not believe it! But I had quickly become a believer in what Brad could do!

Brad spent several days with us over a couple of years in the late 80s, recording the sounds of the 765. In the 14-track "Symphony of Steam" CD I combined some cuts to set up audio "scenes" which are described in the 12-page booklet that comes with the CD. I know it is a CD you will treasure. Just be sure you don't set the volume too high when you listen to it!

My favorites are some "records"   (remember them? vinyl..), as follows:

Howard Fogg's "All Steamed up" (Colorado & Southern locomotives in their final 2 years - - - if you like steam locomotives late at night, you would love leased CB&Q 2-8-2 #5506 whistling for numerous crossings as he heads up Water Street, plus the sound of two big steam locomotives starting a heavy train -- 2-8-2 #807 and 2-10-2 #900, coupled)

Howard Fogg's "The Big Steam....Union Pacific".   (4-12-2 #9009, 4-8-4's #836+833 double heading 2nd #17, Extra 4011 - Big Boy)

Vinton L. Wright's fabulous field recordings: "Sounds of Steam Locomotives" (CB&Q 4-6-4 starting 80 cars, C&NW 4-6-0 and 2-8-2, UP 0-6-0, CB&Q O5 leaving Lincoln, NE yard)

"Sounds of Steam Locomotives, Vol 2" (2-8-2 #5504 making a frantic run for the hill with 44 cars of stone, but working to a complete stall, 4-8-2 #7000 and 2-8-2 #5347, coupled, working in and out of synch, numerous 2-8-2's switching, setting out cars, whistling with a range of whistle types)

"Stack Music Spectacular"  (CB&Q 2-10-4 #6324 starting 99 cars on the IL R grade out of Beardstown, IL,  UP 4-12-2 #9052)

If you should happen upon any of these recordings at a train show, snap them up !  You will not be disappointed. But you will need something the ancient ones called a "record player" !

My two favorites:

1) O. Winston Link's famous Christmas Ever recording at Rural Retreat with an N&W Class J making a station stop with church chimes in the background.

2) A night time recording of a UP 2-8-2 running at speed from far off, which then passes under a bridge where the recorder is set up, with a fantastic UP standard freight whistle. This sequence is on side 2 of the famous 331/3 LP "Big Boy".

The recording from Strasburg above is fantastic!  Thank you!  I remember the Steampunk weekend from last year as well, but I don't think they had the evening runs (as you mentioned).

The Strasburg is one of those railroads I love seeing at night.

As for favorite recordings, I remember having a whole collection of 33 1/3 vinyl, 7" records on the Semaphore Records label.  In fact, it was their Strasburg one (I think called "Road to Paradise") that had me memorizing the Conductor's intro before the train leaves even to this day!

They also had a recording of the Baldwin 60000 (being from Philadelphia, that one also had a special place in my heart because the engine is in the Franklin Institute).

Those are the two that stand out, but I had a lot of those, along with a couple 12" LPs that had Sounds of Steam (that may have been the series title!)

Now you have me wanting to get the Semaphore Records that are available on CD!

.....also Brad Miller's "Sunday Only", recordings of CB&Q fan trips. Best sequence:  2-10-4 #6315 and 4-8-4 #5632, coupled, clearing Mendota Tower, with dialogue from the DS and the tower operator.  Available on CD.

I bought two LP records sometime ago[ Semaphore's On Time and OWLs Sounds of Steam Railroading. I have played them several times but my phono isn't the best.

mark s posted:

.....also Brad Miller's "Sunday Only", recordings of CB&Q fan trips. Best sequence:  2-10-4 #6315 and 4-8-4 #5632, coupled, clearing Mendota Tower, with dialogue from the DS and the tower operator.  Available on CD.

Actually, I believe that was 4960 and 5632 coupled.  I don't recall 6315 anywhere on the album.

Good album, though.

Rusty

Rusty,

Just got my copy of the album "Sunday Only" out, and the double header in question is indeed #6315 and #5632, recorded on September 6, 1959. The first four tracks on side one, are of that double header.

Hot Water posted:

Rusty,

Just got my copy of the album "Sunday Only" out, and the double header in question is indeed #6315 and #5632, recorded on September 6, 1959. The first four tracks on side one, are of that double header.

Well, it has been over 40 years since I listened to Sunday Only, and that was on the long gone reel-to-reel tape I copied it to.  My copy of the album buried in my vinyl collection somewhere.

Something's the first to go, but I can't remember what it was...

Rusty

My favorite recordings are those made by Bud Swearer on the N&W. They are the real deal, not something mixed.

And, I'm also partial to this one:

I well remember it was 6315 and 5632, as I was on the train !!

Thanks everyone for the compliments. I'm working on some other recordings I made of another steam locomotive here in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned! 

I honestly can't believe how luck I am to be able to make these recordings in the digital modern era. O. Winston Link in his few interviews spoke of how cumbersome the recorders were when he made his. Can't imagine having to lug a big contraption around while chasing a high speed steam locomotive like the 765 or 611. 

I have had Railroad recordings in several forms; vinyl records, cassette tapes in both prerecorded and self-recorded modes, and of course CDs.
My favorite though is this 7"-331/3 record with the Chessie song on one side, and a variety of steam recordings from the B&O, WM, and C&O on the other side, all done by a J. Prophet.
This sold for a dollar or two in the on-board gift shop, and I recently saw one on e-bay for $24.99.

I have O Winston Link's which is great, but I think I still like Steel Rails Under Thundering Skys the best.

Tom 

MNCW posted:

I have O Winston Link's which is great, but I think I still like Steel Rails Under Thundering Skys the best.

Tom 

Yes, that was one of Brad Miller's good ones. However, you haven't heard the best until you have played one of Mr. Miller's DTS 5.1 surround sound CDs (Sonic Booms series) through a surround sound system at elevated volume.

I will add these 2 for any Pennsy fans.

Tom 

I too am  fan of Brad Miller and his recordings. We sold them for years in our gift shop, and when he was getting out of the album business I bought everything he had left to sell in our gift shop. I like "Highball", Sunday Only; and his Twilight of Steam series, but I have all of them except Mr. D's Machine; but my absolute favorite is his two record set of recordings done in Mexico, "Valle Del Locomotora De Vapor, or the "Valley of the steam locomotives" An excellent two record set, now available on CD from the Trolley Dodger, whom I have started selling his product in our shop this year!

Good evening, How about the Pennsy recordings, "On Time" which is mostly Pennsy K4S steam engine in the New Jersey Area, and

John L Wise recordings "Sounds of Altoona".

The Sounds of Altoona recording has a bit of everything  L1, K4 M1, including a M1 running backwards out on the four track main below Tyrone PA ,I1 J1, and a couple short recording of early diesels as pushers.

Listen to both of these occasionally while working on my layout just picturing in my mind these great Pennsy engines roaring by.

Born 15 years to late to see them all in action !!!!!!

I have an old 8" record and the cover says "The K4 on Horseshoe Curve" but the record is of "The Big Red cars". Bummer  !!  Anyone interested in the "Big Red cars"  ??  Not for sale, just give it away.

Steam sound recording was a huge thing back when people didn't have video. You couldn't go to an old steam excursion without seeing people trying to mount tape recorders to the outsides of cars and places like that. Beats me what they ever did with the recordings because I never heard anyone ever playing the things anywhere afterward.

Over the years, I've bought a couple of railroad sound CDs but never listened to them more than once or twice. I'm rarely ever in a place that I have the time to listen to something like that where something else is taking up the silence...

Here is another steam locomotive recording by Brad Miller.  These can still be found for sale on line.

One of Fogg's recordings not mentioned yet, 'Power of the past' had some interesting tracks, B&O EM-1's, NYC Hudson's, various PRR power, NKP switchers, Hudson's, and Berk's.  IC steam, and a steam and diesel race. 

It's true that, with the exception of die hard railfans, most people don't play steam locomotive sound recordings in their cars or just for leisure around the house. But I must say again that IMO sound recordings are more imaginative and capture the essence of a steam locomotive than video ever will. I can watch a video I make and then I'll isolate the audio and listen to it again (same clip) and it sounds so much better and really puts the person trackside.

Video is great because of its ability to allow you to see where the train is going and what the valve gear is doing etc. but audio lets the person imagine what it must have been like sitting there listening to the engineer wail on the whistle and watching the locomotive roar by, almost slightly nostalgic if you understand my point of view. 

Just found this thread after posting about train recording this morning...good read!

Curious what kind of gear the original poster used to make the Strasburg recording?

Sounds nice!

Mike, I would agree with you. If you never heard the Steel Rails Under Thundering Skys CD, try to pick that up. With the rain falling and thunder, it adds an extra level...

Tom

Roving Sign posted:

Just found this thread after posting about train recording this morning...good read!

Curious what kind of gear the original poster used to make the Strasburg recording?

Sounds nice!

My cell phone! I used an audio recording application on my Samsung S6 edge plus. The mic on my cell phone records in stereo and does not clip very easily if positioned correctly to the oncoming train. 

Mark S, I agree with you. Being a Burlington guy, there are no better sounds than that of ANY CB&Q steam engine. My all time favorite is the RALBAR productions of 5632 in 1961 of the NRHA Convention Special. The small size 33rpm record was distributed by AHM.

And then there is the CB&Q record #15 of the Railroad Record Club of Hawkins Wisc from 1959 that has sounds from engines 5144, 4966, 4983 and 5632.

But I will admit, ANY STEAM WHISTLE to me is sheer music to my ears. Be it N&W 611, SP 4449, SP&S 700, UP 4-6-6-4, and even a Shay pushing up the 4%+ grades at Roaring Camp. Love 'em all.

Ray

Pennsypride, I agree sometimes it's just nice to put in a train CD ( sounds of Altoona in my case) and just crank it up !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ray:  I will have to keep an eye open for RRCHW #15.......sounds quite interesting.  They put out quite a few obscure recordings; I have one of Wabash Mogul 573 on the Bluffs-Keokuk line.

Burlington 4-8-4 #5632 had absolutely the most soul-satisfying whistle in the early '60's. It can be heard on a couple of the cuts on "Sunday Only".  Think it was the regularly assigned whistle on the '32, from regular service days, as the Vinton L. Wright recording of another CB&Q 4-8-4, #5629, leaving Hobson Yard in Lincoln, NE, sounded similar, from 1952.

Mark,

You might look for one of the Brad S.Miller CDs that includes an on-board digital recording of SP 4449 using an "on loan" CB&Q whistle from an M-4 2-10-4. The particular cut is westbound accelerating out of Davis, California hauling the Philip Anchuts (sp) Sacrament Jazz Train returning back to Oakland. I monitored Brad's big Colossus recording machine back in the crew car, while Brad made a track-side recording. Apparently the on-board recording was the best, so that is what was included on the CD.

Although the Burlington whistle was being blown using superheated, 300psi steam, it sure sounded fantastic as Fireman Bob Slover played the whistle beautifully. 

The three volumes of L&H Railsonics' "Steam Tracks" series of CDs are very good.

Bob

HW:  Might you recall the name of the Miller album - - - I did a quick Youtube search, and couldn't find it, by topic.  Youtube is loaded with all kinds of recordings.  

Guess  we're seeing a lot of whistle swapping these days;  Milw 261, I understand, is carryimg a Santa Fe 2900 whistle. I really liked the original Milw whistle, which sounded like  a crazy woman, but the SF whistle probably scares the "rubes" off the tracks.

In stumbling around Youtube, bumped into this piece, with marvelous photos and a sampling of sound recordings, from a fellow named Wm. Spicer, of B&O, NYC and Pennsy steam.  Neat autos, too!   Take a peak!     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYj-6fKUGFM

Mark, 

Finally found it!  The CD is titled "SONIC BOOMS 3", and the recording on-board 4449 is the last cut, #16 and is 10:20 minute long. The album label is Bainbridge, #BCD 6289. The on-board recording was made on July 25, 1992.

mark s posted:

HW:  Might you recall the name of the Miller album - - - I did a quick Youtube search, and couldn't find it, by topic.  Youtube is loaded with all kinds of recordings. 

Yes, you can find all kinds of recordings on YouTube, but they are not high quality, uncompressed digital recordings like the Brad Miller works. They are highly compressed audio files that sound pretty bad when compared to a truly GOOD digital recording.

OGR Webmaster posted:

mark s posted:

HW:  Might you recall the name of the Miller album - - - I did a quick Youtube search, and couldn't find it, by topic.  Youtube is loaded with all kinds of recordings. 

Yes, you can find all kinds of recordings on YouTube, but they are not high quality, uncompressed digital recordings like the Brad Miller works. They are highly compressed audio files that sound pretty bad when compared to a truly GOOD digital recording.

That's the problem with the internet. People are so happy with streaming and such ways to transmit video and sounds, they're (for the most part) easily pleased with so-so quality anymore.

You trade off availability for quality. Most are okay with it, but it's the primary reason I don't watch movies or TV shows on the internet...

I agree with you P51. If someone has never heard a truly CLEAN digital recording, they really don't know what they are missing.

I have recordings on vinyl LP discs, some old "AAD" (Analog recording to Analog mix to Digital release) CDs and some chrome cassettes from years ago that sound OK when you first listen to them. They all have some distortion in them that you don't consciously hear, but subconsciously your brain knows it's there.

Listening to a Brad Miller CD is a completely different experience. Totally clean audio with ZERO audible distortion. But...you have to hear the difference to fully understand and appreciate it.

To add to what Rich just posted, above, anyone interested in "high-end surround sound" should really find and listen to some of Brad Miller's DTS 5.1 audio CDs covering steam locomotives. It is just like being there, but be careful of the volume level, as if you have a very good system capable of sub-base frequencies, you could possibly do damage to your home.

I remember asking Brad, after he had recorded a NASA Space Shuttle launch the first time, if he would ask the U.S. Navy about recording the firing of the 16" guns on an Iowa Class Battleship. Some time later, Brad informed me that even with the Navy's support & permission, it would be impossible to record the firing of those 16" guns. Apparently the sound pressure levels are so great, and the frequency so low (virtually direct DC), there would be no way for hime to make an acceptable digital recording. Darn!

You guys crack me up !!  It is a big, noisey, smelly steam engine, not a symphony.

jim pastorius posted:

You guys crack me up !!  It is a big, noisey, smelly steam engine, not a symphony.

Many of us here beg to differ, but to each their own.

jim pastorius posted:

You guys crack me up !!  It is a big, noisey, smelly steam engine, not a symphony.

Beauty is in the eye (or in this case, the ear) of the beholder.

Jim, if you have never heard truly GOOD steam locomotive audio, there are no words that can explain what we're talking about. You have to hear it for yourself.

And I definitely consider it a "symphony."

jim pastorius posted:

You guys crack me up !!  It is a big, noisey, smelly steam engine, not a symphony.

Another post from the uninformed "expert".

HW: thank you for digging through the archives to find Sonic Booms 3.   I will keep an eye open for it. Not on Youtube, disappointingly.    My sound equipment is only marginally above the orange juice can and piece of string level, so I probably won't enjoy as great an experience. But always nice to hear a Burlington whistle!

The best Symphony I heard was in August of 1991, Lima Ohio. The 765 was there and the 1225 came in to join up. It sounded like dueling whistles, on who could out do the other. I had a man running the Burro Crane loading coal in the tenders, who was enjoying it. He later came to me to see if we could upgrade his horn to the steam whistle.

I also rode the 765 out of town and was amazed at the power it had and loved watching them play on the horn so to speak. 

Gene posted:

The best Symphony I heard was in August of 1991, Lima Ohio. The 765 was there and the 1225 came in to join up. It sounded like dueling horns, on who could out do the other. I had a man running the Burro Crane loading coal in the tenders, who was enjoying it. He later came to me to see if we could upgrade his horn.

I also rode the 765 out of town and was amazed at the power it had and loved watching them play on the horn so to speak. 

I was not aware that either the 765 or the 1225 had "horns"!

Yes, HW, I will put my expertise on various subjects, not just trains, any time. Actually, I posted that more as a joke but nobody here seems to joke. I think I would rather listen to my bagpipe music than steam engines. I rode in the cab of a steam engine from Cumberland to Frost burg and it didn't  sound like a symphony.

Hot Water,

Sorry for the infraction, better now?

jim pastorius posted:

Yes, HW, I will put my expertise on various subjects, not just trains, any time. Actually, 

Then why do you even bother to post on the Real Trains Forum?

I love mechanical rhythms; the brass section a bonus.

Big, noisey, smelly, symphony.

I have this 78 rpm record from 1952.  It is a Lionel recording probably of real trains.  I have had it since then and used to play it.  It is made from flimsy clear plastic with a paper picture inside.  If I only had a turntable that would play 78s,  I have several for 45 and 33 1/3 rpm

Charlie

Side One

Side Two

I agree, I have a movie theater grade surround sound system in my basement of my home and often take my recordings and play them there. They sound amazing. Really puts the viewer trackside and IMO, as someone with a long musical background, resonance and bass frequencies are what make the recordings "feel" authentic. You can almost feel the attack of the exhaust against your chest as if you are actually there watching. 

One of my favorite steam recordings is Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate by North Jersey Recordings.  Released in monaural back in the early 1960's it featured numerous cuts of NKP steam performing various tasks along with an onboard recording of NKP Hudson 175 pulling an NRHS fan trip in May of 1958.  One band of GTW steam and, for the finale, a recording of DM&IR Yellowstone 230 hauling iron ore out of Two Harbors MN with the old style foghorn sounding out in the harbor.  Pretty spectacular stuff for the era.  I also have a few of Brad Miller's recordings in my collection and they are certainly keepers.    

Some new content to take a listen to: 

Enjoy! 

Personally, I find most train sounds a symphony, even modern.  we are about 1/2 mile from the closest RR tracks, and my favorite sound while going to bed is the horn blowing in the background and low echo there after.  I also find the sounds of the freight moving over the crossings quite relaxing when I am close by.

