My Top 10 Steam Whistles!

[@RBPTrains]

NOTE! The Polar Express whistle used in the movie was recorded using the Sierra Railway No3 (Not the Pierre Marquette 1225 as I erroneously state in this video). Yup, even good old RBP makes mistakes. Thank you all for watching...and keeping my on my toes! Where did the Polar Express land on my countdown? You will have to watch to find out! :)

[@dakotahubert9717]

The big boy is screaming get out of path cause big boy coming through

[@sebastiancastle6579]

Big boys my favorite

[@Bobcats2100]

Did you know teh 611 has a Union Pacific whistle

[@christinahartley209]

Pere Marquette

[@STAYWEIRD404]

Seeing the Polar Express on here made me smile :)

[@tcollins4574]

Chris, I have to say that your upbeat attitude and sense of train-fed joy really comes through in your videos, and it's a great antidote to these crazy times. Keep up the good work!

[@RBPTrains]

Thank you! The hobby has been my creative outlet during the crazy times. Thanks for enjoying the ride with me!

[@railchief74]

@@RBPTrains you got to love those Mountain type shays

[@ralphmiller2620]

Yes, Chris is a natural before the camera!! Kind of reminds me of a young Jim Carrey with a huge interest in model trains!! Keep it up Chris.

[@Rbs35405]

You are the Best!

[@bittersmithbricks4817]

my mans be looking like ace ventura 10/10

[@wobblinwheel]

That N&W J Class is a beautiful locomotive! It's come through my neighborhood several times over the years. I've ridden behind it in an excursion from Lynchburg to Petersburg in 2018. I enjoyed every second!

[@pinchy08]

MTH has been known to add that amazingly shrill whistle in some steam engines. Reminds me of the PRR Banshee whistles tooted by the PRR H10 Consolidations. Shrill whistles are the best.

[@davidcole333]

Wow, you nailed #1. I couldn't agree more. What a symphony.

[@stevenbullock9276]

I agree with the Big Boy on your layout. In real life, the 611 has always been my favorite. Thanks Chris!

[@bluesentaiproductions]

Glad I found this channel. Not too many take the time to talk about whistles which is my favorite aspect of steam locos. NYC 6 chime is definitely my number one but I have a serious soft spot for the French screamers, especially in 74 version of Murder on the Orient Express, and the Train. Was happy MTH got good recordings for their 231 pacific and sounded spot on when you did the whistle quill effect.

[@suitcase__]

in my opinion the big boy whistle is one of the best train whistles i've heard, idk why but it's so addicting to listen to.

[@Shipwright1918]

Personally a fan of 6 chime steam whistles. They have a complex, almost musical tone, and from a distance they can sound like a lost soul wailing.

[@Dfendr96]

By the way, I love your videos, and always look forward to seeing your latest one! I am new into model railroading. I wanted to let you know Chris, that I thought you as well as your set, and also your Dad's set are really inspirational!

[@RBPTrains]

Thank you for the support Jason! Glad to here you are into the hobby as well. Enjoy the ride!

[@timothyholecek2173]

I like them all. Too hard to choose. Very exciting video. Your enthusiasm is amazing. I get so much out of your videos.

[@yellowstoneYT7343]

I just absolutely live the hooter whistle

[@brodster7042]

*L i v e*

[@TKS60163]

Personally, I like the N&W hooter. Specifically the one on N&W 1218. It's just something about how haunting it sounds that makes it my favorite.

[@elijahstach6346]

Man that first whistle is beautiful!

[@cartergofus2831]

Hey Chris of RBP my favorite train whistle was the big boy and the polar express Whistle. I am a super fan of your KZbin videos

[@erniebarajas9174]

Your videos are awesome along with the trains themselves and your positivity and excitement brings the I can't wait to see what's in this video is incredible keep up the great work

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks for the support Ernie!

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

Another whistle that should be on this list is the SP&S 700 (E-1 4-8-4) Hancock 3 chime long-bell superheated steam whistle, originally off either SP&S 910 (4-6-6-4 Challenger) or SP&S 911 (4-6-6-4 Challenger).

