That is, if we don't start looking more closely at the NKP Mikados like 587.....

(dives for cover)

Are you saything that the one in your photo is deffinately 760's, or just one from the same class. If your saying it's positively 760's, how do you know? I'm asking purely for research reasons, not questioning your claim:)

Good question. The person I received the whistle from has been a collector of railroad "stuff" for at least 50 years that I know of and has made a career in railroad oriented business. He says NKP760, I believe him, there is no reason not to, he was there when it was removed from the locomotive.

What material is the bell made from on your whistle? In the pictures the finish looks smooth for cast iron and I thought it may be bronze. If it is bronze it is not the original whistle of NKP760, as the original would have been cast iron. Anyway, I think we forget that these engines were shopped many times and the original whistle is not likely the same one as retired. I have a Pennsy locomotive bell that carries 3 different locomotive numbers. My uncle has a N&W hoother that carries a Y and A number. What engine is that whistle from? Most probably several!

George

You are absolutely right. I'm sure this is the cause of much of the confusion when trying to identify what locomotive these whistles belong too. There is no simple answer.



The reason I asked my original question is because I know of yet another NKP Berk whistle that is absolutely real, and has good provenance, that claims to be the whistle from 760. I believe most of the reasoning for the number attachment is because it is stamped right on the valve. Was this standard for the NKP? Does your whistle have any stamped markings? Could the numbers be under the paint as they were on the whistle I know of? The whistle I speak of has a cast iron bell, brass/bronze bowl and valve, no remote, and the same cable attachment. I'm sure it had a shroud but it is missing. I also suspect your whistle has the maker NATHAN cast in the bowl under the shroud strap. All we know for sure is that your whistle came off of 760 when retired. I wonder if we can track down more history?

Alex

Again all good questions and wow would it be nice to have a real history on any of these items that have been separated from their venue. Some day when it gets to be a guest whistle it will be disassembled and cleaned and more info will come to light.

I think it would be hard to nail down the exact engine for any part of time, but you cannot deny it WAS mounted on such noted steamer whatever number. Its just another matter of more Sherlock Holmes to track down which engine wore it.

Its a "Nathan" Whistle, not a 76X whistle.

Its like the N&W tenders they were not numbered to the engine number, just a relation of coal/water numbers as they were outshopped and come out with a different tender, maybe even come out with a different whistle, bell, or whatever other parts.

FYI, auction ended at $1,588.00 with the reserve still not met.

I know 765 wears some siderods from other engines because their numbers were stamped on the rods. How far they took the stamping on parts not sure.
I don't recall the numbers but it may be on my film.

Several years ago a whistle from a NKP Berk changed hands for $4500.
I would bet the reserve is right around there.

Everyone for what it's worth here is a view of the NKP 763 while in Virginia Museum of Transportation shortly before it's move to Ohio and a new home. As you can see the Whistle was still there as it had been while in VMTs hands.

Here below is NKP 763 in Jan 2005.


Here below is NKP 763 in 1988


Photo's both taken by Steve Smith

here is NKP 760