https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=BrendanW21499&feedformat=atomAir Raid Sirens Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T13:39:41ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.40.1https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=10342Thunderbolt Siren Series2020-10-11T19:40:33Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added a figure on how many were built as a 1990 1003 with the serial number 15500 was recently discovered.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|total units produced= Approx. 15,500 - 16,000<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by an Onan opposed twin cylinder, four cycle engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
With these different blowers, there were other differences as well. The covers for instance over production changed in size, and with the 4M hitting the scene in 1965, vents were added. All of them too had provisions on top of the frame to be bolted together as well as threaded rod on the rear of the frame to further secure them. When the C Series blowers were rolled out, this changed to the covers bolting down on the sides of the frame, and the rod replaced with hinges, as well as a handle riveted to the top of the blower cover.<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* Thunderbolt Sirens in Existence map:<br />
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OsqQYSWmT1n0r7XraeGLmW6kZlo&msa=0&ll=36.38252056819171,-93.515625&spn=35.800463,48.339844&z=9<br />
* Thunderbolt Siren serial number registries:<br />
(Pre-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y2XoyyGNUSaWN7hIb3w9b80HjV19CJ6cZXT_WkW01Rs/edit<br />
(Post-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JL5wx3m2tzTwC_KOhyZcjyW6GTFrsP3F_T8jvg139BQ/edit<br />
<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=System_7000&diff=10267System 70002020-02-28T21:10:03Z<p>BrendanW21499: The provided photo is not from the 1990s. It is believed to actually be from circa 2009.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:System7026.png|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1980?-1990?<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=126-127<br />
|succeeded=[[2001-DC]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''System 7000''' is a self-contained Thunderbolt system that is capable of operating from a municipal power supply or from the built-in engine driven AC generator. Speculation suggests that this was an idea as a failsafe system for the Thunderbolt in the case of power loss before battery-backup hit the mainstream.<br />
<br />
The system consists of a modified Thunderbolt siren, a RadioTrol(optional), and an engine driven AC generator. The system is housed in a corrosion resistant aluminum and steel shelter. A thermostatically controlled fan is used in systems intended for use in consistently hot climates. An optional keylock switch controlled intrusion alarm system may be included to discourage unauthorized access into the system.<br />
<br />
==Models==<br />
===7012===<br />
System '''7012''' utilizes model [[Thunderbolt 1000]] and produces 2 warning signals, '''Steady and Wail.'''<br />
===7022===<br />
System '''7022''' utilizes model [[Thunderbolt 1000T]]. It is nearly identical to 7012, but features a dual-tone chopper.<br />
===7026===<br />
System '''7026''' utilizes model [[Thunderbolt 1003]] and produces 6 warning signals, '''Steady, Alternating Steady, Pulsed Steady, Wail, Alternating Wail, and Pulsed Wail.'''<br />
<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait.]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Model_2&diff=9868Model 22019-12-13T22:32:12Z<p>BrendanW21499: Changed some relevant information pertaining to the production timeline of the Model 2. A 1911 dated 2 is in private possession, hence rendering the 1917 beginning of production date moot.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|title =Model 2<br />
|image =[[File:Model 2.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|caption =<br />
|company =[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced =1907-present<br />
|type =[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|output =102 (Single Tone) 100 (Dual Tone)<ref name="manual"><br />
{{cite manual<br />
|title=Service Manual, Outdoor Warning Sirens, Models 2, 5, SD10, STH10, STL10 |url=http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|format=PDF<br />
|publisher=Federal Signal Corporation<br />
|accessdate=October 23, 2017<br />
|deadurl=no<br />
}}</ref><br />
|hertz =533 (Single Tone) 533/427 (Dual Tone) <ref name="manual" /><br />
|neigh =2<br />
|zap =<br />
|whoosh =<br />
|preceded =<br />
|predate =<br />
|succeeded =<br />
|sucdate =<br />
|manual= http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|sheet= https://wiki.thesirenboard.com/images/e/e2/ANS312_2_0717.pdf<br />
}}<br />
The '''Model 2''' is an omnidirectional siren produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]]. It holds the record for the longest production run of any siren. This siren has a rating of 102 decibels at 100 feet. There was also a coded version produced in limited quantities. Although the Fedelcode name was used on many examples, most did not actually contain a coding mechanism. <br />
<br />
==Variations==<br />
<br />
There were different variations of housings and other differences as 2 production carried on. In regards to housings, the first Model 2s had two louvers on top, and one on the bottom. This was common practice until the 1950s, when a new housing design, the more notable one louver on top and two on the bottom (as seen on the right) was introduced. There are versions with evenly spaced louvers. These housings belong to the Fedelcode versions of the 2. The first 2s were referred to as the "Long Legs". They were called this because the mounting legs that bolted to the motor were rather tall, at roughly 9 or 10 inches tall. It is also worth noting the Long Legs lacked the intake cone and stator ring for stabilizing the housing that newer sirens feature. The long leg sirens were predominately single tone, yet some dual tones have shown up, such as the example in New Orleans, LA that is pictured. The long leg sirens also used 4 brushes as opposed to 2. The 4 brush setup and long legs were replaced with a short leg, two brush setup around 1953, with the version still currently produced today. Although these differences are quite noticeable, the basic formula for the Model 2 has remained constant since the first ones were built around 1907. Federal had also made a coded version of the Model 2. A small motor located at the base of the siren would oscillate a gear which would move a metal shaft leading to the stator. Located at the top of the shaft was a small gear and a strip of gear teeth connected to the stator. When ever the bottom gear oscillates back and forth, the shaft would rotate and cause the stator to open and close making a "coded" signal. It is unknown how long the coded Model 2 was produced for. <br />