[@clerenyvald8385]

I never knew these existed, thanks RBP. Thumbs up for quality video. That hooter horn is somethin' else.

[@Dondo_Golden_Rose]

God I love that whistle on that Big Boy

[@heavygaming1254]

Beautiful Shay. Loved the video!

[@hudsonrailroad4668]

Chris your videos always get me very exited and feeling good. My favorite steam whistles were the Chesapeake and Ohio Berkshire and the 1225 polar express, big boy, the black bonnet Santa Fe 4-8-4, Mth 4-4-0 , N&W hooter whistle and last the Mth 611 whistle.

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks for watching! Always fun to listen to all those whistles together.

[@OwenSaxton-g4z]

My favorite 3 were the; 1. Berkshire 2. Niagara 3. Black Bonnet Northern type

[@dantiel4179]

Great review of all the whistles I think you nailed it and the big boy is always a powerhouse sound 😀

[@chuck1641]

I agree 100% with your #1 pick. The UP Big Boy is king. No greater sound in the world. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I heard somewhere that UP #844 (my all time fav), was fitted with a Big Boy whistle a number of years back. That sound gives me wonderful chills lol. 👍

[@GR10Productions]

My Ho scale MTH PRR 2-8-0 has the exact same whistle as your MTH B&O 4-4-0. Honestly love it, especially when it’s around Halloween time since it gives a high pitch sound like a scream. Awesome video by the way!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Wow! Super video Chris! My favorites? Well, not trying to weasel out here but in my opinion it's a toss-up between Mighty 611 and the Big Boy. Both are almost like the "Voice of Eternity," everything that ever was or ever will be. Sends shivers down my spine! But you know, sometimes it's fun to indulge in a bit of nostalgia and let loose with an old, mechanical, Lionel post-war whistle. THAT sounds like Christmas long ago! One last thing, the whistle on that high-steppin' B&O 4-4-0 sounds almost European. Interesting.

[@petergulotta8183]

You’re right, definitely the big boy is no. 1. Congrats almost at 10k subscribers!!

[@josephholtrop5535]

you ruined it for all the comment surfers that haven't watched yet.........

[@jacobrobinson6603]

@@josephholtrop5535 you have got to admit though he is right

[@petergulotta8183]

It’s just my opinion. Nothing ruined at all.

[@ogaugesantafeandbnsf1157]

All great sounding and looking engines my friend. I really like that Blackbonnet. As always great video!!!

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Hey Chris. Lucky enough here to have a layout that will accommodate all the articulates. Though a 2-10-10-2 is on order, living within a stones throw here in Southern California where the Big Boy was stored at the Pomona Fairplex, upon hearing that incredible whistle, I just gotta get one. I’m gonna blame you for the dent in my finances. This was a fun one… now let’s all see ‘em run at the same time!

[@RBPTrains]

Haha! You will love it! I thought about getting them all running but can’t quite get all 10 of them on there at the same time without risking an epic crash!

[@strasburgrailfan90]

I love the Hooter whistle because of Norfolk & Western 475

[@MESA-East-Model-RR]

Fun video. Your number 10 is probably my number 1. I love engines from the 1800s era. I've got an MTH Railking 10-wheeler and it has the same whistle. It's got a very eerie sound to it. The whistles on my MTH Imperial Challenger and Imperial SP GS-4 are tied for second. Both have a deep powerful sounding whistle.

[@Roccohasbraindamage123]

this channel is what got me into the o scale hobby/the modle train hobby.

[@RBPTrains]

Glad to hear Blake! So much you can do with the hobby. Thanks for the comment!

[@Roccohasbraindamage123]

@@RBPTrains No problem running my locomotive's as i speak.

