Folks, doing some more sound dubbing on a new film project and am in need of the sound of an idling/switching HH660. Am I correct in thinking an S1 will have the same basic Alco gurgle? As far as I know there are no operable HH's within driving distance...so I am thinking I could substitute the sound of an S1 for that of an HH.
Hoping someone out there can clarify for me. Thanks!

Well, I'm looking in my Second Diesel Spotters Guide, and looking at the slim roster of HH660's, and wondering how in h-e-double-hockey-sticks you would *need* the sound of an HH660, considering a paltry 43 of the things were built. Now, as printed, the SDSG indicates that both S1's and HH660's had Alco 539 engines, but very carefully noted/corrected in my much-hand-annotated copy is that the HH660 and HH1000 have "538" engines, not 539's. The HH600 and HH900 had Alco 531 engines. I cannot for the life of me remember exactly where I got that particular nugget of data, possibly from some epic Trains or Railfan & Railroad article on early Alco diesels.

The HH660 has a non-turbocharged 538, and the Alco S1 a non-turboed 539. Also to note is that the engine and generator in an HH are "backwards" from their placement in a S-switcher (look at the radiators).

Personally, I feel anyone who complains about authenticity if you sub a 539 sound cut for a 538 should probably be taken out and shot--much like those who argue over details of Klingon grammar.

Thank you -- this is very helpful!

The project entails adding an ultra-realistic soundtrack to archival 16mm films that were photographed in 1938. This is being done at the request of the original cameraman, and thus the effect must be flawless. One scene contains several shots of brand-new, Portland Terminal HH600 No 1001.

Just out of curiosity, is MILW 1603 at IRM operable?