Multiple Fairbanks-Morse engines?

FirewoodOGR Forum Member

Sorta train stuff, sorta not. As the years pass, the number of Great Lakes freighters running Fairbanks-Morse opposed-piston diesels has shrunk down to the last two or three. These vessels run four 10-cylinder units coupled together through a common gearbox. The sound is very distinctive and can be heard for quite some distance. In the near future, maybe the only multiple F-M sounds might be from your F-M locomotive sound systems. Anybody have other sources? Maybe a stationary power plant somewhere? Here's some of the real thing:

1/13/178:45 PM

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Rich MelvinOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have always enjoyed the smooth, powerful sound of FM diesels.

1/13/179:41 PM

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fisch330OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

I was unaware of the use of F-M diesels in civilian marine operations, although they were used extensively during WWII for submarines and other medium sized boats.. I do know that many of these engines were used in oil fields and for other static operation. I agree with Rich, in remembering the sound the RR versions made. Sort of a deep, almost hollow sound. I'm wondering if MTH's new FM H10-44 diesels will have this sound reproduced, accurately?

Paul Fischer

1/14/1712:41 PM

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mlavender480OGR Forum Member

I can remember seeing a few F-M powered tugs on the Ohio River. That distinctive smooth hum is unmistakable.

1/14/1712:49 PM

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DieselbobOGR Forum Member

I never realized any of those big lake boats were diesel powered. I thought they were all steam boiler powered with small diesels for backup generator power. Then again, I haven't been close to a laker since I was a kid, 35+ years ago.

1/14/171:08 PM

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fisch330OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

I still have a fond memory of watching a pair of FM H16-66 diesels (often referred to as "Baby Trainmasters" because of their similar looks as well as sounds.) pulling a freight train northbound out of the Butler Yards in Butler, WI on the C&NW. The engines were just above idle speed until the train cleared the yard, then, when the engines were directly opposite where I was standing, the engineer opened up the throttles and started to accelerate to road speed. You would not believe the smoke that they put out! If the train had been pulled by a pair of steam engines, there would not have been more smoke! FM's, of course, were known (or rather, notorious) for this characteristic. This was back in the days when you had variety on railroads, never knowing what to expect on the front of the next train. I also remember seeing a pair of Alco C-630's in that same location, doing what Alcos were also known for: Smoking up the neighborhood!

Paul Fischer

1/14/171:14 PM

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FirewoodOGR Forum Member

A couple of engine-room interior videos: quality could be better, but the sound is everywhere: