Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[R1chy]

... I also found a dead possum in the Tool Shed, but I declined to take or post pictures, sorry. Thomas

OK, but the real question is did you send it in to get powder coated?

Also, can you ask Chris if this is going to be on the test?

 

[markviii]

No....

 

[BB767]

OK, but the real question is did you send it in to get powder coated?

Also, can you ask Chris if this is going to be on the test?

No....

Chris does that mean no I can't ask you or no it's not going to be on the test?

R1chy I haven't decided if I'm going to powder coat it yet. I guess first the real question might be if Rick or Don would be willing to powder coat it?? Hummmmmm, I'll get back to you on that.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Just to make ya all a little jealous, FIFI is hangered (if that is the word) at Addison Airport, just ten minutes from the house. I have had the pleasure of seeing FIFI take off and land on several times in the last couple of months.

Add I get to see her in the hanger, quite often. Addison is the base for a whole flock of vintage aircraft, always fun to see them flying.

Mike

OK, yes Mike, I'm officially jealous. I've only seen FIFI fly once. B 29's were a stunning technological marvel. The engineers involved should all be very proud of it. If it ain't a Boeing, I'm not going.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Have you tried a Patent search on the number? Might give you a starting year.

Great idea Will, thanks. I'll have to get that number next time I'm out there. I can't read all of it from the picture. I thought for sure someone here collected that sort of thing and would regale us with all sorts of technical information.
Stand by.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas, The steel 3' diameter wheels you posted are likely those from an impliment like a grain drill. As for the gear we had a flair box with an end gate seeder on it. It had a gear similar to this that was attached to a wheel on the wagon that drove the seeder. The one you have is much larger but maybe for a high wheel wagon? This is a similar wagon with the seeder attached.

I was pretty sure the wheels were off an implement of some sort. As I remember they might even have had steel "treads" riveted or bolted on them. The gear probably could have been used in many different applications. The wide spacing on the teeth are why I thought it worked a chain with long links but I'm not as well versed on Ag equipment as you. Your guess seems likely. It's pretty old, that much I know. Neat old piece in it's own right I think.

There's still a lot of Ag equipment parts out there that I can see but too much material in front of them just now to get a good look them. I am making headway out there, even with a dead possum for company.

Thomas

 

[ZRX61]

So when are you starting the resto of the old bench with the tail vises?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Plastic dome, two piece base, 6 volt DC, model 17-B, Federal Beacon Ray rotating beacon, sometimes called a "Gum Ball". What do you experts think, 1940's or 50's? I can't find any reference to the two piece base like this one has.

Federal is still in business - I suppose you could contact them to see if they could provide more information, but I have no idea if they keep records on lights that old. http://www.federalsignal.com/ Since it's 6 volt that makes it no newer than mid-1950s.

 

[type47fan]

Have you tried a Patent search on the number? Might give you a starting year.

Did a quick search and found this ebay reference for a model 17. Different than yours.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...0768941549+&item=230768941549&vectorid=229466

Might want to capture the pictures, if interested, because this link will be useless when the auction is over.

Keep the treasure coming!

 

[Kevin54]

http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/b/beaconray.php

http://federalsignal.info/?s=Federal+Beacon

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...549+&item=230768941549&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Beacon-Ray-Rotating-Ambulance-Light-/270945586782

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice license plates! Let me know if you want to sell some!

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

Great idea Will, thanks. I'll have to get that number next time I'm out there. I can't read all of it from the picture. I thought for sure someone here collected that sort of thing and would regale us with all sorts of technical information.
Stand by.

Thomas

It looks more like the Model 174-A below than the 17-B, but they may not be able to read there tag as easy as yours.

Federal Signal Super Beacon Ray Model 174 -A with Red GLASS Dome

Federal Signal Super Beacon Ray Model 174 -A Fire Truck Light w/ Red GLASS Dome

Here is a picture of a 173B or was it a 17-B they added a 3 to?

 

[Buffalot]

That 6volt Beacon Ray is a very early model and will fetch a pretty penny! The split base is very rare, as is the plastic dome. Looking in the neighborhood of $500+! I would go ahead and try to sell it on Ebay with a reserve of $400. The light collectors will ****** that up pretty quick.

 

[BB767]

So when are you starting the resto of the old bench with the tail vises?

Rick the bench in the Tool Shed will be going to a new home eventually. I've got 4 cabinet makers benches with single tail vices plus the dual tail vice bench that was pictured standing on it's side. I just don't see the need (or space) for a 6th plus I don't want to be unselfish and deprive some poor deserving sole from the joy of doing the restoration on it. If anyone is within driving distance of the shop and always wanted one they might get their chance pretty soon. That's after I remove all the gold bars out of the drawers of course.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Federal is still in business - I suppose you could contact them to see if they could provide more information, but I have no idea if they keep records on lights that old. http://www.federalsignal.com/ Since it's 6 volt that makes it no newer than mid-1950s.

Did a quick search and found this ebay reference for a model 17. Different than yours.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...0768941549+&item=230768941549&vectorid=229466

Might want to capture the pictures, if interested, because this link will be useless when the auction is over.

Keep the treasure coming!

http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/b/beaconray.php

http://federalsignal.info/?s=Federal+Beacon

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...549+&item=230768941549&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Beacon-Ray-Rotating-Ambulance-Light-/270945586782

It looks more like the Model 174-A below than the 17-B, but they may not be able to read there tag as easy as yours.

Federal Signal Super Beacon Ray Model 174 -A with Red GLASS Dome

Federal Signal Super Beacon Ray Model 174 -A Fire Truck Light w/ Red GLASS Dome

Here is a picture of a 173B or was it a 17-B they added a 3 to?

​

Thanks everyone for all the help. I'd never seen a two piece base model before but didn't realize it was so rare. The manufacturers tag on mine is pretty clear to read in person. It's definitely stamped model 17-B but I don't know all the different Federal models. I agree Will, that the one you pictured sure looks a lot mine but a close examination of the tag shows several differences. I'm pretty sure my tag in not embossed with raised lettering, rather it's flat and printed on. Also the Beacon Ray doesn't have a registered "R" by the trade mark and the patent numbers are somewhat different. I should clean off the patent numbers and get a good read on them. To be continued....

Thomas

 

[BB767]

That 6volt Beacon Ray is a very early model and will fetch a pretty penny! The split base is very rare, as is the plastic dome. Looking in the neighborhood of $500+! I would go ahead and try to sell it on Ebay with a reserve of $400. The light collectors will ****** that up pretty quick.

Who knew . Maybe this is better than the unfound gold bars in the wood bench. Buffalot you have made my day if not my week!

See Chris, I told you we'd be able to retire off all the treasure found in the Tool Shed/Lean-to. That place is going to pay for itself yet.

Thomas

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Chris,

The place is already "...paying for itself...", in treasured memories!

 

[Rag Roc]

Thomas, I think you reeeeeaaaaaallllllllly need to send Joe a mason jar full of dirt from the toolshed. That should tide him over during his need for updates.

 

[charlief1]

Thomas, I think you reeeeeaaaaaallllllllly need to send Joe a mason jar full of dirt from the toolshed. That should tide him over during his need for updates.

NO, NO, NO!!!

Next thing that would happen is he'd be found with a shovel or pipe up to his nose all the time trying to sniff the dirt.

 

[Vernmotor]

Lmao !!!!!!!

 

[markviii]

It could be medicinal. That dirt might have enough iron from all the metal that was on that property, so he won't have to take a daily iron pill! Or it could have such a high content of iron that it's deadly. We wouldn't want to be responsible for anything bad happening to Joe!
"A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. On the other hand, excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death." (from National Institutes of Health)

Chris

 

[BB767]

Joe's dirt "issue" aside for now , I got some more details on the Federal Beacon Ray.

It is clearly a MODEL 17-B, SERIAL NO 1A22D4 with PAT NOS D-158.742 2578.239 others pending. I did a quick patent search and came up empty but I'm not done looking yet. The data plate is flat with printed information, not raised embossed as later data plates are.

The motor for the rotating beacon shows 6 volts DC, type 72252 if that's helpful to anyone.

An inside look, very simple mechanism which would enhance it's reliability in all weather conditions.

What I believe to be the brush to supply power to the lights shows negligible wear.

The base inside...

...and outside looks fairly dent free.

I did just a couple of minutes clean up with some cleaner wax...

... on the chrome right above the data plate and it looks like it will polish up very nicely. The red dome is all in very good condition and will polish up well also. It "ran when parked" so this should turn out to be another nice piece.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

...

"A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. On the other hand, excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death." (from National Institutes of Health)

Chris

Guys, she's just loading up more test material here, beware!!

Thomas

 

[charlief1]

You might try doing a patent search on the motor if nothing comes up on the light Thomas.

You might also use some cheap toothpaste with a soft cotton cloth and water to polish things up. I've used it before on plastics and was suprised how well it works.

 

[hobbitss]

Dirt and Gold Bars???

Show Me The Tools!!!



I wont refuse a Gold Bar if you find it necessary to send one but I already have a yard full of dirt and don't need any more...

 

[hobbitss]

It is clearly a MODEL 17-B, SERIAL NO 1A22D4 with PAT NOS D-158.742 2578.239 others pending. I did a quick patent search and came up empty but I'm not done looking yet. The data plate is flat with printed information, not raised embossed as later data plates are.
Thomas

Have you called Federal with that Serial # ?? They may still have all the information in their records....

 

[BB767]

You might try doing a patent search on the motor if nothing comes up on the light Thomas.

You might also use some cheap toothpaste with a soft cotton cloth and water to polish things up. I've used it before on plastics and was suprised how well it works.

I did do a search on the motor and came up with a electric motor brush assembly dated Feb, 1936.

The cheap tooth paste for a fine polishing compound and a damp, 100% cotton cloth works very well on plexiglas. You just keep polishing the scratches out. Do it by hand to avoid heat build up which could be caused by a power tool. The dome seems to be made from high quality plastic of some sort. It should look great when finished.

Thanks charlief1.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Federal is still in business - I suppose you could contact them to see if they could provide more information, but I have no idea if they keep records on lights that old. http://www.federalsignal.com/ Since it's 6 volt that makes it no newer than mid-1950s.

Have you called Federal with that Serial # ?? They may still have all the information in their records....

I haven't contacted them yet. I just cleaned it up enough to read it clearly early this evening. I'll try to reach Federal tomorrow and see what they might be able to tell me about it. Off on another quest. Stand by.

Boy, all the different directions this property has taken me is amazing. That is gonna be one heck of a test whenever Chris gets it all put together.

Thomas

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Gee Thomas, finding that bubble gum machine is certainly providential. I mean, it's almost like a message from the heavens giving you a mandate to re-purpose it. It is a symbolic 'burning bush' which bestows upon its discoverer an 'arduous and heavy task'. To me that find just screams its need to be placed at the peak of a grand pole adorned with a WINDSOCK! Placed proudly front and center in your 'FIELD OF DREAMS' betwixt and between your grass landing strip and your asphalt hot rod proving grounds.

Surely, your dear wife Chris can understand that in finding this relic, a noble and herculean task has been placed upon your worthy shoulders, you have been given THE SHINING BEACON to place high above the fruits of your labor so that all may see in its glory!

IF YOU BUILD IT --- THEY WILL COME!

​

 

[jamesoaustin]

I believe you have a "Signal Light" with a patent filed by Earl W. Gosswiller, assigned to Federal Enterprises. The application is dated 24 February 1949.

 

[R1chy]

In our family, each of our buildings has its own name - Barn, Shop, Shed, Honey House, Coach House, Coal Shed, Brown Garage, etc.... It's like children - only when you get mad you can't remember which name to call out!

Chris

Chris - I just noted the above within another thread - 140 x 64 Family Back Yard Garage. If this information is going to be on the test, then I'm going to have to devote a whole lot more time to GJ reading and the wife is not going to be happy with me!!

R1chy

 

[markviii]

I promise not to cross-reference my posts in other threads. I don't want spouses to be able to blame me for anything. Also, if you're looking at other threads on GJ, you may have noticed that all things seem to come back to the Center of the Universe in some way!

