Old locos are so loud

[Ash Bridge]

Re The Peaks: There’s a thread on another forum that’s thrown up some interesting details.
It seems that 45/0s, 45/1s and 46s all had different variations of silencer between the classes but certain 45/1s had quieter ones fitted during overhauls in the early 80s. Some of the 45/1s though retained much louder 45/0 type silencers, and being pretty much straight through piped these locos were considerably louder than the so called ‘snipped’ 45/1s. That’s apparently the term for it...
Of the preserved ones 45108 is reckoned to be one of the loudest and 45149 is very much a snipped quiet one with a properly functioning silencer.
46s were/are loud having a slightly different system again to the 45s.
The way the fuel system is set up can also effect the decibel levels.
With the 47s you could get quiet ones and loud ones. 47306 down at Bodmin seems pretty quiet to me and does that slightly greyish exhaust thing that the quieter ones seem to display at times. I’d always assumed that this was due to the way the fuel racks etc were set up but I’m not sure.
47580 is a noisy one and to my ear sounds exactly right and with a proper exhaust colour too.

That's interesting what you post there Mr C. I'll have to admit that my Peak comments are really based on how I remember them during the 1970s, as I did have a period (roughly 1977-87) where my railway interests had wained somewhat, by the time my enthusiasm had been rekindled there were only a handful of 45s remaining so I didn't experience them so often. On the subject of 47s, in later years I thought the 47/8s employed on XC services usually could be relied on to produce a rather vocal result, not to mention an impressive display of clag, one wonders now if they sounded louder in their latter years than what they did during the 60s/70s?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

On the subject of 47s, in later years I thought the 47/8s employed on XC services usually could be relied on to produce a rather vocal result, not to mention an impressive display of clag, one wonders now if they sounded louder in their latter years than what they did during the 60s/70s?

That could simply be down to there not being much else around that made a lot of noise to compare them with by then?

 

[Photohunter71]

It's better to have locomotives that have different sounds that are loud and recogniseable, than so called locomotives than all look the same and sound like washing machines and have no personality

I couldn't agree more! Seconded!

 

[Cowley]

That's interesting what you post there Mr C. I'll have to admit that my Peak comments are really based on how I remember them during the 1970s, as I did have a period (roughly 1977-87) where my railway interests had wained somewhat, by the time my enthusiasm had been rekindled there were only a handful of 45s remaining so I didn't experience them so often. On the subject of 47s, in later years I thought the 47/8s employed on XC services usually could be relied on to produce a rather vocal result, not to mention an impressive display of clag, one wonders now if they sounded louder in their latter years than what they did during the 60s/70s?

It definitely seems that the majority of the Peaks were louder than the 47s, but nearer the end some of the ETH ones were a bit quieter. As said earlier the fact that they have that enormous grill along the side must make a difference too.

 

[DarloRich]

It's better to have locomotives that have different sounds that are loud and recogniseable, than so called locomotives than all look the same and sound like washing machines and have no personality

I couldn't agree more! Seconded!

because that is an important factor when specifying your new fleet of locomotives!

 

[Robin Edwards]

I grew up living under a mile from the ECML and with favourable weather conditions late or early in the day, could often identify the class of diesel that was pulling. Some were more obvious like Deltics but my favourite sound was Class 40. I have been surprised to find how 'vocal' the Class 68 seem to be and would have expected them to be quieter given around 60 years passage of time & technology.

 

[Philip]

I've wondered what the Fell Diesel 10100 must have sounded like when thrashing, since it was fitted with 6 engines, 4 of them in use for traction.

 

[Ash Bridge]

That could simply be down to there not being much else around that made a lot of noise to compare them with by then?

That's a good point Peter, the only real competition by then would have been 56s and Valenta powered HSTs I suppose.

I've wondered what the Fell Diesel 10100 must have sounded like when thrashing, since it was fitted with 6 engines, 4 of them in use for traction.

I remember many years ago being told by the driver of a class 45 who kindly allowed us to visit the cab of his loco at Manchester Piccadilly that it was by far the loudest locomotive he had ever heard inside and out, having actually driven it I think on the Midland Mainline back in the 1950s.

 

[mushroomchow]

because that is an important factor when specifying your new fleet of locomotives!

Worked for the Taurus "Do Re Mis" on the continent!

 

[Photohunter71]

Worked for the Taurus "Do Re Mis" on the continent!

And the 68's!!!

 

[The Crab]

About 30 years ago I was in a meeting (not railway related) in an upper floor of Sheaf House overlooking Sheffield Midland. Suddenly there was noise so loud that everyone got up and went to the window, There was a pair of 37s on a steel train setting off to attack the southbound climb out of Sheffield. (This train would normally avoid Sheffield via the "Old Road"). I still can't believe how two medium size locomotives could make so much noise.

 

[Harbon 1]

Occasional 37s, 50s, and 56s are always nice to hear going by the end of the garden. The 60s you can hear from a good distance as well, they don't half hammer through on the loaded Kinsbury's.

The 20s though, what a way to wake me up before my alarm, just before 0400! Strange hearing/seeing them at home, then seeing them shunting the train they've just brought up when I get to work!

