Whelen ROTA-BEAM Family History
- Thread starter dmathieu
- Start date
Does the blue Model 22 have a running light? Looks like one.
The Hawaii version Senior had a cruise light adapted to it.
The Cadet can not accept a 50 Watt 795X or 55 Watt H1 bulb. It cones with a 27 Watt bi-pin bulb.
The Seniors were very bright if the correct bulb was used, and focused properly, as seen in the video.
Flash rate ranged between 80 and 100 FPM.
The Cadet can not accept a 50 Watt 795X or 55 Watt H1 bulb. It cones with a 27 Watt bi-pin bulb.
The Seniors were very bright if the correct bulb was used, and focused properly, as seen in the video.
Flash rate ranged between 80 and 100 FPM.
My bad. I'm thinking Corporal and typing Cadet. The Corporal will accept 795X bulbs, and they are shockingly bright. How did the Senior compare to sealed beam lights?
In old 1978 Whelen literature effective CP was very close; Standard Rota-Beam 1057, and sealed beam 1134 . Due to the larger magnifiers in the Senior Rota-Beams, the effective CP would have been higher than the Standard Rota-Beams.
The 1964 Ford wagon, gold color with wood grained sides, on the left, was My Dad's (Sergeant's) personally owned car. This car had a blue/red split dome Whelen Rota-Beam RB11 on the dash, a large mechanical siren under the hood, and a town owned radio with long spring/whip antenna on the rear quarter. This was officially designated Grafton "Cruiser 17" (I have the paperwork so designating). This car was used on patrol from time to time, and to answer calls, as supervisor, while off duty. I would love to rebuild this car! 
I know, never. I have a catalog page only. That cruiser was in my home town. The only CJ base I've ever seen.
3 flavors of GLASS domes on Whelen Rota-Beam Model 66
REFURBISHED ROTA-BEAM for my collection.
Rebadged Whelen Model Senior Rota-Beam.
Rebadged as: H. O. K. Sign & Signal, Inc.
102 S 26th St. Phoenix 34 Arizona
Model 100, 12 Volt, Serial # 00453
The stud mount was not a Whelen standard mounting option.
This light would have been early 1960s vintage.
Rota-Beam Standard Model RB11 shown for size comparison.
Looks like the same light on this Grafton, MA truck.
Works like a charm
Rebadged Whelen Model Senior Rota-Beam.
Rebadged as: H. O. K. Sign & Signal, Inc.
102 S 26th St. Phoenix 34 Arizona
Model 100, 12 Volt, Serial # 00453
The stud mount was not a Whelen standard mounting option.
This light would have been early 1960s vintage.
Rota-Beam Standard Model RB11 shown for size comparison.
Looks like the same light on this Grafton, MA truck.
Works like a charm
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It’s actually mounted with bolts to the strap, as opposed to the quick disconnect nipple.
Here’s a strobe version. Same principal as the rota-beam... Didn’t wanna run in the rain to get the actual one.
Dan, here’s more pics of my magnetic “retro-beam”. It only took a few years to complete...
Using the innards of the Whelen Rota-beam R416
OK GUYS and GIRLS Here it is:
WHELEN'S 1ST AUTOMOTIVE LIGHT!
1955 Vintage
NOS BLUE ROTO, not ROTA in original can and shipping box. HOLY COW!!!!!
WHELEN'S 1ST AUTOMOTIVE LIGHT!
1955 Vintage
NOS BLUE ROTO, not ROTA in original can and shipping box. HOLY COW!!!!!
Great find Dan, how you seem to find these treasures is amazing!
Dan - That is awesome. The deep dark blue. Is the lens plastic. Funny they used brown lamp cord. You have the Whelen beacons. What are you missing from you collection?
Whelen did use brown "lamp cord" back in their early days. Many times, after so many years, it gets so brittle that it has to be replaced.
BETTER THAN I COULD HAVE HOPED!!!!
NOS 1st Whelen Automotive Light ROTO-BEAM RB10 BLUE
This is the darkest blue that I've ever seen, with a purple look from some angles. The pictures do not do it justice. This is Whelen's first stab at blue domes.
Shipped from Joliet, Illinois to Undertaker's Supply Co. Pennsylvania on 7/26/55 or 56.
Included original shipping box, storage can, instructions, brochure, and newspaper packing.
NOS 1st Whelen Automotive Light ROTO-BEAM RB10 BLUE
This is the darkest blue that I've ever seen, with a purple look from some angles. The pictures do not do it justice. This is Whelen's first stab at blue domes.
Shipped from Joliet, Illinois to Undertaker's Supply Co. Pennsylvania on 7/26/55 or 56.
Included original shipping box, storage can, instructions, brochure, and newspaper packing.