Large steam whistle questions

[johnmcmillan]

I'm a new forum member here. Thanks for hosting questions.
As a founding member and supporter of the Gig Harbor BoatShop (www.gigharborboatshop.org) in Washington state, I have some questions about a large steam whistle that was donated to the boat shop. There is no indicia on the whistle. Its overall height is 61", the "bell" is 8" in diameter and 36.25" tall. The inlet at the bottom is reduced down to 1" pipe from about 2.5" pipe. It has a very large brass valve which functions well.
I have a feeling this size whistle takes a lot of CFM and came off of a steam ship.

I would prefer using dry, cold air rather than steam from a boiler. Using a large accumulator won't work either since we can't have pressurized vessels on the property.

Does anyone know how to tell how much CFM is needed to operate it?

[Lopez Mike]

A: It will almost certainly sound different on air. You can always try it.

B: If I were to try plumbing such a beast to my launch boiler, there would be two immediate issues. The exit fittings are all 1/2" pipe so the sound would be pretty puny and the other would be that you would get a pretty short toot.

C: If you did get it to sound properly you wouldn't want to be indoors with it and your lease would get cancelled!

Polish it up and provide an audio recording. A whistle that size came off of pretty good sized ship. Others on here who know more will chime in. Don't put it outside. The druggies will have in in a trice.

Mike