New York Central "Mercury" (the engine that was thought to be the responsible of the recording) at a station in 1939.
a picture of a Southern Pacific 2-10-2 Class F-5 (The kind of steam locomotive that is probably the responsible for the recording), this is unit no. 3738.
This is a rare MGM sound effect that is not included on any sound effects libraries. It is said that the whistle came from the New York Central "Mercury" or Great Western no. 51 CB&Q 5 chime whistle. but they can't be the source because it is now confirmed that NYC "Mercury" used a Long-bell 3 chime and GW no. 51's CB&Q 5 chime doesn't sound close enough to be a possible source.
It’s likely to be a Star Brass 5 chime whistle, probably from a Southern Pacific 2-10-2 Class F-5 "Santa Fe".
Used In
Movies
- The Clock (1945)
- For Me and My Gal (1942)
- Girl Crazy (1943)
- H. M. Pulham, Esq. (1941)
- North by Northwest (1959)
- See Here, Private Hargrove (1944)
- The Stratton Story (1949) (Heard in a low pitch.)
- Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)
- Thousands Cheer (1943)
Shorts
- Barney Bear (Heard once in "Half-Pint Palomino" and "Bird-Brain Bird Dog".)
- Droopy Dog (Heard once in "Caballero Droopy" and "Homesteader Droopy".)
- Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies (Heard once in "Hot-Rod and Reel!".)
- MGM Cartoons (Heard once in "One Cab's Family", oddly for a diesel train.)
- Tom and Jerry (Heard in once in "Heavenly Puss", "Cue Ball Cat" and "Jerry and Jumbo".)
YouTube Videos
- Super Foxy Railway Productions (used as NYC Mercury's/ GW no. 51's whistle)
Image Gallery
Audio Samples