Hear the Whistle Blow Event!
| For the fourth time at the Williamsville, New York LEHIGH VALLEY DEPOT, 86 South Long Street, the sounds of locomotive Whistles and Horns returned visitors to those thrilling days of yesteryear when the sound of a steam locomotive's whistle would bring kids and parents alike to trackside to see the train arriving at the depot. Many Society members and residents of the Village of Williamsville came to relive those days when the sounds of steam and diesel locomotives blew their whistles and horns for the South Long Street crossing. |
| The weather was fantastic and everyone who came to hear the whistles and horns or visit the Williamsville Depot Store had a wonderful time. The sales of hot dogs, soft drinks and ear plugs were brisk and tales of "the good old days" were numerous. |
| Dr. Charles Blumle of Emporium, PA. brought for a third time, a collection of his favorite steam locomotive whistles and diesel horns from the New York Central, Baltimore & Ohio, Pennsylvania, Reading, Norfolk & Western, and Southern Railroads, to name just a few. Over 10 horns from 1st generation diesels up to todays modern locomotives were on display. This time through the gererosity of International Chimney we had an Ingersol-Rand 600 CFM compressor to supply the enormous volume of air needed for the whistles and horns. | ) |
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Dr Blume encouraged the many visitors to come up and give it a try and there were many takers on his offer. Ear plugs or full head gear protection were required but no one seemed to care as it was just so much fun! One gentleman brought two of his own whistles and was thrilled to hear them blow on a full volume of air. | ) |
| As each different whistle and horn was added to the blowing rig, Chuck explained its heritage and its particular features. Once the air supply was cut in, he gave it a full work out with an experienced hand on the valve. Each whistle has its own voicing characteristics and this required a certain amount of finesse on the valve. Dr. Blume knew them all and really made the whistle or horn talk! For some of the whistles, we used a "foot lever" and a long braided cable to allow for much greater control of the valve. |
| A big Thank You has to go out to Chuck for making his over 100 mile journey, International Chimney for use of their big Ingersol Compressor and Tom Stackhouse and his crew for their hospitality and the great looking Williamsville Depot and Lehigh Valley Caboose #95050. A tip of our cap also has to go to Don and Winnie Boyd for the great "Welcome Table" and store he and other Society members manned all day. Below is a sampling of some of the wonderful whistles and horns we enjoyed and we hope you can make it to our next event! |
) Tweetsie RR, shop built 5 Chime. |
) NYC Long Bell 6 Chime. |
) Reading Long Bell Single Chime. |
) Nathan, Canadian National, M-5. |
) Devan L. and Dr. Chuck Blume. |
) Lehigh Valley #2097 - 3 Chime. |
) WABCO NYC Rotary Plow E-2. |
) Amtrak Nathan K5LA - 5 Chime. |
) Nathan P-5 modified to perfect pitch. |
| Please check out our 2004 Whistle Blow and 2006 Whistle Blow to see and hear some of the sights and sounds of our past Horn and Whistle Blows. |
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