To all those who compare the sounds of a steam locomotive to a symphony, there actually is a symphonic piece from the 1920's by Arthur Honneger that attempts to capture the power and speed of a steam locomotive... It's entitled "Pacific 231."   Here's a link to a performance of it by the Utah Symphony.  The poster has added initial commentary to the video explaining what a Pacific 231 actually is and unfortunately says the name comes from its 2 guide wheels, 3 drive wheels and 1 trailing wheel.  I think he meant axles, but that's what you see from one side.   I also wonder whether the video he has added to the music adds to or distracts from the piece  Many of us on this forum will undoubtedly notice all the wrong shots he has used to "match' the video.  But that aside, give it a listen and see if you think it captures the power and speed of a steam ,locomotive.  That's one heck of a challenge for a symphony orchestra.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfysyex_DAk

"To all those who compare the sounds of a steam locomotive to a symphony, there actually is a symphonic piece from the 1920's by Arthur Honneger that attempts to capture the power and speed of a steam locomotive... It's entitled "Pacific 231."  

That's a pretty good interpretation for a symphony, but, Sly and The Family Stone's "I Want To Take You Higher" conveys the sheer power of those N&W articulateds heading upgrade!

One thing worthy of consideration is that while there are many artistic attributes and perspectives when it comes to audio recordings, they can also be considered documentary and historical in nature. A recording from the 1940s or 50's is just as insightful to history as a photograph or 16mm film. This is how it was - regardless of one's interpretation on the artistic or musical merit. 

jim pastorius posted:

I think I would rather listen to my bagpipe music than steam engines. I rode in the cab of a steam engine from Cumberland to Frost burg and it didn't  sound like a symphony.

Sounds like you just have no understanding of what you're hearing. You don't know what the sounds are, what creates them and what differentiates them. Which is understandable coming from someone who hasn't spent a lot of time in a steam locomotive cab.

To add another suggested work of Brad Miller to listen to, I would recommend 'Green Board South' which is a recording for the Southern Railway steam engines used in the early '70's....4501, 722, 630, and 750.  Some of the recording were made during the NRHS convention in Charleston, SC (maybe 1970 or '71?).  This is the first steam recording I heard as a kid and when we would ride on the Chessie and Southern trips, my dad would wake us all up by cranking it up instead of a boring alarm clock.

I was able to find a copy a few years ago and get it onto my Ipod (what would Mr. Purdie think of that!).  The first track is of the 722 leaving Augusta for Charleston and after she slips a couple of times, the engine hits a rail joint and you can hear the vibrating 'ting' in the rail if you have on headphones or are using good speakers.  if you close your eyes and just listen, you can 'hear' the train go past you in the speakers.  Also, you get to hear some whistling by Walter Dove, who, hands down, could play a whistle like nobody else I have ever heard. 

A friend of mine, who knew Brad Miller and worked on the Chessie and NS steam programs, tells a cool story of Miller taking a recording of the 2101 to an audio and stereo show.  Every set of speakers that they tried to play the recording through at 'true volume' either blew out or couldn't handle the sound.  His recordings are the best.

Pennsy Pride, thanks !!!!!!!!!!

When the Nickel plate 765 (767) came to Altoona PA about 3 years ago on Memorial Day weekend my wife wanted to know if I wanted to ride on the train because she would purchase the tickets before the rides were sold out.

I told her no due to the fact I just wanted to hear the 765 as she made her way thru Altoona up over Horseshoe Curve and then roar out of the tunnel in Gallitzin.

I realize that this did not pay for the Locomotive to make an appearance and ridership did, but this is a sound and sight that I will remember for a long time.

The 765 was the first large steam engine I have ever seen in person out on the rails.

Watched many of video tapes, but nothing compare's to being right there trackside and listen to the engine go by under steam.

Call it music or just an old steam engine to me it is one of the greatest sights and sounds on earth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all that makes these resurrected engines of days gone by, live and operate for all of us to watch and listen !!!!!!

nathansixchime posted:

One thing worthy of consideration is that while there are many artistic attributes and perspectives when it comes to audio recordings, they can also be considered documentary and historical in nature. A recording from the 1940s or 50's is just as insightful to history as a photograph or 16mm film. This is how it was - regardless of one's interpretation on the artistic or musical merit. 

I agree completely Kelly. I feel that old steam railroad recordings have an "aurora" about them. For example every time I listen to Link's Christmas Eve recording I can't help but be taken back to that rather random, now momentous moment to think what it would be like on that cold evening as a J class came rumbling by to a stop and then barks off into the eery night sky during the last years of N&W steam.

You're NKP 765 recording, that paid homage to Link, gives me the same feeling of nostalgia even though the recording was made well after the days of steam on the Nickel Plate. 

PennsyPride94 posted:

nathansixchime posted:

One thing worthy of consideration is that while there are many artistic attributes and perspectives when it comes to audio recordings, they can also be considered documentary and historical in nature. A recording from the 1940s or 50's is just as insightful to history as a photograph or 16mm film. This is how it was - regardless of one's interpretation on the artistic or musical merit. 

I agree completely Kelly. I feel that old steam railroad recordings have an "aurora" about them. For example every time I listen to Link's Christmas Eve recording I can't help but be taken back to that rather random, now momentous moment to think what it would be like on that cold evening as a J class came rumbling by to a stop and then barks off into the eery night sky during the last years of N&W steam.

You're NKP 765 recording, that paid homage to Link, gives me the same feeling of nostalgia even though the recording was made well after the days of steam on the Nickel Plate. 

I believe the word you want is 'aura': noun; the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, place, or thing. But I get what you mean!

Glad to see all the comments. Another couple of records from Mobile Fidelity (Brad Miller), would be Steam Railroading Under Thundering Skies. This record beats his other recording of steam and thunderstorms! My first album was Hear that Whistle Blow, and I was hooked. Spent many Saturdays going downtown to Boston Store's record Dept. to see if there were any new albums...and many times there were.

