Loud whistling noises from steam engines.

DARTrider

Goofy Fictional RR Owner
Hey everyone, being someone who didn’t grow up with steamers, I’ve always wanted to know what that weird whistling noise was. It wasn’t the whistle, but it’s more high pitched and a bit quieter. I suspect it has to do with a dynamo inside of the locomotive, but I could be wrong.
 
The dynamo (electrical generator) usually produces a high pitched whining sound as it runs. The sound can change depending on the load being placed upon the dynamo.
 
Although not intimately acquainted with them, I have met a number of working steam engines from 1953 onward, and I am not familiar with the syndrome as you describe it.

The generator is typically mounted externally, may emit a whine in operation, along with a small plume of steam from the exhaust. Safety valves generally emit a loud hiss, not really whistlle-ish. The blowdown, when used, just roars.

Perhaps you have an air leak of some sort....

:B~)
 
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