This item is a Downloadable product and after you submit your credit card info and purchase this item, you will receive an automatic E-mail with a link for you to download this complete CD.
Little introduction is necessary for this spectacular locomotive. In 1980 Greenfrog captured all the subtleties of this awesome steam locomotive as it wound its way on a ferry trip, and in service as an excursion train in Florida. From fast paced run-bys to yard action, and screaming whistle road crossings, you'll live the power and majesty of the worlds most powerful operating steam loco. 51 minutes
Scene 1 It is about 9 pm on a cool spring evening. We are at Macon, Georgia on top of a highway overpass at the South end of the Norfolk Southern yard. 1218 drifts into the yard ending it’s trip from Birmingham. Listen to that soft exhaust from the four cylinders, and the tones of the whistle.
Scene 2 1218 pulls into the service area of the Macon yard for water. It is 10 pm, and quite a number of railfans and locomotive service personnel are waiting. Listen to the massive weight of 1218 as it creeks and groans on the siding. You’ll hear pumps, air release (to set the brakes) and more groaning.
Scene 3 The 1218 leaves Macon the next morning, heading Southbound for Jacksonville. It drifts to a stop at the end of the yard. The diesel horn is from an EMD and slug switching the yard.
Scene 4 Our first run-by is just South of Macon. The whistle of 1218 is unmistakable!
Scene 5 Here is another runby..listen to the “chiff” in the whistle at the beginning of each blast.
Scene 6 Another run-by, listen to that whistle in the distance. She’s really moving now during this ferry run to Jacksonville...no 4O mile per hour speed limit!
Scene 7 Listen to the echo and the whistle being played as a melody by the engineer. The train is crossing many small streets as it runs through the small town.
Scene 8 Those side rods clank even when the engine is running fast! Here is another run-by.
Scene 9 The 1218 is working up grade now, but not much effort Is expended by this massive locomotive. Listen to those wheels run over that rail joint.
Scene 10 We are in the cab of 1218. A myriad of sounds greets our ears and the microphones. It is a much different sound from outside the engine. A low frequency rumble is typical in big steamers. That hiss sound is from the brakes being applied...and the l2l8 comes to a stop.
Scene 11 Another run-by as the train continues on to Valdosta, a halfway stopping point on it’s way to Jacksonville.
Scene 12 Here is another run-by, and we hear a crossing bell as well.
Scene 13 The “fan” run-by is typical on most steam fan trips. Almost everyone gets off the train to photograph the run-by...but Green Frog is there ahead of them all. Here the train comes to a stop to let passengers off.
Scene 14 The engine backs up for about 2 miles to prepare for the run-by. Listen to those side rods!
Scene 15 And finally the run-by, whistle blowing almost non-stop, for the crowd.
Scene 16 Another run-by.
Scene 17 Even when pulling a 23 car train loaded with passengers, the exhaust is soft. Not much to tax the 12l8 here!
Scene 18 Backing up through the Wye at Valdosta. We hear some of the diesel generators under the passenger cars. It is a hot day, and the air conditioning is being taxed. Now the engine has a bark as it pushes those cars up the slight grade. Listen to that generator turn on. The two exhausts are very pronounced.
Scene 19 The 1218 pulls the cars through a tight curve, and the rails protest.
Scene 20 The 1218 flies across a concrete bridge, and we hear the whistle echo way in the distance, then all is quiet as the train heads toward Jacksonville.
Scene 21 A picturesque steel bridge crosses a swamp, and the 1218 effortlessly glides across the trestle.
Scene 22 We are right next to the track and a highway crossing as the 1218 heads past our microphones.
Scene 23 Here is another run-by at a highway crossing.
Scene 24 The train pulls into the yard at Jacksonville in the early evening. She whistles for the highway crossing, and those side-rods clunk almost on top of our microphones.
Scene 25 The 1218 has many distinguished sounds even when standing still! Don’t let that whistle at the end of this scene startle you!
Scene 26 We are in the recording car behind the engine. And the 1218 is doing a flat 45 miles per hour...so they say! That welded rail is sure quiet..we miss the old clickety-clack.
Scene 27 We are in the cab again. The 1218 starts up, then gains speed! Nothing can hold a candle to this sound experience, as the 1218 gains speed.
Scene 28 The Nickajak grade North of Atlanta is one of the steepest on this division. It is a cold early fall morning. The 1218 throws huge clouds of white steam high into the air as she pounds northbound out of Atlanta and up that grade.
Scene 29 We are at Dallas Georgia, and the train Is heading for Chattanooga. The dog barks and crickets add to the country atmosphere as the l2l8 drifts by.
Scene 30 On the return trip to Atlanta, we are at the North end of the Nickajak grade. It is late, the train is almost an hour late, and the cool night air adds to the audio effect. Listen to that whistle echo!
Scene 31 The train is in-bound from Tacoa, Georgia... We hear the 1218 drift by our listening position.
This item is a Downloadable product and after you submit your credit card info and purchase this item, you will receive an automatic E-mail with a link for you to download this complete CD.
