Lionel Blue Comet Whistle

Agreed.

Just FYI the Lionel Facebook page is also very good at getting answers quick.

Has anyone received any other info from Lionel yet?  My 2 email so far have gone unanswered.

From 2 posts up it sounds like they have answered. 

I have not received a reply on the whistle  I did however get my RA number to fix the pickup roller problem.  ( Only two of the three rollers are actually connected )

To whom did you submit your concerns?  I submitted mine on the Lionel Website Under Talk to US/Service Support.  I got a reply the next day as I relayed in a previous post above.  I think if you send it to service and not general questions they get replied and forwarded  right away.

Wow...the reply was quick:

Good morning,

 

We're aware of this issue and looking in to it. Continue to check Lionel.com for any news updates associated with this problem. As of now there is no fix for it.

 

Thank you,

 

Lionel.

Now I guess we just have to wait and hope for a good resolution.

Hello Everyone:

I am new to this forum and have been reading with interest about the new Lionel Blue Comet whistle.  It certainly does not sound like it should and that's disappointing.  I have an older MTH version of the New Haven P47 Pacific with Proto Sounds 2.0 .  It's a real beauty detail-wise with a nice chime whistle.  I recently received the new Lionel 2012 catalog and spotted their new release of the Lima A-1 demonstrator 2-8-4 (possibly a re-release of an older K-Line model) on page 27.  When I noticed that the tender shown was completely incorrect I fired off an email making them aware of their error and the fact that they are releasing a very expensive scale model that is not 100% accurate.  I received a quick reply stating that my email would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities and that all models are subject to change before production.  It's been 3 weeks and no one has replied back which leads me to believe that, to a degree, Lionel may not be all that interested in responding to their customers needs, etc. in a timely fashion.  I know that I am voicing my opinion and some of you may not agree with me.  I would be interested in hearing other opinions on this.  I certainly hope that Lionel fixes the Blue Comet whistle problem in quick fashion. 

Waiting is not my strong suit...  Has anyone heard anything about a "fix" coming?

Not to add to the fire but I'm in the small minority that really like the sound as is.  To my ears it sounds very much like a steam whistle, not diesel, but admittedly a big, deep one, as on a small freighter or in many of the 1950s B movies - very late generation steam whistle sound.

I have so many steamers that have a "steam whistle sound" that is high pitched and shrill that I value this one a lot.  

And yet it is quite clear that the whistle in the new 2012 loco isn't even in the same ballpark as the Blue Comet loco from 2002.  So either a change was made intentionally, or  it was the result of a production error.  With production being done in remote corners of the world today, there's a noticeable lack of control with respect to what actually leaves the factory.  And unfortunately the importers don't seem to know what's actually being delivered in some cases until they here feedback from consumers.  It's fine when all goes well, but that's not the case here. Clearly, it's a big gamble that Lionel seems willing to take -- even on $1,000 items, which if you look the overall price of things is simply table stakes for a steam locomotive nowadays.

Would be nice to see Lionel at least offer a fix for those who want it, 'cause I for one believe this was a serious production error on what otherwise seems to be a very fine locomotive.

David

You would think that L should have done a random sampling or pre-production test.

Or just put in a good generic whistle.

Again, both mine and a friends sounds like a big steam whistle, not diesel like at all.  Steamboat?  Well, I was thinking more like a freighter or a Liberty ship, but okay . . .

Regardless, I like it a lot, and would not think of changing it.  

A person who does not like it could switch out for the Southern Comfort - err, Southern Crescent - version's chips: I have the SC, too, and it's whistle sounds like just about every other loco whistle, shrill, etc., but otherwise the chuffing and all is pretty much the same.  

quote:

 person who does not like it could switch out for the Southern Comfort - err, Southern Crescent - version's chips: I have the SC, too, and it's whistle sounds like just about every other loco whistle, shrill, etc., but otherwise the chuffing and all is pretty much the same. 

Why should we have to switch anything on an 800 dollar engine.  The SC sounds like every other one because its a steam whistle not Bullwinkles mating call

>>>>Again, both mine and a friends sounds like a big steam whistle, not diesel like at all.  Steamboat?  Well, I was thinking more like a freighter or a Liberty ship, but okay . . .<<

To be correct the Blue Comet whistle should sound very similar to that of the Lionel UP FEF. 

Joe

The reason I think someone should have to spend their own money to change the whistle is that nothing is broken - the loco works as designed and built and offered for sale.  Lionel was clearly going to extra effort to try to get the sound of that " . . . large whistle, which had a distinctive deep steamboat sound that could be heard for miles . . "    They could have simply put a generic steam whistle into all three Pacifics and been done with it.   I give them a lot of credit here for making the distinction and trying for the right sound, and again, I like the whistle a lot . . .

