SignalTraffic Forums

by **steven1981** on Fri Feb 15, 2013 7:22 pm

mcha9797 wrote:The verdict is in.......

Joe Lipari confirmed Phil's earlier post, this controller was manufactured in 1970. I thought that it might be older than that, guess not.

I'm glad that he was able to confirm that. I was rather curious, too. Interesting to know.

Like Francis mentioned, G.T.E. continues to manufacture its own 8" traffic signals, and the model is very similar to the TE-19408 from Marbelite. I saw one in person when I was at the company's shop last Summer. Really nice traffic signal, and it is also nice to know that this mold is still in use.

What's funny (at least to me) is that G.T.E. was established in 1978, which I believe was when Marbelite left the signal manufacturing business. I know it was in the late 1970s. Coincidence? Maybe so.

By the way, Ruleta was taken over by Marbelite in the 1940s, right? I know it was an "associated" company at one time.

by **mcha9797** on Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:59 pm

This has been an interesting post, maybe we all learned a little more about the history of Marbelite controllers.

I know that I learned a lot!!

I have communicated with Ray Steffon (president of G.T.E) via several emails concerning parts for my Econolite E/M controller. They are one of the few or maybe the only place to get new parts for E/M controllers. His son Chris also works for the company, I have spoke to him on the phone a couple times.

Something I thought was interesting is that Chris works for the family business during the day, and is a magician for a second job/hobby. I believe his stage name is Chris Dare, his emails are signed:

Chris Dare
Dare to Believe

Interesting hobby, huh???

by **steven1981** on Sat Feb 16, 2013 4:46 am

mcha9797 wrote:Something I thought was interesting is that Chris works for the family business during the day, and is a magician for a second job/hobby. I believe his stage name is Chris Dare, his emails are signed:

Chris Dare
Dare to Believe

Interesting hobby, huh???

I've met Chris (including his parents) several times in person. He and I are about the same age and college students, so he's cool to talk to. At G.T.E., he usually handles sales. Since his father first acquired retired electro-mechanical signal controllers from the city of New York (I purchased mine from him) one year ago, Chris usually keeps me updated on recent acquisitions. So, he's a good contact. I could rely on him and the company if I need something for what I have at home.

Although I admit that I am kind of skeptical when it comes to magic, Chris' simple performances never cease to amaze me.

by **mcha9797** on Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:43 am

I noticed last night, that if the door timer is unplugged, the cam will not advance. Can anyone explain why?

by **2070** on Sun Feb 17, 2013 9:38 am

mcha9797 wrote:I noticed last night, that if the door timer is unplugged, the cam will not advance. Can anyone explain why?

Because the time clock is in series with the AUTO/FLASH switch.

Marbelite made a plug that had the wires inside soldered to the correct pins as if the time clock was set for 3 color operation. The plug was just the time clock plug on your time clock, but the wires were all interanl.

The time clock should have a wire diagram for its ON/OFF operations?

by **mcha9797** on Mon Feb 18, 2013 11:38 am

They had this wire connected to the cabinet, I know it's the neutral wire, but wouldn't that make the cabinet "HOT"??

by **notMUTCDcompliant** on Mon Feb 18, 2013 11:45 am

That's your ground bond... for home use, you should remove it.

by **Magnetboy** on Mon Feb 18, 2013 11:58 am

Your controller seems to share the same door type that my SSC controller does. My SSC controller also has AGA part numbers on it but I don't have the number off the door right now as the controller is packed away. No doubt these were AGA designed and carried over to the next company once each was acquired by another. Just like my AGA Marb beacon....AGA design with a Marbelite tag.

by **steven1981** on Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:03 pm

Have you decided on what you want to do with the signal controller?

by **mcha9797** on Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:44 pm

steven1981 wrote:Have you decided on what you want to do with the signal controller?

I plan on using it to control just the signals that I acquired from Ohio, the same town as the controller.

One by one, I'm working on restoration, so far the "D" Deco is done.

I'm currently working on the Eagle 4-way.

I plan on keeping them "all in the family" so to speak.

Stay tuned, updates to come!!

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