Polar Express Whistle - IMAX quality...

[Jim Duda]

Chapter 2 in my quest for the closest rendition of the PE whistle as heard in the IMAX theatres. Those of you that have seen the movie (2D or 3D), please share what steamer(s) you have (brand and type - Hudson/Berkshire/Mikado/Pacific, etc.) that most closely replicates the sound as in the movie.

This is more important than the loco type, even if it's NOT a Berk! All I have is the K-Line scale Hudson with TMCC/RS 4.0 and I love that deep, mournful whistle that actually changes "shape" depending on the speed of the loco.

What other steamers sound like the movie? This will determine what my brother will choose as his Christmas train.

[wrmcclellan]

We need someone to comment if the Lionel scale Nickle Plate Berk of a couple of years ago qualifies. The loco sounds in the movie theater were awesome. I assume Lionel used recordings from the real 765.

[Jim Duda]

OK...one more time before I give up. Can someone recommend a steamer (any brand, any type) that can negotiate the O31 - O36 curves and has a whistle that sounds SIMILAR to the one in the Polar Express movie? I've given up trying to find an exact whistle.

The air whistle that comes in the PE just isn't close enough. The K-Line scale Hudson (TMCC w/Railsounds) is plenty close enough and I know there must be others.

I don't have any passenger type MTH PS-2 steamers to compare the K-Line to. I just need something closer than the Lionel air whistle...

[Buckeye Riveter]

Jim, Would a TAS or DD add on get you close? BTW, the air whistle in the PE is pathetic.

[Jim Duda]

Buckeye - It sure is beginning to sound like there are ZERO whistles that sound like a real whistle from ANY manufacturer. Man, I just can't believe that! We don't care what brand, or what type of steamer...as long as it can handle the small curves. We really don't want to send the loco/tender to have a custom sound file installed.

Is the K-Line scale Hudson the only game in town?

When the lights are down, ANY steamer pulling the Polar Express cars will look "close enough" for us.

So, one more time, does anybody have a steamer whose whistle is not an embarrassment? I'm so desperate I'll call anyone and have them listen to my whistle to see what I'm looking for. Just e-mail me your phone [e-mail]

Sorry for the frustration.

[cnw1995]

Jim, the whistle that sounds on the steamer with the K-Line Santa Fe Steam Chiet set is great - it rattles the rafters - that certainly sounds like the one in the movie to me (and our youngest)

[Jim Duda]

Thanks Doug! Is it TMCC - Railsounds?

[Buckeye Riveter]

Jim, my K-Line Mikado, like Doug's Sante Fe can really scream and it is TMCC-Railsounds.

[Jim Duda]

I think we have made our choice and the K-Line scale Mikado with TMCC is the winner. He'll go with Fastrack (O36 circle) and either one of these transformers:
MRC http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=20018632
MTH http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=40-1000
I'm trying to convince him to add the TMCC Command Base + CAB-1 as long as he's biting the bullet.

Keeping my fingers crossed that the Mikado's whistle sounds closer to the Movie than the air whistle that comes in the PE set.

As for me, let's call this the "poor man's Polar Express"...but, when the lights are dim and you've had a few glasses of 18 yr. old Chivas, it looks (and sounds!) pretty dang close...! (K-Line scale Hudson, Williams baby Madison Burlington cars...)

Hey! I Believe!!!

(click to enlarge)

[dougdagrump]

Jim, Sorry I couldn't get back to you but I felt like I was up to my armpits in alligators I was so busy Christmas Eve and day. I don't believe he will be disappointed. But I echo the sentiments about upgrading to TMCC. [tup]