Evolution Of The Federal Vitalite

[EL1998P71]

I recently got another 12V Vitalite. this one is a B1 version with a big rectangle magnet on the base. The Decal just says FS FEDERAL Vitalite.
whereas my other vitalite says Vitalite Federal Sign and Signal and has the 3 small magnets on the bottom. Was the bigger magnet an option? Whats the difference between the A1 and B1?

 

[dmathieu]

B1 was the latest version. It came out at the same time as the newest version of teardrop FireBall. Both had the new larger magnet as one of the design changes. This version Vitalite was available with either a base down 1195 bulb, or a base down H1 55 Watt halogen bulb. B1 also added a friction wheel to keep the reflector rotating off level.

 

[dmathieu]

BAD NEWS!
The Federal Vitalite used in The Streets Of San Francisco TV show was not a Vitalite at all, at least in the episode pictured in the attached video stating at 0:38.
It was actually a Grote Vitalite clone. The tell tale signs are:
1. The dome retaining band has a snap tension clip not the Federal screw clip.
2. The friction disc is white plastic, not the Federal aluminum.
3. The light sits up on the higher Grote magnets, not the low profile Federal.

 

[Skulldigger]

Here are some more screen shots of the light in SOSF.

 

[dmathieu]

Those look like the Vitalite. They must have both in props for the show.

 

[Skulldigger]

Same with Starsky and Hutch. Seemed to switch lights at times. They figured who in the world would know or care. Then we come along. Lol..

 

[dmathieu]

Weirdos!

 

[Wailer]

I could never sit through a full episode of SOSF or S&H, but I do remember the 'throw light'. I don't know what kind of sirens the cars had, but the dubbed in siren sound is a Federal PA20 (not a PA20A).

 

[coop359]

I think they dubbed a wail and yelp running together which is cool but not a real siren back then. Now you can get dual amps from many companies. You would need 2 speakers also.

 

[Wailer]

The wail and yelp were overdubbed with reverb added.

 

[dmathieu]

Just grabbed another piece of the Vitalite puzzle.
A 1961-1962 vintage first version using the bakelite socket shown on page 1 of this post. This is the socket used in the very first Welen Rota-Beam RB10/RB11, and the original version Federal Flash Ball.
This is a Model 121S, 120 Volt AC Series A1
Excellent cosmetic and operating condition.
12th Vitalite in this sub-collection.

 

[kitn1mcc]

wonder what the purpose of the resistor

 

[dmathieu]

I don't know, I've seen it used on other Vitalites also.

 

[coop359]

Hi Dan. What do you have on the bottom. It usually comes with a pipe nipple so it does not sit on the table.

 

[dmathieu]

You're right, pipe mount removed so it will sit flat.

 

[dmathieu]

I believe the resistor decreases the brightness of the bulb extending the life of the bulb

wonder what the purpose of the resistor

 

[OliverD]

I have 2 "Vitalite" 121 on the left & 121 H on the right

 

[OliverD]

And then, the 121 H with a blue dome ...

 

[dmathieu]

I've noticed an issue with the 121H. The focal point of the H1 bulb's filament is higher than is should be, causing a lower than optimal beam. I can see it in your video, as well. This causes the 121H to not present it's beam on the horizontal. I've noticed this in all 121Hs that I've seen. Design flaw??

On my truck I use a newer version 121 and replaced the 1195 incandescent bulb with a 795X halogen. This has perfect focal alignment, and a horizontal beam, much better than the 121H.
This would also work by replacing the bulb on the older series A1.

 

[dmathieu]

Just added another split domed Vitalite to my collection.

 

[coop359]

Nice - I saw it sitting at $51.00 bucks - should have bid.

 

[dmathieu]

Glad you didn't. It just would have cost me more!

 

[coop359]

I try and buy surplus domes anytime I can get a deal. Then I try and find lights to fit them.