Cleveland Whistle Blow

RDG steam services contractor Caden Adams tightens down whistles in perperation for the first ever Cleveland whistle blow hosted by American Steam Railroad

Last fall, American Steam Railroad hosted a whistle blow event in Cleveland that drew a great crowd of steam enthusiasts, preservationists, and hands-on craftsmen. The goal was simple: celebrate the sound of steam. Steam whistles are one of the most recognizable parts of historic railroading, and hearing them under live steam is something photos or recordings can’t fully capture.

Throughout the event, a variety of railroad whistles were blown, each with its own distinct tone and character. Hearing them side by side made it clear how much design, purpose, and personality went into even the smallest components of steam-era equipment. The event sparked plenty of informal discussion around whistle design, operation, and restoration—exactly the kind of knowledge-sharing that keeps the preservation community moving forward.

Live steam for the whistle demonstrations was provided by a 20-horsepower Advance-Rumely steam tractor, supplied by RDG Steam Services through Grayson Littleton. The tractor ran reliably throughout the event and offered a fitting reminder that steam preservation extends beyond the rails. Agricultural and railroad steam share much of the same engineering DNA, and seeing working equipment in action helps connect those histories in a tangible way.

Just as important as the experience itself was the impact. The event saw a strong turnout, and all funds raised went directly toward the restoration of Reading 2100 / AFT No. 250. Events like the Cleveland whistle blow show how hands-on demonstrations, community involvement, and operating equipment can directly support meaningful preservation work.