Allegheny48 posted:

One of my favorite steam recordings is Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate by North Jersey Recordings.  Released in monaural back in the early 1960's it featured numerous cuts of NKP steam performing various tasks along with an onboard recording of NKP Hudson 175 pulling an NRHS fan trip in May of 1958.  One band of GTW steam and, for the finale, a recording of DM&IR Yellowstone 230 hauling iron ore out of Two Harbors MN with the old style foghorn sounding out in the harbor.  Pretty spectacular stuff for the era.  I also have a few of Brad Miller's recordings in my collection and they are certainly keepers.    

I too liked this album, for another reason. I have the builders plate off of DM&IR #230.  I also have the reel to reel tape recording of the same album. For years I could not listen to the tape as I no longer have a reel to reel, but I read the liner notes and found out that the recording of the Yellowstone was engine #230. When an album became available I bought it!

Of special note the tape was used for sound effects for the attraction known as MINIRAMA. One of the cuts was that of #230 used for one of the trains at this attraction. And how ironic that the builders plate hung in the exhibit, while the actual sounds of that very locomotive were played over the speaker system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff B. Haertlein posted:

Allegheny48 posted:

One of my favorite steam recordings is Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate by North Jersey Recordings.  Released in monaural back in the early 1960's it featured numerous cuts of NKP steam performing various tasks along with an onboard recording of NKP Hudson 175 pulling an NRHS fan trip in May of 1958.  One band of GTW steam and, for the finale, a recording of DM&IR Yellowstone 230 hauling iron ore out of Two Harbors MN with the old style foghorn sounding out in the harbor.  Pretty spectacular stuff for the era.  I also have a few of Brad Miller's recordings in my collection and they are certainly keepers.    

I too liked this album, for another reason. I have the builders plate off of DM&IR #230.  I also have the reel to reel tape recording of the same album. For years I could not listen to the tape as I no longer have a reel to reel, but I read the liner notes and found out that the recording of the Yellowstone was engine #230. When an album became available I bought it!

Of special note the tape was used for sound effects for the attraction known as MINIRAMA. One of the cuts was that of #230 used for one of the trains at this attraction. And how ironic that the builders plate hung in the exhibit, while the actual sounds of that very locomotive were played over the speaker system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff:  I have an open reel recorder that still functions and the ability to create a compact disc recording from the taped material.  I never knew that Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate was available as an open reel tape.  Is it stereo by chance?  If you would consider allowing me to create a CD from this my email is in my profile. 

Borden Tunnel posted:

PennsyPride94 posted:

nathansixchime posted:

One thing worthy of consideration is that while there are many artistic attributes and perspectives when it comes to audio recordings, they can also be considered documentary and historical in nature. A recording from the 1940s or 50's is just as insightful to history as a photograph or 16mm film. This is how it was - regardless of one's interpretation on the artistic or musical merit. 

I agree completely Kelly. I feel that old steam railroad recordings have an "aurora" about them. For example every time I listen to Link's Christmas Eve recording I can't help but be taken back to that rather random, now momentous moment to think what it would be like on that cold evening as a J class came rumbling by to a stop and then barks off into the eery night sky during the last years of N&W steam.

You're NKP 765 recording, that paid homage to Link, gives me the same feeling of nostalgia even though the recording was made well after the days of steam on the Nickel Plate. 

I believe the word you want is 'aura': noun; the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, place, or thing. But I get what you mean!

LOL! Oops! Thanks for the correction. As you can tell from that use of vocabulary college has made me very "edjumacated". 

Jeff B. Haertlein posted:

Glad to see all the comments. Another couple of records from Mobile Fidelity (Brad Miller), would be Steam Railroading Under Thundering Skies. This record beats his other recording of steam and thunderstorms! My first album was Hear that Whistle Blow, and I was hooked. Spent many Saturdays going downtown to Boston Store's record Dept. to see if there were any new albums...and many times there were.

 

I agree, Jeff the fact that Brad was able to capture the sounds of the storm with enough detail and fidelity as to not overwhelm the recording of the train but still present a nice audio "scene" is incredible. It's both eery and tranquil to listen to that album of his. 

nasaracer32 posted:

To add another suggested work of Brad Miller to listen to, I would recommend 'Green Board South' which is a recording for the Southern Railway steam engines used in the early '70's....4501, 722, 630, and 750.  Some of the recording were made during the NRHS convention in Charleston, SC (maybe 1970 or '71?).  This is the first steam recording I heard as a kid and when we would ride on the Chessie and Southern trips, my dad would wake us all up by cranking it up instead of a boring alarm clock.

I was able to find a copy a few years ago and get it onto my Ipod (what would Mr. Purdie think of that!).  The first track is of the 722 leaving Augusta for Charleston and after she slips a couple of times, the engine hits a rail joint and you can hear the vibrating 'ting' in the rail if you have on headphones or are using good speakers.  if you close your eyes and just listen, you can 'hear' the train go past you in the speakers.  Also, you get to hear some whistling by Walter Dove, who, hands down, could play a whistle like nobody else I have ever heard. 

 

Yes! Green Board South! My favorite! My dad bought a copy from a guy that was selling them on board a Southern Steam Special (probably an excursion to Front Royal, VA). He was walking the train doing brisk business. Still have that copy, but no way to get it on my iPod. Will - contact me via email, please. :-)   

If you don't understand the Symphony of sound from a Steam Locomotive, I feel sorry for you!

mark s posted:<snip>

If you should happen upon any of these recordings at a train show, snap them up !  You will not be disappointed. But you will need something the ancient ones called a "record player" !

 

Vinyl is back. Three of my granddaughters have turntable systems and are out happily buying records. Thinking to unload some of my collection of vinyl onto them...

Jeff B. Haertlein posted:

Glad to see all the comments. Another couple of records from Mobile Fidelity (Brad Miller), would be Steam Railroading Under Thundering Skies. This record beats his other recording of steam and thunderstorms! My first album was Hear that Whistle Blow, and I was hooked. Spent many Saturdays going downtown to Boston Store's record Dept. to see if there were any new albums...and many times there were.

 

One of my favorite passages on this recording is lightning striking directly across from where Brad was recording.  You first hear the crackling and then a resounding WHAM!!! picks the listener right out of his seat.  The entire sequence of those tracks literally tells a story. 

Just a fan posted:

nasaracer32 posted:

To add another suggested work of Brad Miller to listen to, I would recommend 'Green Board South' which is a recording for the Southern Railway steam engines used in the early '70's....4501, 722, 630, and 750.  Some of the recording were made during the NRHS convention in Charleston, SC (maybe 1970 or '71?).  This is the first steam recording I heard as a kid and when we would ride on the Chessie and Southern trips, my dad would wake us all up by cranking it up instead of a boring alarm clock.

I was able to find a copy a few years ago and get it onto my Ipod (what would Mr. Purdie think of that!).  The first track is of the 722 leaving Augusta for Charleston and after she slips a couple of times, the engine hits a rail joint and you can hear the vibrating 'ting' in the rail if you have on headphones or are using good speakers.  if you close your eyes and just listen, you can 'hear' the train go past you in the speakers.  Also, you get to hear some whistling by Walter Dove, who, hands down, could play a whistle like nobody else I have ever heard. 

 

Yes! Green Board South! My favorite! My dad bought a copy from a guy that was selling them on board a Southern Steam Special (probably an excursion to Front Royal, VA). He was walking the train doing brisk business. Still have that copy, but no way to get it on my iPod. Will - contact me via email, please. :-)   

Hey Jeff,

Looked at your blog to try and find an email address, but didn't.  Seems that you have to have a subscription here in order to send messages, so look me up on Facebook or let me know where I can find your email address.

nasaracer32 posted:

Just a fan posted:

nasaracer32 posted:

To add another suggested work of Brad Miller to listen to, I would recommend 'Green Board South' which is a recording for the Southern Railway steam engines used in the early '70's....4501, 722, 630, and 750.  Some of the recording were made during the NRHS convention in Charleston, SC (maybe 1970 or '71?).  This is the first steam recording I heard as a kid and when we would ride on the Chessie and Southern trips, my dad would wake us all up by cranking it up instead of a boring alarm clock.

I was able to find a copy a few years ago and get it onto my Ipod (what would Mr. Purdie think of that!).  The first track is of the 722 leaving Augusta for Charleston and after she slips a couple of times, the engine hits a rail joint and you can hear the vibrating 'ting' in the rail if you have on headphones or are using good speakers.  if you close your eyes and just listen, you can 'hear' the train go past you in the speakers.  Also, you get to hear some whistling by Walter Dove, who, hands down, could play a whistle like nobody else I have ever heard. 

 

Yes! Green Board South! My favorite! My dad bought a copy from a guy that was selling them on board a Southern Steam Special (probably an excursion to Front Royal, VA). He was walking the train doing brisk business. Still have that copy, but no way to get it on my iPod. Will - contact me via email, please. :-)   

Hey Jeff,

Looked at your blog to try and find an email address, but didn't.  Seems that you have to have a subscription here in order to send messages, so look me up on Facebook or let me know where I can find your email address.

 

His eMail address is plainly posted in his OGR Forum "Profile".

I recently acquired these...

Hot Water posted

 

His eMail address is plainly posted in his OGR Forum "Profile".

Why, yes it is!  I breezed right past it earlier.  This is why I shouldn't post on here at least until after the 3rd cup of coffee.  Thanks!

Allegheny48 posted:

Jeff B. Haertlein posted:

Allegheny48 posted:

One of my favorite steam recordings is Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate by North Jersey Recordings.  Released in monaural back in the early 1960's it featured numerous cuts of NKP steam performing various tasks along with an onboard recording of NKP Hudson 175 pulling an NRHS fan trip in May of 1958.  One band of GTW steam and, for the finale, a recording of DM&IR Yellowstone 230 hauling iron ore out of Two Harbors MN with the old style foghorn sounding out in the harbor.  Pretty spectacular stuff for the era.  I also have a few of Brad Miller's recordings in my collection and they are certainly keepers.    

I too liked this album, for another reason. I have the builders plate off of DM&IR #230.  I also have the reel to reel tape recording of the same album. For years I could not listen to the tape as I no longer have a reel to reel, but I read the liner notes and found out that the recording of the Yellowstone was engine #230. When an album became available I bought it!

Of special note the tape was used for sound effects for the attraction known as MINIRAMA. One of the cuts was that of #230 used for one of the trains at this attraction. And how ironic that the builders plate hung in the exhibit, while the actual sounds of that very locomotive were played over the speaker system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff:  I have an open reel recorder that still functions and the ability to create a compact disc recording from the taped material.  I never knew that Fast Freight on the Nickel Plate was available as an open reel tape.  Is it stereo by chance?  If you would consider allowing me to create a CD from this my email is in my profile. 

 

I'll check out the tape shortly, and let you know.

Jeff H.

Allegheny48: I just sent you an e-mail regarding your interests in my reel to reel tape. You can reply when and if.

Thanks,

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

PennsyPride94 posted:

Hi everyone,

One month ago the Strasburg Rail Road hosted the first night of their annual Steampunk events. What made this night unique was the fact that the SRC would be pulling trips at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm. Knowing this my friend and I ventured out to the SRC to witness night time steam action. Below is a recording of the 8 pm trip back to East Strasburg that I made. Dave Domitrovich is running and Richie Maggs is firing. (Make sure to turn up the volume because it is quite faint in the beginning. The picture in the video was taken by me that night as SRC #90 pulled into the station after the last trip. Its a 13 second exposure and if you look close you can see the little dipper in the night sky.)

I have always been fascinated by the world of audio recording steam locomotives. Most likely due to my first time hearing O. Winston Link's recording at Rural Retreat on December 24th, 1957. There is something about the echo of the whistle, the bark of the exhaust, and the rumble of the train that really peaks the imagination and is completely different from normal railfan habits of taking pictures and video. 

As an added discussion point: What are your favorite recordings of steam locomotives? If you have some feel free to share!

Thanks for listening!

 

Very nicely done. I love audio recordings. Like radio, they allow the listener to create his own mental image of the scene, something no video can ever do.

Here are a couple of my efforts aboard some C&O 614 excursions.

Audio: C&O 614 Ridgewood Start and Fast Running 6-8-97

Audio: C&O 614 Highball after repairing the stoker 6/8/97

Audio: C&O 614 Climbing Shawangunk Mountain 10/26/97

One more. 

