| Has anyone been to the RR Park when there was a steam engine running. I’ve riden the diesel before but not a steamer. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell what the Whistle sounded like or if there is a website with a video or if a person has video. |
|---|
If you go in the wintertime, nothing is running except perhaps on a weekend. Everything was locked up when I was there a couple of years ago in mid-week.
You’re asking what a steam whistle sounds like? Like the voice of an angel! [:D] Check out the little video in my photo gallery:
http://gmcrail.freeweb7.com/gallery/images/foto15.html
The whistle is at the end of the video, but it’s only 30 -40 seconds long…
You would spend a very enjoyable and profitable weekend, I think, at the California State RR Museum in Sacramento. Lots of steam there…
| What I mean what the Mc Cormick RR whistle sounded like. If this sounds mean im sorry. I haven’t been to The California State RR muesum in a long time. The last time I went was in the summer but this tour guide rushed us through the muesum in like 30 minutes! |
|---|
Heck no, it doesn’t sound mean - I just misunderstood your question. No harm, no foul. Can’t help you on the McCormick engine. Never been there. You should probably call the folks at the park and find out when they’re running steam, and take along a recorder…
The last time I was there, about 15 years ago or more, the small team engine was operating. The whistle sounded like more of a toot than a deep chime whistle like on the I-5.
Next time I go over there, I’ll tape it for you. They may be running some Sanat Claus trains this mont. Pouring today, though.
They run the steam engines every weekend, and during Railfair (first week of october every year I believe). Not sure if there’s a video or sound clips on the park’s website, which is therailroadpark.com
Currently there’s two operable steam engines, built by different manufacturer’s. As well as one that’s intact, but not currently operable. Last time I was down there they said there’s no current plans to restore the other locomotive as it would be better to rebuild a new one.
There’s also multiple diesels, two of which are owned by the Scottsdale Mechanical Society, and one (the blue one, forget the number) which is fairly new and owned by the city of Scottsdale. The yellow engine (again I forgot the numbers, I really should know them though.) was recently rebuilt and converted to electric power.
They are real steam locomotives so they sound as you would expect. Just a little higher pitched. Like many of the whistles heard on smaller equipment ie. steam tractors and such. It seems to me they are usually running steam on the weekends. Below are a couple of pictures with a few years in between. Both managed to get number 11 in the shot. I believe the second steamer there is actually smaller, a 2-6-0 perhaps?
What a difference a few years makes. It’s the same boy.