==Model 2T==<br />
During the Cold War Era, [[Federal Signal Corporation]] released a version of the '''Model 2''' that was dual tone. The 2T had a rating of 100 decibels at 100 feet. The 2T started production in the mid 1950s. It is unknown when 2T production ceased, however, the 2T was an order option as late as the early 1980s, so it is wise to assume production probably ended around then. It is worth noting too that the newest known 2T is from 1981 and that said siren is in private possession. A vast majority of the 2Ts in private possession are from the 1970s. A production oddity is the long leg 2T. It is unknown if they were factory built units or ones in which the chopper and stator were swapped out. They may have existed in some quantity, as one long leg 2T is in private possession (It is also noteworthy that the privately owned is Darley branded), and one has been found in New Orleans, Louisiana, as pictured.<br />
[[File:IMG 5380.JPG|thumb|Model 2 in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.]]<br />
[[File:Coded2.png|thumb|Coded Model 2 displayed in an old Fedelcode catalog.]]<br />
[[File:New orleans 2t.png|thumbnail|left|A long leg, shroudless 2T in New Orleans, Louisiana.]]<br />
<br />
==Photos==<br />
[[File:2240.jpg|thumb|left|A Model 2 siren without the shroud. The Coke bottle is for a size comparison]]<br />
[[File:2240 2.jpg|thumb|right|A housing for a Model 2. Coke bottle again for a size comparison.]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Mobil_Directo&diff=9867Mobil Directo2019-12-13T22:29:30Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image=[[File:Mobil20directo20ad20195220sm.jpg|200px]]<br />
|produced= 1942-1967<br />
|company= Biersach & Niedermeyer Co.<br />
|type= [[Electromechanical]]<br />
|succeeded= [[Allertor 125]]<br />
|output= 125 <br />
}}<br />
<br />
=General=<br />
The Mobil Directo was a siren produced by the Biersach and Niedermeyer Company from 1942 to 1967. The siren would be offered in two variants, the gasoline-engine driven BN44 and the electric-motor driven BN44E.<br />
<br />
==BN44G==<br />
After the Pearl Harbor attack in 1942, the United States Department of the Army volunteered the Biersach and Niedermeyer Company of Milwaukee, WI to begin production of warning sirens and siren controls. The result of this was the BN44G, coming out in 1944. Commonly known as the Mobil Directo, the BN44G used a 25 horsepower, air-cooled, gasoline engine to drive the rotor/stator assembly while also rotating the entire assembly. The projector design was unique, as air would be drawn in to the front of the siren through a "bowl" shaped protrusion, and the resulting sound would be forced from the top of the chopper up through a triangular, horn-like projector. Using this method, the siren boasted a 125 decibel rating at 100 feet. The gasoline-driven nature of the siren allowed it to be deployed in otherwise inefficient circumstances. For this reason, the BN44G saw widespread use throughout the Pacific Theater on remote island air bases. Additionally, the siren would be installed in several locations throughout the United States. In all, more than 2000 units would be sold, with the gasoline powered variant being discontinued sometime around 1953 or 1954. Of the gasoline powered variants, only five are known to still exist.<br />
<br />
==BN44E==<br />
As time went on, it became evident that a gasoline driven siren was not efficient as a permanent installation, and in 1948 Biersach and Niedermeyer Company introduced the BN44E. The BN44E retained the same sound producing components of the BN44 while replacing the gasoline engine with a 10 horsepower electric motor. The BN44 and BN44E would be offered alongside each other until 1953, when the BN44 was discontinued. A three-signal model of the BN44E, the BN44E-MS-3, would also be offered. Additionally, many original BN44 sirens would undergo a coversion from gasoline to electric. The BN44E was offered up until 1967, when it was discontinued in favor of the Alerting Communicators of America Allertor.<br />
<br />
[[File:York.jpg|thumb| a Mobil-Directo that still retains its original gasoline engine. The engine was an air cooled Wisconsin 25HP V-4 engine. ]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=9866Thunderbolt Siren Series2019-12-13T22:24:16Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
With these different blowers, there were other differences as well. The covers for instance over production changed in size, and with the 4M hitting the scene in 1965, vents were added. All of them too had provisions on top of the frame to be bolted together as well as threaded rod on the rear of the frame to further secure them. When the C Series blowers were rolled out, this changed to the covers bolting down on the sides of the frame, and the rod replaced with hinges, as well as a handle riveted to the top of the blower cover.<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* Thunderbolt Sirens in Existence map:<br />
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OsqQYSWmT1n0r7XraeGLmW6kZlo&msa=0&ll=36.38252056819171,-93.515625&spn=35.800463,48.339844&z=9<br />
* Thunderbolt Siren serial number registries:<br />
(Pre-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y2XoyyGNUSaWN7hIb3w9b80HjV19CJ6cZXT_WkW01Rs/edit<br />
(Post-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JL5wx3m2tzTwC_KOhyZcjyW6GTFrsP3F_T8jvg139BQ/edit<br />
<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=9707Thunderbolt Siren Series2019-12-05T00:33:13Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* See Also */ Added links for possibly interesting information</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
