B&M in the house

[southpaw]

This just arrived today.. Appears to be in good condition. It's a 6 volter so could not test drive it today.. Will do so tomorrow. S8B M-7...

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Nice find! Looks like it could be the same vintage as mine (1957 12V). Contact B&M with your serial number and the will give you all the details of buyer and year ( mail@siro-driftsirens.com ). They also restored mine for about $300–it was barely operable when I took it off the fender of a CD Dodge weapons carrier...stored outdoors, of course.

Before: After:

 

[southpaw]

B&M did their outstanding great job on your siren! They did a Super Chief for me many years ago. Working on the serial number, and some external cleaning to see what might come about for obvious repair needs. The rear band that covers the brushes is the most obvious thing missing so far..

 

[southpaw]

Well.... it is alive!! Tested the beast today, and no issues on it's function, as a siren, so next will be a test on the brake to see if it works. Determined it was shipped in 1954 to a fire apparatus builder in the S.F. Bay Area.. Considering it's of that age, the beast is in fairly good and maybe one might say really good condition. When I woke it up today it growls like an old grizzly bear...

 

[Skulldigger]

That's a beauty. I hope to add one to my collection some day, that and a CAM.

 

[southpaw]

Thank you Kelly!

 

[southpaw]

Did a test on the brake, and it works as it should. So this old beast just needs cosmetics of cleaning and some outside TLC.

 

[Wailer]

In my opinion, the best sounding mechanical siren ever made.

 

[southpaw]

The factory correct pedestal and stainless rear band are installed, and cleaning is next.

 

[southpaw]

Another one on its way "home." Model 8F Friction Drive B&M. Appears to be fairly intact and all there from what I can tell.

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Wow! That’s a real keeper!

 

[southpaw]

Thanks Max!!

 

[southpaw]

Just got some production and information on B&M Sirens, and thanks to Tony, it is now posted as a stick thread in the Vintage/Collectible page. Great information..

 

[southpaw]

Got the fellers together today.. 8F, S8B- M7, and the Super Chief

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Great lineup! I love the sleek look of the Super Chief...like a jet engine! That friction drive should be nicknamed the “Veg-o-magic”...keep your fingers clear!

How ‘bout some videos?

 

[southpaw]

I will work on the videos.. In this senior only local we are at, some of these old timers would hear that and grab their old M1 rifles with flashbacks..... I did run the 8F (Friction Drive) with an air compressor air on the rotor.. Has a nice sound to it!~

 

[Lightbarnut]

My city FD has a '28 American LaFrance with a friction drive B&M on it like yours. It's operated by 2 foot pedals, one at each end of the floor board. When pushed, the pedal is connected to linkage that pushes it against the flywheel when traveling at speed. It obviously could only be used going down the road.