So how did you get started with equipment (warning, non-warning, collecting, etc)?

[TXDPSCJ]

Just curious how you all got into warning/non-warning equipment and/or collecting?

For me, I am restoring an Ex-TX Patrol unit, so I was researching equipment and what I need for a period correct restoration…. I found this site by googling online and I’m very glad I did find it, great tech, great info, and a bunch of nice members here too!

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

TwinSonics... When I started running as VFD they were everywhere. All the cool kids were into Strobes at the time. I started restoring and repairing Twins because it kept me busy and people were grabbing them up when I was done. This morphed into many other bars as I repaired whatever I got my hands on.

 

[dmathieu]

Dad was a small town police sgt. late 50s-60s. This was on his cruiser.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Not sure why, but have had a weird attraction to emergency vehicle lighting since childhood (used to ride my Stingray (bike) in the 60's with a Rat Shack beacon between the handlebars!). Then into a VFD in college (late 70's), a candy store of cool lights and sirens. The collecting started in earnest about 30 years ago with my first beacon purchased from the guru of vintage lighting, John Dorgan. The majority of the collection has actually been obtained during business trips across the country: salvage yards, fire museums, antique malls and even tracking down the owners of a derelict fire engines sitting in farm fields--the hunt was half the fun!

Some very unique designs between the 40's and 70's; most very difficult to find anymore.

Welcome to the site and good look with your project!

 

[Sparky_911]

3rd gen VFD/EMS in my family. Dad (now retired detective/arson investigator) worked for the local Motorola shop in 70s and did all the local LE/FD installs. Got me started on 12v stuff when I got my first car. Stereos, lights, alarms, etc. Grew from there.