Trains.com

Enigne sound differences between families (Alco, but also EMD)

3372 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,879 posts
Enigne sound differences between families (Alco, but also EMD)
Posted by YoHo1975 on Monday, July 9, 2012 2:40 PM

So, I know that the Roots blown 567 sounds distinctly different from any 645 or 710 engine, Turbo or Roots. I've heard the difference up close, but what I don't know is the differences between the Alco engines.

specifically the 539T, the 244 and the 251C.

I'm sure there are subtle differences, but are there major differences in how these sound?

This was prompted by a modeling issue. I want to add sound to a model of the C(M)425, but I only have a 539T or 244 sound library available and I'm wondering if either is close enough or if they are different enough that I should hold off (spend more money)

 

In a similar vein, I know that the Roots blown 567 sounds different, but what about a Turbo 567? How does it sound compared to the 645E and 710 engines? Does that sound change when 645 power packs are added?

I've not ever heard a pure 567D block I don't think. I've only heard BNSF GP39M/E/P which have 645 assemblies. They sound the same as any other 645 EMD to my ear, but would the unmolested GP20/30/35 sound the same as well?

 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: Atlanta
  • 11,971 posts
Posted by oltmannd on Monday, July 9, 2012 2:55 PM

YoHo1975

So, I know that the Roots blown 567 sounds distinctly different from any 645 or 710 engine, Turbo or Roots. I've heard the difference up close, but what I don't know is the differences between the Alco engines.

specifically the 539T, the 244 and the 251C.

I'm sure there are subtle differences, but are there major differences in how these sound?

This was prompted by a modeling issue. I want to add sound to a model of the C(M)425, but I only have a 539T or 244 sound library available and I'm wondering if either is close enough or if they are different enough that I should hold off (spend more money)

 

In a similar vein, I know that the Roots blown 567 sounds different, but what about a Turbo 567? How does it sound compared to the 645E and 710 engines? Does that sound change when 645 power packs are added?

I've not ever heard a pure 567D block I don't think. I've only heard BNSF GP39M/E/P which have 645 assemblies. They sound the same as any other 645 EMD to my ear, but would the unmolested GP20/30/35 sound the same as well?

567C vs 567C with 645E power assemblies vs 645E....too close for my ear!  I can tell a GP 9 apart from a GP38 by the sound of the traction motor blowers.  The GP9 has a pair of motor driven blowers, the GP38 has the single engine driven one with the long air duct.

-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,879 posts
Posted by YoHo1975 on Monday, July 9, 2012 3:12 PM

I assume the traction motor blowers are what make that distinct early EMD sound then? 

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy