Another Federal Beacon question

[gpd132]

Could someone explain the different types of federal beacons? I got a model 17 but I see models 173, 174, 175, 176 etc.


It seems that some beacons have more lights than others and some beacons have tall skirts. I can't seem to match model numbers to characteristics of each model from pics i've seen.


Thanks,


Mike...

 

[ryan]

Mike,


Model 17 (the first one produced) has 2 sealed beam bulbs mouned to a tube like bulb holder, rotates 360'.


model 173 three sealed beams, rotates 360'.


model 174 super beacon ray 4 bulbs all turn on at same time, light oscilates 95' and then back the other way.


may also contain a cruise light from hawaii pd.


model 175 (hill light) 4 bulbs, 1 mounted at 45' upwards, 1 mounted at 15' downward, othe 2 bulbs face out as normal, switching is 2x2.


model 175H nypd special 1 bulb mounted up at 15' one bulb down at 15' other two are normal, 2x2 switching.


model 176 4 bulbs, rotates 360' all bulbs usualy light at same time.

 

[Wailer]

Earlier model 17s had smaller domes with slanted sides. I believe the smaller domes were phased out in the late 1960s :?: . The larger, more straight sided dome was introduced when the model 175 came out.

 

[stansdds]

Actually, it was early model 17 and 173's that had the smaller dome. The small dome Beacon Rays ended in 1968, which is also when Federal changed the serial numbers to a "2R" prefix. 174's made for Hawaii also contained a cruise light. Finding an original 174 with the cruise light is extremely rare.

 

[fyrboy]

Circa 1974:4.jpg[/attachment:39yasmvi]5.jpg[/attachment:39yasmvi]6.jpg[/attachment:39yasmvi]

 

[gpd132]

i checked the plate, I was a 2R serial, thanks for the info

 

[NPS Ranger]

Also note that even though they each have 4 bulbs, the 175 and 176 rotate at different speeds. 175 is about 40 RPM or 80 FPM from the horizontal beams, 176 is 25 RPM or 100-105 FPM.