Hey Mike,
You have the whistle that ran on 478 for a trip or two. My memory isn't what it once was. I was wrong when I said that the whistle I put on 478 had a Lunkenheimer valve. I believe I mounted it on a D&RGW valve. The whistle itself has three separate round tubes. The original effective lengths (top of arch opening to top of whistle tube) were 10", 12 1/2", and 15 1/2". These dimensions may vary somewhat as the arch opening heights had to be modified to eliminate screeching. I believe I used 2-1/2" (nominal) 90-10 CopperNickel tubing, the actual O.D. being 2 7/8". I'd probably have to see it again to remember more details about it.
I put it on 478 one day and found that once opened, the valve didn't want to close, so I had to go over to Kroegers and get a screen door spring to put on the whistle linkage in the cab. It was a hokey setup, complete with cable and pulleys. I really don't think the whistle stayed on the engine more than one or two trips, as most of the NG crowd didn't care for that UP mainline sound. After taking it off, I couldn't see any future for it in Durango, so I gave it to you. The D&RGW valve stayed in Durango. If it has a valve with it now, you must have gotten that somewhere else.
I have a vague memory of that whistle running a trip or two on a C&TS K36, possibly shortly before installation on 478. Maybe Russ or Earl can help on that one.
If we can get together again, I'll bring a copy of Earl's recording of the whistle on 478 departing Durango and at Hermosa and Shalona. Earl's liner notes with the tape show it as March 1986. It's a great recording, not only for the whistle, but for the sound of the good ol' 78 opened up and badly out of square making a run for the Hermosa grade.
Mark
