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Looked in at around 7:00am and the whistling/feedback sound was there. It was equally loud on both North and South Yard cams, and audible, though faint, on the Depot cam.

Mike Maguire wrote:Looked in at around 7:00am and the whistling/feedback sound was there. It was equally loud on both North and South Yard cams, and audible, though faint, on the Depot cam.

Mike I have a working theory that I'm trying to track. Based on some evidence and when the locomotive is here - there is a chance the sound is from 488.

Two things I have for sure as evidence - the morning of the 26th there was the whine that we have all heard. After 488 took the train out that day, it was quiet. Yesterday it was quiet all day, not a bit of the whine noise. Last night, when 488 was behind the depot the whine was loud on the depot cam. When they went back to the front side, it was very faint. It's a working theory, there are a couple holes in the theory, but will be trying to figure it out.

Larry

Are you sure it's acoustic noise ? Just watched 489 reverse out of the coaling area, and the whine was as load as 489's bell. I'd be surprised if the yard crews could stand that level of noise for long periods. Are the cams wired or wireless ? Is there something on 488 creating electrical or radio interference ?

Mike Maguire wrote:Are you sure it's acoustic noise ? Just watched 489 reverse out of the coaling area, and the whine was as load as 489's bell. I'd be surprised if the yard crews could stand that level of noise for long periods. Are the cams wired or wireless ? Is there something on 488 creating electrical or radio interference ?

Am I sure? Absolutely not! There have just been some pieces of the puzzle that fit together based on what I've seen and heard. The jury is still out on the cause, just a working theory at this point. When all the locomotives are coaling or at the ash pit they all whine, but it doesn't last once they move on.

488 does seem to be the prime suspect in generating the high-pitched whine. The question, what appliance or part on 488 would generate the whine? Is it an electrical issue or mechanical? Inquiring minds want to know.

This morning '84 while coaling was whining (and complaining).
I have a realtex audio equalizer on my computer and was able to use that to minimize the whine.
If you would like to try it out, it is a free download. Just Goggle it.

I think all the locomotives when right at the tipple or coaling have a bit of a whine to them, which is their steam generators, sometimes louder than other times, however the all day persistent on and off whine only seems to be when 488 is around. To me she's the major player in the constant sound. I'll look up that realtek equalizer Rich, see if that helps on this end.

Yes, I agree, the "whine" is the steam dynamo on the engines. This high pitched sound carries very well, especially at high elevations, and was very noticeable on my laptop too. However, the beautiful pictures and sounds of an operating steam yard are worth every second of the sound. I am making a trip to Chama in July and I look forward to renewing the sights, sounds and smells in my aged mind.
Ron Lewis