Tyfon Series of Horns from Leslie Company - Part 2

At first, Tyfon horns were labeled differently in various ways of designation. The first labels exclude the letter "A" or "B" for the horn material since it was previously made up of either bronze or cast iron. Also, not until the 1950s, the pitch in hertz was not even included. The letters "H", "HH", "M", "LL", and "L" (high, extra high, medium, extra low, and low respectively) are in place of the pitch hertz. These letters describe the strength of the pitch. Contrastingly, none of the Tyfon horns are available in four pitch strengths like the A-75 and A-200 manufactured in only three different pitches. Further, there are models available only through special orders like the A-125-LL. An example of the said model is the A-125-LP. The said horn is designated as a bronze Tyfon air horn with a 125mm plastic diaphragm modified at a low pitch (247Hz for A-125s or B below middle C). The letter "Y" is also present on some A-200 models. This means that lesser air is needed in the operation of the horn than those models without the letter "Y". This style of labeling is widely used during the 1940s.

In the early existence of Tyfon series in the 1930s, other style of labeling was adapted. The "RR" designation was generally used at the end of the label and it entails that the horn is to be used in railroad. Aside from those labeling, "T", "C" and "X" were also other letters from the many other designations attached to the horn label throughout the prevalence of the Tyfon series in commerce. But the implication of such labels or designation remains lacking in detail.

Before the 1950s, Leslie images were also included in the labels of A-125s and A-200s that made the labeling appears more confusing. The images shown are in contrast with the pitches described in the previous pitch labeling. Rather, the frequencies below were shown:

• A-75-H = 488Hz
• A-75-L = 326Hz
• A-75-LL = 244Hz
• A-125-L = 218Hz
• A-125-LL = 194Hz
• A-200-H = 218Hz
• A-200-L = 145Hz.

The images also specified that there were only two pitches of A-125s and A-200 and far from the claim of others which is five. It had even caused doubt whether a smallerA-125s than the A-125-L was advertised and got materialized. Further, the existence of A-200-LL was also questioned behind the fact that it was included in 1947 catalogue.

In 1949, a competitor, through chime horns H5 and H6, AirChime made a break in the horn business. In response, Leslie was inspired to chase over. With a little modification of the Tyfon series, 8 chime horns were produce by Leslie Company in 1950. Named as "Chime-Tone," these newly available horns come on either a complete horn or as a conversion kit for the current "honker." The mechanism of the chime horns were established by the combination of the different design configurations of the Tyfon series. The changeable pitches of A-125s were the prime basis of most Chime-Tone Tyfons produced. Like for example, the different variety of A-125s were configured to be a three and five chime horns- A-125-3E and A-125-5A respectively. On the other hand, 4 A-125s and an A-200-156 were combined to form the A-125-200-5B while 4 A-125s and an A-200-233 consisted the A-125-200-5C.

A number of sales staff of Leslie employed in the 1950s attested the truth behind the 5-note Chime-Tone. They confirmed that it never materialized. The designed were only planned and blue-printed. But the Tyfon 2 and 3 chimes were really produced and sold in the market as proven by the some photos. Erie-Lackawanna had their 800-series E8s in where the chime horns were probably used. Further, some Chime-Tones were used by B&O like for example the A-125-3 was applied in FA1#806. The EMD and Baldwin passenger units of PRR also utilized a 3-note Chime-Tones for their horns.