I haven't seen any specific information about the horns used on NYC diesels. From what I am able to piece together, the Leslie Tyfon A-200-156 (tuned to D#) was almost universally used. It was probably the horn used on the S-2 Niagaras along with its steam whistle. (I remember hearing both). Some EMD E-7's and E-8's had other horns. As near as I can tell, they may have been the Leslie Supertyfon S-2M 2-chime (tuned to D# and A). The type I am describing can be heard in the NYC Odyssey videos from Green Frog Productions. Can anybody with direct knowledge comment on this?
Mike, I'm sorry, I let this get by me. Being a steam nut, I know nothing about the diesel horns, even on the Central. I am surprised that some of the other guys haven't answered you yet. Welcome to Trainboard, to the NYCS forum, and don't give up! We are a friendly lot.
OK - let's try this approach. Check this web site for a description, pictures, and sound recording: http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/s2m.html Can anyone verify that this is the horn used on some passenger locomotives (E-7 or E-8). It sure looks like the horn that appears in a few of the photos I have seen. The sound is about the way I remember it, but that was many years ago. Mike - NYC1956