[@JCmilwaukee]

I love the first one also I love the deep raspy sound of the big boys whistle

[@themini-marcelinemodelrail7917]

Fantastic! I had a feeling about your #1 choice. 😉👍 I’m also a big fan of the VisionLine NYC Niagara and the Santa Fe Black Bonnet 4-8-4 Northern. Glad you featured the C&O Berkshire. Not only does it have NKP 765’s whistle, but I think Rich Melvin is one of the crew talk voices. He was the engineer behind 765 for many years! Very cool of Lionel to feature him.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Number 1, the big boy just had such a resonance to it, it’s amazing, my second favorite was actually number 10, the 4-4-0, just something different and fantastic sounding. Of course they all sound great, I have a bit of whistle envy right now. And I just saw, congrats on hitting 10k!

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks Dave! The Big Boy has an unfair advantage as it has so many speakers in it. The sound really moves through it. Gotta check out your latest video this weekend!

[@rainierbagatsing1073]

I love this video. Because of the top 10 steam locomotive steam whistles. I love the 10 engines steam whisltes especially the NYC niagara whistle and the Union pacific big boy whistle. They are my favourite steam whistles.

[@thomastaylor6699]

Chris, I would agree with you that the #1 whistle is the best. I used to ride the Georgetown loop railroad and the whistle is very close to that one. Brings back good memories.

[@DrGregory70]

Thanks Chris! You are totally on spot with your choices. I am considering adding a Superbass B Unit to my FA-2 AA set. Was wondering if you have compared sounds of Diesel Electrics? Not as cool as steam, I know, but would be interested in your perspective.

[@DrGregory70]

Oh yea, you got number #1 spot on. The 4014 will be on The Four Corners Tour in 2024. Can’t wait!

[@RBPTrains]

I have not done any comparisons of diesel horns but it would be fun!

[@michaelrushman4659]

Great video Chris thanks for sharing, love that B&O 4-4-0

[@janemarkham4133]

Love that good old N & W SOUND Bro!!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa cool man cool !!!!!😄😄😁😆😛❤🧡💛💚💙💗🤟🤘👍👍👍👍

[@mtfgamma6257]

I have a love for the J class, when they undertook her second restoration, I donated like 2K to them, and was told my donation would be put into the whistle. and 611 sounds amazing.

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

I enjoyed your whistle picks. I was surprised there wasn’t an old post war tender at 9 or 10 on your list. Post war is a nostalgic Lionel sound. Fun subject. Thanks for covering the topic Chris.

[@RBPTrains]

I actually had a Post War and MPC whistle filmed as honorable mentions but cut them for time! Guess I should have left them in there. I will just need to do a Top 10 Post War engine video. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinwalsh9788]

MTH Baltimore and Ohio is my number one. Love the looks of engine and sound of the steam whistle. All steam engines are great and your number 1 is one serious locomotive.

[@eagle6833]

Chris the B&O 4-4-0 whistle is also on MTH's Premier 0-8-0 switchers. I have the NP 0-8-0 and its the exact same whistle. It amazes me as to how the whistles or horns can be off on both he steam and the diesels. Recently at the Trackers I was running my Lionel Legacy NP 2-8-8-4 (from the EM-1 run) and the whistle on that is the Big Boy which I saw in Kansas City earlier this month. I was like, "What a minute...wrong whistle!" Agree on the Vision Line Daylights also the whistle on the SP 4-4-2 is first rate. In MTH Premier the whistles on the 2900 Santa Fe Northerns are solid. Also good are the Premier 4-6-2 Pacific, I have the Great Northern and that is amazing. You need to add the Milwaukee Road 261/264 to your collection Chris. I have that as well. And while its older I also like the RS items from the 1990s'. The Wabash 4-6-4 from 1996 is good and so is the B&A 4-6-4 from 1995. By the way if you are interested the National Capitol Trackers is running again. We are going to be at the USMC Museum in Quantico on October 30 and 31. Also we will be in Rockville in November. And we will be at the B&O Museum at Christmas. I won't be at that show. I will be back in California visiting family which I have not seen in person in two years now. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@lotsatrains]

Great video I can never get enough of those steam whistles and I was hoping that big boy was #1 Wow! That’s amazing!

[@carsonsogaugetrains]

What a very creative video Chris! I think one of my favorite whistles you had was the Shay Whistle and that Niagara whistle is powerful! Keep it up!