Audio: LIRR Eastbound in a thunderstorm, Bethpage, NY, Summer 1997

Rich Melvin posted:

In my opinion, the "Symphony of Steam" CD offered by the FWRHS is the absolute BEST recording of a steam locomotive I have ever heard. I have often said that when it came to recording the sound of steam locomotives, there was Brad Miller and then there was everybody else. His work was absolutely perfect. Sadly he is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in this work.

Brad spent several days with us over a couple of years in the late 80s, recording the sounds of the 765. In the 14-track "Symphony of Steam" CD I combined some cuts to set up audio "scenes" which are described in the 12-page booklet that comes with the CD. I know it is a CD you will treasure. Just be sure you don't set the volume too high when you listen to it!

Now I need to get Symphony of Steam !

It may sound odd that a retired railroad official has such a fondness, but I sometimes listen to Brad Miller's recording of first generation diesels (don't shoot me) when I want to be transported back to the sounds of my youth.  Steam was gone from Santa Fe, the home road where I grew up, by the time I was in second grade, so early diesels were the locomotives I knew best.  It's all recorded on territory that I am familiar with, and I really do like the soothing sound of the F7-powered passenger trains meeting each other on single track.

But I only have two steam recordings, so Symphony of Steam will definitely be at the house before the end of the month.  Also, I will look into the Howard Fogg recordings he made on C&S and UP.

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...!

Big Jim posted:

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

 

 I cant stand all the happy whistle blowers in real train videos ,as well as model railroad videos.

It just takes too much out of what your really trying to enjoy and not the " throttle jockeys" ability of blowing that darn whistle !

mackb4 posted:

Big Jim posted:

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

 

 I cant stand all the happy whistle blowers in real train videos ,as well as model railroad videos.

It just takes too much out of what your really trying to enjoy and not the " throttle jockeys" ability of blowing that darn whistle !

I like whistles, but when I'm recording, it often depends on how hard I expect the engine to work.

For example, in this video I recorded almost a year ago of the 765 in the Valley (time flies), at the Indigo Lake scene, I chose an angle I hadn't seen done before. I chose this for two reasons: first, I wanted a shot where you could see the locomotive coming from the distance, and second, because I wanted to avoid the sound of the locomotive working being drowned out by the whistle. The locomotive wasn't working quite as hard as I had hoped, but I'm still happy with the result.

In cases where I don't expect the engine to work very hard, I don't mind the whistle.

If you're unfamiliar, the Indigo Lake scene is featured in the opening scene as a black and white silent piece, and then a second time later on with color and audio.

mackb4 posted:

Big Jim posted:

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

 

 I cant stand all the happy whistle blowers in real train videos ,as well as model railroad videos.

It just takes too much out of what your really trying to enjoy and not the " throttle jockeys" ability of blowing that darn whistle !

I agree with all the comments above. Along those same lines, i.e. way too much whistle blowing, try and find ANY videos of UP 4014 with ANY exhaust music and NO whistling!

I'm late to the party but here is a recording I made of N&W 611 from April 2017 in Danville, Va. The 611 is starting a heavy 20 car passenger train in heavy rain up a near 2% grade with a few reverse curves. Engineer Sandy Alexander had his hands full but coaxed the big 4-8-4 up the hill without stalling while Fireman Tom Mayer had the fire white hot and the steam gauge right at 300 lbs. 

The boys from the East End Shops should have a big smile on their faces after the fight up the hill. I know I sure did and was lucky enough to witness it first hand! 

Hot Water posted:

mackb4 posted:

Big Jim posted:

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

 

 I cant stand all the happy whistle blowers in real train videos ,as well as model railroad videos.

It just takes too much out of what your really trying to enjoy and not the " throttle jockeys" ability of blowing that darn whistle !

I agree with all the comments above. Along those same lines, i.e. way too much whistle blowing, try and find ANY videos of UP 4014 with ANY exhaust music and NO whistling!

The 4014 has become a bore to me. It's too much engine for too little train. I'd be surprised if it even produces much in the way of superheat the way it is being operated. 

I am completely over the incessant and gratuitous blowing of the whistle by a certain someone.

As someone once said about Reggie Jackson: "There isn't enough mustard in the world for that hot dog." 

It's probably to draw attention away from the fact that the locomotive isn't doing  Jack (no offense) most of the time.

I wouldn't waste my time or effort to make a sound recording or even a video of 4014. There is nothing worth hearing.

I hope they put plenty of diesel units behind her when she climbs Cajon pass. I wouldn't want her making that infernal racket that other steam engines make when they are hard at work.

If it ever comes to Memphis, I might make the six hour drive just to see it once in person but that's about it.

I have too many fond memories of 3985 and 844, as well as 4449, 2472, 611, 1218, 765, 614, 2102 etc, being operated properly by no-nonsense steam crews, to waste my time and money on this silly dog and pony show. 

Nick Chillianis posted:

Hot Water posted:

mackb4 posted:

Big Jim posted:

Hartman

As for most recordings I've heard, they have too much whistle or horn blowing.  I want to hear the locomotive and the train with a rare whistle or horn blowing.  That constant whistle & or horn noise is just too much..... noise.  And that's MY 2 cents worth.

Dennis

Exactly, and, that is the problem with a lot of model videos too! You can't hear the engine for all of the stupid whistle blowing!

 

 I cant stand all the happy whistle blowers in real train videos ,as well as model railroad videos.

It just takes too much out of what your really trying to enjoy and not the " throttle jockeys" ability of blowing that darn whistle !

I agree with all the comments above. Along those same lines, i.e. way too much whistle blowing, try and find ANY videos of UP 4014 with ANY exhaust music and NO whistling!

The 4014 has become a bore to me. It's too much engine for too little train. I'd be surprised if it even produces much in the way of superheat the way it is being operated. 

I am completely over the incessant and gratuitous blowing of the whistle by a certain person.

There isn't enough mustard in the world for that "hot dog" of an engineer.

It's probably to draw attention away from the fact that the locomotive isn't doing  Jack (no offense) most of the time.

