Class M Whistles & Headlight Placement

[NW Mailing List]

I found a picture of an (likely - I can't guarantee it) 8" hooter on
Trainorders
https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?10,2831991
Mike Rector
[image: image.png]

On Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 12:35 PM NW Mailing List via NW-Mailing-List <
nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> All,
>
> Class Ms had the standard N&W 'hooter" freight whistle with the 12-inch
> bell.  That was the standard passenger whistle until the Js appear with the
> three-chime, "steamboat" quill in 1941.  Prior to that, N&W used a more
> mournful, eight-inch bell and some of the old switchers/yard engines had
> even shorter than that.
>
> Tim Hensley
>
> On Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 05:50:09 PM EDT, NW Mailing List <
> nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> The centering of headlights was a late steam feature. Most were done in
> the late '40's and into the '50's. Some M's got it. Many did not. My memory
> is that 475 got the centered headlight, but lost it when it was backdated
> in 1957 for historic anniversary celebrations. After retirement, it went
> through several owners, so I do not know which way the headlight was placed
> when Strasburg got it. But Strasburg has placed it both ways at one time or
> another. Anyway, centered is a correct position. So is top mounted. I can't
> say about the whistles.
>
> Jim Nichols
>
>
>
> On Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 08:18:33 AM CDT, NW Mailing List <
> nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> Hello list,
>
> I have a few questions about the Class M 4-8-0's based on both visual and
> audible observations of archival material.
>
> 1. I noticed that Strasburg RR #475 had its headlight moved to the center
> of the smokebox front several years ago, yet prior to that change she had
> her headlight mounted more of less above the smokebox front. I've seen some
> 16mm movie film of an M with a centered headlight, yet I've also seen
> photographs of M locomotives with the top-mounted headlight. Did the
> positioning vary between branchlines? Additionally, is it known why
> Strasburg re-positioned the headlight on 475?
>
> 2. I've heard a few different whistles on M class locomotives. #382 sounds
> like it had a 3-chime of some sort. Was this whistle unique to 382 or did
> other M class locos have it? Also, when 475 was first restored by
> Strasburg, it sounded like she had a higher pitched version of the standard
> N&W single note whistle. I don't know if that was the whistle she wore
> during regular service or if it was applied during restoration. Now it
> seems 475 carries the lower pitched N&W hooter.
>
> If anyone can provide insight to these questions, it'd be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eli Santin
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