SignalTraffic Forums

by **64ragtop** on Thu Oct 11, 2012 7:11 pm

Being fairly new to this strange hobby, and viewing all the photos here on the forum and other websites, I quickly learned what traffic related components I wanted to own. Old mechanical devices have always been an interest of mine, and after seeing the EM controllers owned by the members in this forum, I started my search. Since I love beacons, I really wanted to find a CH deco era cabinet with an original flasher inside. The cabinets alone are somewhat difficult to find, but finding one with an original TSS 20 flasher inside is almost impossible! I had all but given up on my search until I stumbled upon it. I was working on a deal to buy an incomplete Darley beacon with an “incorrect” flasher inside. When the seller sent me the pictures of the beacon, this is what I found!! My lucky day.

The flasher (a single circuit model) was fully functional, but in need of a good clean up. Here is the rusty grimy beast before disassembly.

By the looks of it, this flasher had been in service for many years. I think it must have been well maintained though. It was in much better shape than some of the other rusted basket cases I’ve seen come to life on this forum. Here are a few pictures of the parts during disassembly.

The label for the terminal #’s on the noise filter box was moldy and dirty. The original wires were in good condition, so I decided to just clean them. I was able to duplicate the two labels on the flasher using some card stock that is the same thickness of the original. The original wrinkle paint on the box was also in good condition, so I just cleaned it and gave it a coat of Armorall.

After that, I gave the rest of the parts the typical restoration treatment – cleaning, polishing, painting etc… here is everything ready for re-assembly.

Here are a few shots of the assembled unit.

Old Timer sold me the flasher cabinet. This one has an ID tag which would mean an earlier cabinet. I have had several discussions with other members about the door. I have been told that the “Number 2” Corbin locks were used as early as the 1920’s on fire alarm equipment. I don’t know if this door is original to the cabinet or not. It may be a later style door to replace the original for maintenance purposes. I was also told it may be original, but might have been optional because of the “Number 2” lock. Whatever the case, I was glad to finally find the cabinet. It even came with a decent green finish on it. I may refinish it someday, but for now, I’m using it as is.

Here’s the cabinet with the flasher mounted inside. Woo Hoo!

I don’t have any pictures of it mounted on the wall, but I did use these mounting plates provided by Jay (Crunge98).

I actually did this project last year, but am just now getting around to posting it. I’ll have to post a video of it running soon, so you can hear the sweet clattering sound it makes!