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks Carson!

[@jquarters1896]

All of these whistles are my favorites, but my most favorite is the big boy. I have Lionel trains at home but no legacy locomotives. I also have lego trains as well and this year I built a new steam locomotive with sound. The sound is recorded from my favorite excursion star, N&W #1218. Great video and I would like to here more great whistles in the future to get some ideas for future lego trains I plan to build.

[@TubaSoundsandTrains]

Great video Chris! I really like the Big Boy whistle, but I'm also pretty impressed with the whistle on the American, the Santa Fe Northern and the Hooter whistle. Excellent video!

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks for watching Joseph! I agree on those whistles. They bring so much personality to the engine. Take care!

[@davidfortney2970]

My favorite is the class J, I rode behind that in 1987 and went to Strasburg to see it again. I mean I live in Exton, Pa so how could I not see it again. I do really love the big boy whistle. Its close to being the best but imo the J tops it.

[@dutchtanky6988]

great list, and i really enjoyed it. number 2 and 1 are so true. love them. keep it up

[@yaboiaustin6003]

Great video! IM suprised the $250 0-6-0 didn't make it into the list

[@RBPTrains]

I almost put it at #10 but opted for the 4-4-0. Figured it had its share of the spotlight last week, haha. Thanks for watching!

[@ethanarmitage5611]

Cool train layout video.

[@ADIX_3573]

Awesome choices I definitely agree with the big boy's whistle being number 1

[@OldIronVideo]

My favorite is Nickle plate road 765s whistle when I got to see it flying around a curve whistle blasting nothing can beat it

[@trainspottersforlife9182]

I love your layout these legacies are the best set

[@lobo4626]

I love big boy he was running for the first time ever again on my birthday

[@SilverPhoenix177]

#10 has a hauntingly beautiful wistle

[@dang5166]

Nice steam Whistles love it on all your Trains

[@alexanderpoirier3350]

I’m curious, but the Lionel legacy 0-8-0 (with the centred headlight), can the whistle be changed? Just curious as the single chime whistle is a bit tiresome at times. If you also like whistles, the old TMCC Lionel Southern 0-8-0 has quite the melodious whistle. Actually, the 0-8-0 engines, depending on the road name, have quite the assortment of whistles (TMCC engines).

[@trainspottersforlife9182]

Chris top 10 whistles so real to the engines

[@IlanTheSouthwesternRailfan]

I love the black bonnet and big boy whistles

[@arthurleino]

I think they all sounded good! I agree with your one and two.

[@Garlic227]

Big Boy’s Whistle is definitely my favorite, Keep it up Chris

[@Chefhat1225]

Dude you must be like so rich to afford all of these trains Like the coolest train in my collection is a HO scale challenger (still pretty epic) I love trains especially the big boy it is so cool in my opinion like 4-8-8-4 how epic is that Keep up the amazing work you got another subscriber

[@RBPTrains]

The Challenger is epic! I was into H O for many years when I was younger and it was a ton of fun. Welcome aboard and thanks for your support!

[@TwinLitz2]

I’ve been waiting for the big boy all video

[@ThatOneGuy077]

I agree with the big boy #1. When I think steam engine, it is the whistle that comes to my mind

[@draketherailfanSPSF]

I LOVE YOUR SHIRT i actually live near Katy but Ive never seen the loco

[@deepdownes2882]

You are amazing, keep it up!

[@TrainNerd97]

9:40 Total Agreement on the #1 pick, Chris! Absolutely love it!

[@williamgrahamiii3840]

Chris: Where can I buy a large amount of ballast for my new layout? I like the Scenic Express #20 Grade Premier Blend but can't find any for sale and Woodland Scenics must be temporarily closed.

[@BlakesTrainsandMore4014]

4014 has the coolest whistle ever, I also like the Yellowstone's whistle

[@Coreyt1976]

Another great video Chris. I had a feeling the Big Boy would be number one, it sounds amazing! Definitely a train I just plan to own in the future.

[@kevinwalsh7155]

I have to go with the Hooter. I am torn between The Big Boy and Polar Express. Thanks for sharing.

[@ns4wsm]

The J by far is the best, seen it in the 80’s. That is the first restoration whistle.

[@williamkolina3988]

Once again I have to call out the 2 idiots that gave a thumbs down.what is your problem?is it jealousy or stupidity?if you don't like the video move on.Chris is one of the finest creators.All he does is share his wonderful collection and you give a thumbs down.really.the man has a child like joy and brings brightness into a dark world.you should be embarrassed to give a thumbs down. Rant over. Chris thanks for sharing.that B&O general is awesome.great video.loved the video

[@rique_.leal.]

quick question, whats your opinions on the Southern Pacific 6 chime? I know this isn't especifically related to the video a lot, but i'm just curious haha good job on the video!

[@christopherorourke6543]

My most favorite steam whistles are 1. Norfolk & Western J class 4-8-4 number 611 2. Southern Pacific Daylight GS class 4-8-4 GS5 & 3. The Lionel New York Central Niagara. My 3 most favorite steam locomotives are 1. Southern Pacific Daylight 4-8-4 GS4 number 4449 2. Norfolk & Western J class 4-8-4 number 611 & 3.The southern Pacific AC12 Cab Forward 4-8-8-2 number 4294. I have a Kato N scale GS4 number 4449 & the 10 car Morning Daylight set which is my excursion train on my N scale Pacific West Coast model railroad which will be getting a permanent layout in the future.

[@stephenpalmer8286]

Do any of your engines have the Southern Pacific 6 Chime? I know the Milwaukee Road S3 Northern does. That’s probably my favorite whistle

[@RBPTrains]

Not sure. I am not much of a whistle expert on the technical side so I would need to hear that whistle to know if I have one. Thanks for sharing!

[@iliketrains2828]

He is right when the vision line Big Boy is the best whistle. It sounds incredible.

[@MATTHH123]

I have HO scale trains that come out for Christmas but for 2021 I treated myself and got the Lionel HO scale The Polar Express and hands down it’s my favorite train only down side it doesn’t smoke but still love it and thinking about upgrading to O scale trains this year

[@ts19sfx261]

Hey RBP! Did you know that the C&O Berkshires came with Hooter whistles? Also, 765 had a Hooter for a bit. You should look it up on YT, it sounds amazing!!!

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

I’m with you 100%, ya can’t beat the sound of the Big Boy 👍🏻 but my #2 would be the G2 followed by the Polar Express, just my opinion, your video, therefore it counts LOL Thanks Chris, that was really fun & cool.

[@hamishthedockchugger351]

My two favorite steam whistles were the Union Pacific big boy 4014 and the B&o 4-4-0

[@mslickstrains]

They are all #1 to me in my book. However the hooter whistle is superb

[@toddjrricketts9368]

Big Boy is always my favorite. But close behind it in real life are the Cass Scenic RR Shays. The other best sounding locomotives.

[@bubbaskywalker3129]

Really enjoying your videos Chris!

[@RBPTrains]

Thanks for watching! I enjoy making them

[@realtoytrains]

Great video man! Cool editing, great content, great idea, (might have to borrow it)! Love it!!

[@pokemonpreadythepokemonmaniac]

7:00 That whistle is how I imagine a Pennsylvania Railroad K4s 4-6-2 would sound.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

Interesting thing about the NYC Niagaras; they actually used Hancock 3 chimes and would have sounded similar to N&W 611. The 6 chime is semi-inaccurate although the smaller Mohawks would have worn 6 chimes.

[@yeraycabrera6471]

yes, they are wonderful machines

[@F-Man]

That N&W 611 sounds a bit like the whistles that were fitted onto the Olympic Class ocean liners.

[@captainkrazee7726]

I do like the N&W Hooter. My favorite though is the RDG 6 chime

[@0779BooBoo]

Hey Chris, great video, You know why? IT'S PINKLESS!!😁 But, seriously, one of my favorites will always be the Shey.

