When 497 was down for its monthly boiler wash last week, I took advantage of its "deadness" to have the nasty sounding Reading 6 chime whistle removed and a standard "garden variety" D&RGW 5 chime installed in its place. Thanks to Ed Beard for assisting in saving our ears. That nasty Reading thing gave us headaches.
It sounds real nice. It's a bit brighter and a bit reedier sounding than 487's. I think it was on 484 back in the late 1970's. For those of you with Arkay Records "High Country Steam" album, it's a match for what's on 484 on the record.
For those who care about such useless trivia, here is the whistle "line up":
463 - standard D&RG one note "Freight Hoot"
487 - D&RGW 5 chime on a 5" base.
489 - Lunkenhimer 3 Chime
497 - D&RGW 5 chime on a 6" base.
We also have whistles for 484 and 488 in hiding.