Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 10, 1925

 To concert by Cincinnati Orch. A. Honeggar's "Pacific 231"-

The power of a big locomotive expressed in music -

I still feel + hear the deep dull thuds of sound, suggesting terrific power - power that is at rest, but panting - at times the rhythmic exhaust snorts, growing more + more rapid -

Strange sounds of machinery - The train rushing along at full speed at night - a terrific roar of sound, with violins making a shrill punctuating hissing sound as of escaping steam -

Charles E. Burchfield, Volume 36, February 10, 1925

Swiss composer Arthur Honegger's Pacific 231 (1923) can be heard here:

Sadly this link to the music no longer exists. http://grooveshark.com/s/Pacific+231+1923/4B7SSF?src=5, for and interesting side note about the service that shared the music, here is an article. 

The name of the piece comes from the wheel configuration on a North American (4-6-2) steam locomotive, but Honegger used the French numbering system of counting axels rather than wheels - two guide wheel axels, three drive wheel axels, and one trailing wheel axel. Burchfield's reaction to hearing this piece, during this period in his career, is not surprising after his many excursions painting rail yards, train trestles, and locomotives at the edge of the towns they passed through.