I distinctly remember having a coffee with a few others on an afternoon at work and hearing them open right up just across the green from where we were. Everyone's head shot round to see what it was!

 

[londonmidland]

On a very still and quiet night I can just about hear the PA from Milton Keynes Central. Definitely not quite as romantic as your experience, mind!

On crisp, clear mornings, I used to hear the PA from Leicester - quite clearly and could tell what was being announced. I live 2 miles east of the station on a hill..

 

[70014IronDuke]

That's a good point Peter, the only real competition by then would have been 56s and Valenta powered HSTs I suppose.


I remember many years ago being told by the driver of a class 45 who kindly allowed us to visit the cab of his loco at Manchester Piccadilly that it was by far the loudest locomotive he had ever heard inside and out, having actually driven it I think on the Midland Mainline back in the 1950s.

<History pedant mode> Cl 45s only appeared from August 1960. The 44s were tested on the Midland in the Autumn of 1959-Spring 60 as they were delivered to traffic, but I believe they were rushed onto the WCML asap in order to relieve Cl 7 and 8s on passenger workings - I presume, but don't know, because of maintenance staff shortages.

 

[70014IronDuke]

Worth remembering that all the Peaks have various grilles/cutouts in the bodysides meaning there is some scope for engine room noise to escape laterally. All the openings on a 47 are above the cantrail meaning a little less noise when heard from a platform, trackside or trailing vehicle.
...

You may be correct, but noise - to us humans - is a bit like light and colour, ie very subjective. The noise of a Sulzer 12 cylinder engine could certainly reverberate through the what, 1/4 inch ? or 6-7 mm or so steel plate that formed the side panels of the 47. I'd like to see measurements of the racket created in the cuttings around Kentish Town by both classes on north-bound expresses ..... but alas, it is an experience to be had no more.

 

[Ash Bridge]

<History pedant mode> Cl 45s only appeared from August 1960. The 44s were tested on the Midland in the Autumn of 1959-Spring 60 as they were delivered to traffic, but I believe they were rushed onto the WCML asap in order to relieve Cl 7 and 8s on passenger workings - I presume, but don't know, because of maintenance staff shortages.

Ah my apologies, I perhaps should have stated in my posting that I was referring to the Fell locomotive 10100.

 

[route101]

Class 314S can be heard from a bit away , clicktey clack

 

[DanTrain]

Not just old locos. Try standing next to an idling 220/222 for any length of time - not fun! I find from a distance that the rail sounds are louder than the engine, I can often hear trains passing on the line nearby, but I rarely hear the diesel engines much at all.

 

[Harbornite]

It's better to have locomotives that have different sounds that are loud and recogniseable, than so called locomotives than all look the same and sound like washing machines and have no personality

Wibble. I'm guessing this is a dig at 66s, they may look and sound dull in your opinion but they are pretty reliable pieces of kit and that's rather more important than subjective crap like 'sound' and 'personality'.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Not just old locos. Try standing next to an idling 220/222 for any length of time - not fun! I find from a distance that the rail sounds are louder than the engine, I can often hear trains passing on the line nearby, but I rarely hear the diesel engines much at all.

I'm guessing you weren't around during the Deltic era then

 

[delt1c]

Deltics were quiet compared to an angry woman

 

[Grannyjoans]

Not just old locos are loud, the class 68 has proven that new locos can still be as well, even if they are in the minority. They aren't out of place amongst heritage traction sound wise.

 

[DanTrain]

I'm guessing you weren't around during the Deltic era then

‘fraid not

 

[Far north 37]

Growing up on the far north line in the 80s my favourite loco will always be a 37 never forget that growl could be heard from miles.

 

[djpontrack]

Growing up on the far north line in the 80s my favourite loco will always be a 37 never forget that growl could be heard from miles.

I remember the exact same on the West Highland line in the 80s. We used to go fishing about 10 miles from the line, and could quite clearly hear the 37s powering away. Sometimes there was almost an echo in the glen.

 

[Far north 37]

I remember the exact same on the West Highland line in the 80s. We used to go fishing about 10 miles from the line, and could quite clearly hear the 37s powering away. Sometimes there was almost an echo in the glen.

Totally agree must of been the exact same thing on the whl.
totally different hearing them powering through vast open countryside you really could hear them from miles away.
But not even on full power they used to make some noise taking power and pulling away from a station or signal right proper growl.

 

[Cowley]

Totally agree exact must of been the exact same thing on the whl.
totally different hearing them powering through vast open countryside you really could hear them from miles away.
But not even on full power they used to make some noise taking power and pulling away from a station or signal right proper growl.

Just the thought of it in those mountains is making me tingle...

 

[GusB]

Just the thought of it in those mountains is making me tingle...

You may have seen this already, but tingle away:

*EDIT* Not my own work, by the way.

 

[Far north 37]

Just the thought of it in those mountains is making me tingle...

Great memories the noise and clag ill never forget.

 

[chorleyjeff]

My old school overlooked the Preston dock branch. The teacher had no chance when a Super D was bringing bananas off the dock!

I also remember that sound up the Dock branch.
Also on a summer night with the windows open could hear the WD 8fs clanking down from Preston on the EL towards Todd Lane. An evocative sound.