Regardless, I can understand someone being upset if they don't like the whistle, because the nature of this hobby is that often we have to pre-order in order to assure that we do get the item at all.  (Although I was able to find a Blue Comet only last week - I ordered it only after hearing the horn and partly because of that sound, but mostly because when I saw one in person it was soooo pretty . . . ). Thus a person can never be sure when they order if the whistle (you with the Blue Comet) or paint sheen (me with the Southern Crescent - yuck) will disappoint, but I do think its up to you to "fix" those deficiencies yourself (I repainted my Southern Crescent so I am "comfortable" with its look now, and hence call it the Southern Comfort).

Is the sound card on these locos in the tender?  I'll think about this, but I might be willing to meet with someone and switch out the card from my SC for one from their BC or leave the loco at one of two local ships I trust (either Tom's Train Station in Raleigh or Todd's in Wendell, NC) and have them do the transplant.  Then I'd have two locos with that deep whistle - I'd be happy, and someone else would have a BC with a shrill steam whistle, so they'd be happy, too.  If the card is in the loco, though, no dice - not going to take that apart, and I'd have to think about it anyway - sorta don't want to part with my southern comfort for even a few days . . . I run it every single day. 

It does sound strange. But 3 pages about a Lionel whistle? Why am I not surprised.

I don't think you can just change out the whistle.  Any electronic board must be returned to Lionel for an exact replacement by them.  They don't let you just buy their boards (I already tried).  If the sound is really correct they simply have to come out with a statement reflecting that information.  If it was a mistake, then they should switch out the board.  If the whistle is correct are we saying the earlier model blue comet had the wrong whistle back then?   I don't think anyone really knows for sure. 

In regards to the ongoing controversy over the Blue Comet whistle a lot has been said and it is obvious that many owners of this engine are very frustrated while others have taken it in stride.  In my opinion any manufacturer of high priced scale model railroad equipment should strive to be as authentic as possible, sounds included.  Granted this may not be all that easy with manufacturing being done overseas but, with careful research and good quality control, it should not be all that difficult. Also, creating digital sounds and manufacturing good quality circuit boards is commonplace today.  One thing I would like to see the manufacturers offer is circuitry that would allow the end user to have variable whistle sounds for their locomotives.  Sunset Models/3^rd Rail had announced something of that nature over a year ago but it never materialized.  This may have been due in part to Lionel’s Rail Sounds 4.0 and possible patent infringements.   Having something like this would allow those of us who possess numerous engines with Rail Sounds 4.0 to have more authentic sounds for our engines or just have a whistle that suits us.   The technology is out there but who knows when, if ever, it may be available.

On December 6, 1975, a special train named the "Blue Comet Nostalgia Special" was operated from Raritan to Bay Head, NJ and return via the CNJ Mainline, Elizabethport & Perth Amboy Branch and New York & Long Branch Railroad. Power for the trip was the former Florida East Coast 148 which was at that time assigned to tourist train service on the Morristown & Erie out of Whippany. Tom Snyder was aboard the train and filmed an episode for his nightly program which aired several weeks later on Christmas night.

Here is a link to the segment which was filmed on the engine during the runbys at Monmouth Park:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LarUE5DFIzo

The 148's deep whistle will give you a good idea of what the Blue Comet's locomotives sounded like.

Enjoy,

Bob   

Interesting to play the first video in this thread with the Lionel "whistle" that Ben (Bluelinec4) posted and then play the video Bob (CNJ 3676) posted right above with an actual steam locomotive whistle (no need to use quotation marks).  

Well, I didn't mind the "whistle" on my Blue Comet. I haven't run it enough to really know whether it is true to the sound in the Tom Snyder video (is this the prototype train? Everything on the post says #148. I'm not much of a train historian; I thought I saw that several Blue Comets had several different-sounding whistles) or not, being as my trains and I are separated by 500 mi at the moment.

I liked the "whistle" because it was different. Although it is close to a diesel sound, I thought it somewhere between diesel and steam. I have several recent steam locomotive additions to my collection, and I like all of the unique steam whistles as well as the unique diesel horns. I like the Blue Comet's sound because it is different and unique.

I can understand why people are disappointed. If Lionel offered a change in whistle, would I take it? I'm not sure... have to hear the whistle! Would I have bought this locomotive even if I had seen it and heard it (rather than purchased one, sight unseen, of the vanishing few left in stores)? Absolutely!

With the greatest respect to all of my far more knowledgeable and discerning forum colleagues,

Bruce

Hello, F-V.

As I mentioned in my post, the 148 is a former Florida East Coast locomotive. The Blue Comet Nostalgia Special was operated by New Jersey based excursion group Mainline Steam Foundation as something of a farewell to some of the roads which were about to be absorbed by Conrail the following April. Another trip had been run over the Lehigh Valley from Bethlehem, PA to South Plainfield, NJ that October. The LV excursion was doubleheaded with the 148 and the former Canadian Pacific 972. In fact, the 972 had been scheduled along with the 148 on the CNJ/NY&LB trip but developed mechanical problems which could not be repaired in time and the 148 was operated solo with a reduced consist of 9 cars. A light Pacific type, the sold out train that day was the heaviest consist the 148 had pulled at any time in its career. 