[@RBPTrains]

Lol- my next video will be all about the Pet Shop Express just for you. I do enjoy that Shay whistle!

[@0779BooBoo]

@@RBPTrains I;m in trouble.

[@Bastdread]

Lionel's 6-18043 C&O Hudson is my all time favorite. Though the sound is a bit old school, the sound commands respect. That of a Tusken Raider from Star Wars. Hahahaha

[@shelbyforthright697]

hey i love these train videos...im just curious because i have a great suggestion- have you ever thought of completely diversifying your locomotive fleet with some British style steam / diesel locos (lol of course thomas the tank engine will come to your mind when looking at em) and European engines? you should check out the BR64 tank loco, an absolutely stunning steamer with the known European black / red liveries. Maybe a hall class loco like the hogwarts express by lionel? Or what about a british class 08 shunter? I think your layout will be the most diverse even if you only add a few international locos :)

[@shelbyforthright697]

there are many o gauge brands for british Japanese or European. check out markin if you can :) oh and one of the best looking diesel passenger express sets- the "DB III TEE DIESEL VT 11.5 3-UNIT TRAIN" but beware they aint cheap but you got some fabulous engines, you should pull it off for your already stunning collection ;)

[@RBPTrains]

I would love to add British steam/ diesel engines to the collection. MTH made some great pieces a few years ago but they are tough to find. I will keep a lookout and thank you for the suggestion!

[@shelbyforthright697]

@@RBPTrains MTH made did make fantastic british engines, i cant believe i forgot that lol i think it has to do with the fact it appears they only made so many british variations. Is there any particular locomotives your looking for? if so, i will keep my eyes peeled and will inform you of a GREAT deal. I have had great luck with ebay from trusted sellers. There is one brand that is a steal of price for European AND british engines in o scale- E.T.S. they are 100% all solid metal almost looking like a real antique, they are made in germany and the prices can be fantastic, they come in a wooden crate and literally this guy had the steam passenger sets with wooden crates on ebay mint and he sold them for only $200, thats right $200!!! $40 shipping. i purchased a set, best most affordable fantastic german quality o gauge. They also make a gorgeus yellow, green or black version british "Terrier" tank engine...as for sets, although somewhat vintage and still being made to this day, they retail for well over that like around $600+ in the 1980-1990s a set and prices are still very resonable for direct from manufacture brand new. they are built like absolute tanks, and they are excellent long lasting very powerful runners. also they are former markin builders who made these but they got american style, british and European for there train options. The quality is SUPERIOR and on par with your lionels in terms of build quality but often lacking the extremely expensive features like "whistle steam" or other super costly advanced features that your bigboy or challenger feature. But if you want trains that cost less, have a metal tinplate appearance but will last for most if not all of your lifetime, look up E.T.S. trains :)

[@F40M07]

I’m glad you reached 10k!

[@F40M07]

(I typed the comment when you had 9.99k)

[@bryanharris3589]

That Lionel Big Boy is awesome.

[@MilwaukeeRoadJames]

RBP! My list of yours: 10 GS-5, GS-2 Longbell 3 (normal) 9 UP 4014 Hancock LB 3 8 DM&IR Yellowstone Hancock LB 3 7 ATSF 3762 Santa Fe 6 6 PE 1225 Nathan 6 5 NYC 6001 NYC 6 4 S1 PRR 3 3 GS-5, GS-2 Reading 6 (3rd or 4th?) 2 GS-5, GS-2 SP 6 (2nd) 1 C&O 2687 Nathan 6 And also, what do you think about the Lionel 261 whistle?

[@eagle6833]

Chris if you go to York you should do a video about York and show it off. I am registering to go, many of the Trackers are excited. But that could be a special RBP Trains video. I can just see you walk around the Orange Hall and show off the Lionel booth and Atlas O both and swung by Muffins. Just a suggestion for you.

[@RBPTrains]

Hoping to get some footage at York this year. I have a few things planned. Just need to make sure nothing gets cancelled! :)

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Awesome video! Love all the whistles!