I wouldn't waste my time or effort to make a sound recording or even a video of 4014. There is nothing worth hearing.

I hope they put plenty of diesel units behind her when she climbs Cajon pass. I wouldn't want her making that infernal racket that other steam engines make when they are hard at work.

If it ever comes to Memphis, I might make the six hour drive just to see it once in person but that's about it.

I have too many fond memories of 3985 and 844, as well as 4449, 2472, 611, 1218, 765, 614, 2102 etc, being operated properly by no-nonsense steam crews, to waste my time and money on this silly dog and pony show. 

 

 

 

I suspect that you have succeeded in raising the ire of numerous Big Boy aficionados with some of your comments yet I fully understand how you have become tired of seeing and hearing about 4014.   I’m sure many of us have.   It is obvious that the UP isn’t using 4014 to her fullest capacity but then that is their choice.  Once the newness has worn off 4014 and her crews may settle into a more normal operating routine similar to other excursion steam locomotives.   For now the 4014 is enjoying being star attraction and thousands are enjoying seeing that.   If I am correct all the steam the 4014 produces is superheated regardless of how it is being operated.     

Allegheny48 posted: 

I suspect that you have succeeded in raising the ire of numerous Big Boy aficionados with some of your comments yet I fully understand how you have become tired of seeing and hearing about 4014.   I’m sure many of us have.   It is obvious that the UP isn’t using 4014 to her fullest capacity but then that is their choice.  Once the newness has worn off 4014 and her crews may settle into a more normal operating routine similar to other excursion steam locomotives.   For now the 4014 is enjoying being star attraction and thousands are enjoying seeing that.   If I am correct all the steam the 4014 produces is superheated regardless of how it is being operated.     

No, that is not correct, i.e. your statement about superheated steam production in a steam locomotive. In oder for the steam passing through the superheater units to be heated well above the 300 psi boiler pressure temperature, the temperature of the firebox and fire gasses passing through each and every flue, MUST be VERY hot. In order for the firebox firebrick and oil flame to reach temps exceeding 2000 degrees F, a substantial load MUST be placed behind the locomotive, such that the Engineer uses the proper throttle setting and associated reverse gear setting to produce such a high, and steady, firing rate. 

Those conditions have NOT been present during 4014 operations, as can easily be witnessed by the lack of substantial exhaust sound. Also, note where the Walschaerts valve gear is set whenever the 4014 passes, as seen in the numerous videos posted all over the internet.

Slightly off-topic but along the same line …… what about station sounds like boarding calls, arrival and departure notifications, engine warm-ups, slow downs and stops, etc. ?

I've got a few steam recordings floating around.  One is a vinyl 45 or may a 33-1/3 on the smaller disc called "Recordings of 765" that I purchased at Steamtown when it was in Vermont still.  I think I was 9.

The second is a cassette tape of the NY&LB with recordings from the 50's of mostly K4's but I recall a few CNJ Camelbacks may be on there, perhaps #774?  I received it as a gift from my parents around age 14 with a copy of the "Unique New York & Long Branch" book.

Forgot about those until this thread.  Thanks for the memories.

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

I don't know which is more lame, a Niagara blowing a horn or a Niagara blowing a steam whistle! Both are on the album for comparison.

I would love to try to get some of the sounds of a steam engine audio recordings. Unfortunately, they are hard for me to find. Though I do have the symphony of steam CD, though I did copy the CD to my media player, so that may have compressed the audio a bit, but it works for me since I generally listen using headphones or a digital speaker to play it.

I like the sound of steam engines going, I just don't have many audio only recordings of steam engines. I would love to be able to find the album with the Thunderstorm and Steam Engine, though I forget what that is called, my wife may even like that one, since she likes the sound of thunderstorms. Not as big a fan of steam engines as me though.  

tcochran posted:

I would love to try to get some of the sounds of a steam engine audio recordings. Unfortunately, they are hard for me to find. Though I do have the symphony of steam CD, though I did copy the CD to my media player, so that may have compressed the audio a bit, but it works for me since I generally listen using headphones or a digital speaker to play it.

I like the sound of steam engines going, I just don't have many audio only recordings of steam engines. I would love to be able to find the album with the Thunderstorm and Steam Engine, though I forget what that is called, my wife may even like that one, since she likes the sound of thunderstorms. Not as big a fan of steam engines as me though.  

"Steam Railroading Under Thundering Skies"

Currently available on Amazon on vinyl.

Rusty

Unfortunately I don't have a record player at my house. So that makes it difficult for me to purchase a vinyl. Perhaps someday I will get a record player.

My RR Museum has quite a few CDs for sale many from the Old Mobile Fiedlity records!

I am on vacation right now, and heading down for breakfast, but I'll get back to you. Shortly.

In the meantime if you want, send me an e-mail.

jeff

We have the four record set of Twilight of Steam in the '60's on CD; also a good one, HIGHBALL, on CD, an excellent two record set of Steam Locomotives Del Va Por...something like that it is engines in Mexico on the NdeM also on CD. One of my favorites is an entire CD on the DM&IR Yellowstones. All recorded in the days. One selection is my favorite. It is of engine #230, recorded in Two Harbors in JUly 1959...I have one of the builders plates from this engine!! We also have some Soo Line and others. THis gives you an idea. Incidentally, I have 29, 33 rpm albums.

nathansixchime posted:

Nice work. I feel like the audio side of steam and rail preservation has taken a back seat in recent years because everything is so visual.

With that in mind, we created these pieces with the 765. The first is an excerpt from Listen for the Whistle: The Soundtrack. This project re-imagines the steam era using the guest whistles we've had on the 765 throughout the years.

This track - and the entire suite of recordings are available on our web site.

This next one is a favorite. With O Winston as inspiration, I borrowed a track recorded by one of our crew during a New River run and mixed in some wind and distant church chimes recorded during the holiday season...

We also have the classic "Symphony of Steam" CD featuring the work of Brad Miller and produced by Rich Melvin, available in our web store.

 

I just received Symphony of Steam and it sounds great. No distortion crisp and clean sound and it bothers the cats.

Also have Listen for the Whistle. 👍👍

Larry