The 148 was not an authentic CNJ locomotive; however, its whistle was considered very appropriate for the trip as it was reminiscent of those carried by regular Blue Comet power. Due to sagging ridership, Blue Comet service was discontinued in 1941 and I'm not aware of the existence of any sound recordings of the train's motive power. Back in 1975 when the excursion was operated, there were a lot of old CNJ veterans who were witnesses to and participants in operation of the Blue Comet and their word was good enough for me. As an aside, some years later during a hospital stay, I had the good fortune to room with a very gracious older gentleman who was a lifelong resident along the NY&LB territory. As a younger man, he frequently walked over to the railroad to witness the Blue Comet's passing. Needless to say, his stories made me forget the health problems I was having at the time, if only for just a few minutes.  

A high school student at the time, my father, an avid rail enthusiast himself, took me on the Blue Comet Nostalgia Special that day. In fact, I can spot myself in the crowd during the shots of the runbys from the engine.

Bob        

JohnS: I think it is a steam whistle. And I am not the only one.  F-V Trains has a point.  Its different.  Why get so worked up?  But its your loco.  Do what you want.  

I realize that the whistle is not one that you like, but it sounds like a big, deep steamboat type to me.  It reminds me of the movie Double Indemnity and other film noir classics with trains in the night.  Wow.   I love it!   Regardless, I have locos that have what I regard as pathetic whistles, and I have a simple cure - I just don't use the whistle.  Instead I focus on the things I like.  Works every time for me.  

I don't see how anyone can think this sounds even remotely like a steam whistle. It honks, for crying out loud.

I have no dog in this hunt, not having one nor planning on getting one. But if I did, there's no way I'd be satisfied with that sound coming out of what should be a steam whistle.

Ben's Blue Comet sounds as much like a steam whistle as

Lucy Ricardo sounds to Luciano Pavarotti.

Eliot

Hi Bob (CNJ 3676):

Thanks so much for the information. I love it! I'll take it as fact that the whistle on the video clip is as authentic as we can get. Now I have to get back where my trains are, to listen more closely to the sound of the Blue Comet...

Hopefully, Dave, Stelios, Ben, Eliot and others will not take my remarks too unkindly... I still think the sound (whistle? honk?) is OK, but I'm not an expert. I need to have more quality time with my train(s) to become familiar with the sound....

Have a great Friday!

Bruce

Bruce

Opinions don't have unkind words in them  Different strokes for different folks.  If you like the honking whistle thats fine.  Lee saying it sounds like a deep steamboat however is hard to understand.  The first post on this thread has my video of the Blue Comet.  Either Lee has heard different steamboats than most or my hearing is screwed up.

You're a funny guy . . . 

Actually it is quite easy to understand for a reason you did not consider.  My Blue Comet whistle does not sound a lot like your video.  Niether did F-V Train's, I my memory serves.   Not sure why, but I don't have a problem with mine.  It is a very deep monotonous tone, and in that respect similar to a diesel's drone, but definately it has a heavy element of "blown air" resonance, but more like a pipe organ sound than normal. steam whistle, much more "big boat" rather than "choo-choo train" in nature

While I don't have a dog in this hunt I thought I'd post a video/audio of two of Lionel's PRR steamers.  The first is the S1, whistle then horn.  The second is the 'steamboat' whistle of the scale T1.  Does the new Blue Comet sound anything like these?

Unfortunately...NO...

Mine sounds pretty much like the 'steamboat' sound that is at around 24 seconds, but is a bit more "oceanliner" deep.  

I would agree with Lee.

I actually went back to Ben's original post (sorry, I had neglected to do this prior) and listened to the sound "his" Blue Comet made, which is NOT what I remembered mine sounding like (!). I recalled my "whistle" sounding a little more "bbblatt"-like than the second sound in Johnsgg1's video (as Lee describes, "oceanliner-like") but definitely not the "honk" that Ben's seemed to be making. I would post a video/audio, but I won't be re-united with my trains until later this month.

It could also be acoustic variability with that huge (drool drool) room that Ben's running his in vs. my little attic. Maybe Lee can post something to see if we are actually hearing a different sound that what has been posted/commented on earlier in this thread, or if the sound is the same but the acoustics/ears make it different.

Again, beautiful locomotive. Love the looks, fantastic running on the layout. Shame that the sound is not more pleasing to all.

Bruce

Lee, Please don't keep us in suspense... Can we hear it? It is starting to sound more plausible that you do have a different sound set than most of us!  Thanks in advance.

Hi Stelios,

Yeah, hopefully we have a different sound set. Lee and I both purchased ours from the same vendor...

Either that, or my years (ears?) are catching up with me

Bruce

Sure does seem like there are two sound sets floating around   Would like to hear it in a video