Chris

 

[type47fan]

Also, if you're looking at other threads on GJ, you may have noticed that all things seem to come back to the Center of the Universe in some way!

Chris

As it should be, Chris, as it was MEANT to be . . . .

 

[9c1nova]

If it hasn't already been suggested, you might try eLightbars.org web site for info on that nice Beacon Ray!

Bruce

 

[BB767]

If it hasn't already been suggested, you might try eLightbars.org web site for info on that nice Beacon Ray!

Bruce

Hi Bruce and many thanks for that good suggestion. I just submitted a request on that site for any information they might have so I'll wait and see what might come from that. They seem to be a very knowledgeable group over there. I'll let you know what I find out.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Gee Thomas, finding that bubble gum machine is certainly providential. I mean, it's almost like a message from the heavens giving you a mandate to re-purpose it. It is a symbolic 'burning bush' which bestows upon its discoverer an 'arduous and heavy task'. To me that find just screams its need to be placed at the peak of a grand pole adorned with a WINDSOCK! Placed proudly front and center in your 'FIELD OF DREAMS' betwixt and between your grass landing strip and your asphalt hot rod proving grounds.

Surely, your dear wife Chris can understand that in finding this relic, a noble and herculean task has been placed upon your worthy shoulders, you have been given THE SHINING BEACON to place high above the fruits of your labor so that all may see in its glory!

IF YOU BUILD IT --- THEY WILL COME!

​

Omphaloskeptic guess what I found out about the Beacon Ray and your idea of mounting it on a pole:

"This particular model was designed to be mounted on a pole or stanchion and they were mostly used on open cab fire apparatus. They would be mounted between the front windshields. Not exactly sure on the year. I can tell you that it is 1948 or later."

That information was supplied by badge22 from the eLightbars site.

This picture showing them in use by the Kohler, Wisconsin PD on a 1956 Mercury and Chevrolet was provided courtesy member pc0k894 from the same site. Thank you both gentleman.

So the idea of mounting it on a pole was very intuitive of you. Not too sure of the "burning bush" analogy though...................but thanks for the thought.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I believe you have a "Signal Light" with a patent filed by Earl W. Gosswiller, assigned to Federal Enterprises. The application is dated 24 February 1949.

Thank you Mr. Austin. Since you're right there in D.C. I expect you just walked over to the patent office to find that information for me. Boy, that's what friends are for. You certainly got the right patent. So when are you coming back for "the tour"?

Thomas

 

[markviii]

You won't be "chief chef" next time. Promise!

Chris

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

We-e-e-l-l-l-l-l, I guess the 'Burning Bush' was a bit of a stretch; me trying to imbue the light with perhaps a biblical/mystical connotation.

I did find this, however (windsock sold separately) -

 

[BB767]

Here's is a little more follow up on my burning bush, er I mean, Beacon Ray:

"MODEL 17-B, SERIAL NO 1A22D4

The Federal 17-B is a unique version of the Beacon Ray series. It was a quick-disconnect version, quite rare as most Beacon Rays were permanent mount (17), pipe mount (17-A) or detachable (17-D). The small hole in the lower half of the base was where the electrical wire exited and would have been plugged into the roof mount. There are few of these out there, I don't think they were offered for very long nor were they widely popular and they are not even listed in the Federal Signal Service Parts Index. My feeling is that the 17-B was Federal's first demountable Beacon Ray, produced only in the early 1950's and replaced by the introduction of the 17D.

From the serial number I deduce the following.
1= 6VDC
A= 1951-1955 era
22= model 17-B
D4 = 1954

Your Beacon Ray was produced in 1954.
1954 was also the last year that Federal operated under the name "Federal Enterprises".

It would be great if you can also find the conical piece that would have been attached to the base of the beacon and the roof mount."

That definitive information provided by stansdds, another one of the good folks at eLightbars.org. So Bruce you can see your suggestion to check with those fine folks solved another of the continuing mysteries uncovered at the shop.

Since I'm just now getting to the area the where the Beacon Ray was found I'll need to be watchful for that conical attachment piece. Wish me luck on that one! (there you go Chris, more material for the test! Now who loves you, hummm?? )

Thomas