The GP9s were originally delivered with a two-horn setup, when constructed in 1954. On the front hood was a Leslie S-2M, and on the long hood was mounted a Leslie S-25. Both horns would have consisted of two-piece, welded bells (31 and 25), along with tag-sealed, bronze power chambers.
Over the years, these horns changed around on the 400, 500, 2400 and 2500 series GP9s, but the 2405 stayed relativly the same over the years.
In 1968, the original bronze-tabbed back S-2M was replaced with a round-back, '68 stamped Lyndhurst S-2M, most likely after the original horn failed. This horn was acquired with the 2405's nose.
Of similar nature, the previous owner of the nose had in his possession a 1954 S-25 with a sealed bronze-tabbed chamber. Could it be from the 2405? At the time of asking, it wasn't for sale :(
Although I normally consider it blasphemy to strip down the original paint from a horn, especially Soo Line Red, this horn had little going for it. Most of the original paint was already long gone, and what was left of the paint was peeling at the corners. The chambers were nearly absent of any paint around the edges, and the manifold had a nasty bend near the 31 bell.
I decided to strip down the horn, and return it to it's full Soo Line glory, which will be posted soon. For the time being, here are some before photos of the restoration...
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