With these different blowers, there were other differences as well. The covers for instance over production changed in size, and with the 4M hitting the scene in 1965, vents were added. All of them too had provisions on top of the frame to be bolted together as well as threaded rod on the rear of the frame to further secure them. When the C Series blowers were rolled out, this changed to the covers bolting down on the sides of the frame, and the rod replaced with hinges, as well as a handle riveted to the top of the blower cover.<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* Thunderbolt Sirens in Existence map:<br />
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OsqQYSWmT1n0r7XraeGLmW6kZlo&msa=0&ll=36.38252056819171,-93.515625&spn=35.800463,48.339844&z=9<br />
* Thunderbolt Siren serial number registries:<br />
(Pre-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y2XoyyGNUSaWN7hIb3w9b80HjV19CJ6cZXT_WkW01Rs/edit<br />
(Post-1976) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JL5wx3m2tzTwC_KOhyZcjyW6GTFrsP3F_T8jvg139BQ/edit<br />
<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=9706Thunderbolt Siren Series2019-12-05T00:29:13Z<p>BrendanW21499: SEND HELP!!!!</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
With these different blowers, there were other differences as well. The covers for instance over production changed in size, and with the 4M hitting the scene in 1965, vents were added. All of them too had provisions on top of the frame to be bolted together as well as threaded rod on the rear of the frame to further secure them. When the C Series blowers were rolled out, this changed to the covers bolting down on the sides of the frame, and the rod replaced with hinges, as well as a handle riveted to the top of the blower cover.<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* {{Link|link=https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OsqQYSWmT1n0r7XraeGLmW6kZlo&msa=0&ll=36.38252056819171,-93.515625&spn=35.800463,48.339844&z=9|name=Thunderbolt Sirens still in existence map.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=9705Thunderbolt Siren Series2019-12-05T00:21:07Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Blowers */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
With these different blowers, there were other differences as well. The covers for instance over production changed in size, and with the 4M hitting the scene in 1965, vents were added. All of them too had provisions on top of the frame to be bolted together as well as threaded rod on the rear of the frame to further secure them. When the C Series blowers were rolled out, this changed to the covers bolting down on the sides of the frame, and the rod replaced with hinges, as well as a handle riveted to the top of the blower cover.<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=9704Thunderbolt Siren Series2019-12-05T00:19:03Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Rotators */ I was informed that the 1993 Tbolt claims were a fabrication that was passed off as legitimate.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=208-240 or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view and parts list of the Thunderbolt.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the Thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first model, but was later optional; 1000 being the only model from 1952-1953, optional from 1954-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. 4/5 variants are typically found in some of the oldest 1000T models, where 5/6 later because the standard around 1958/1959.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were removed and replaced around 2009.<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
[[File:2000_blower.jpg|thumb|The engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. Unit was converted to propane.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a blower powered by a gasoline engine. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
[[System 7000]] <br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-production Thunderbolt being examined for performance. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, 1951]][[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|160px|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
The Thunderbolt went through many different changes throughout it's prototypical phase. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator enclosures, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded Thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblong rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
[[File:blowers.jpg|thumb|All four blower iterations.]]<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower was changed during production; starting in 1952, Thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1958, later to the 4M in 1965. This was used up until 1980, when Thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1990. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1958: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1959-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest Thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1954, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor. Approximately 50 of the reinforced projectors still exist to this day.<br />
<br />
==Custom Uses==<br />
Some Thunderbolts were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is believed that they were supercharged by pneumatics provided from the locomotive itself. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by around 1986. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. UP 6924 was scrapped in 1986, likely taking it's 1003 siren with it.<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Atlanta,_GA&diff=2734Atlanta, GA2018-08-30T23:35:15Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div><inputbox><br />
type=create<br />
width=100<br />
break=no<br />
buttonlabel=Create new article<br />
default=(Atlanta, GA)<br />
</inputbox><br />
<br />
The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like most cities, it had a civil defense system. Today however, only bits and pieces remain of this system that composed of well over 100 sirens total, and approximately 45 at its peak in the 1950s.<br />
<br />
The earliest mention of Atlanta having sirens comes from early 1942. In the early days of WWII, Atlanta installed 225 sirens according to an article dated 7/11/1942. These sirens were four Federal sirens installed on telephone poles that totaled 2 H.P. This would be, implying that they had 4 at every location, 56 sites. Of these setups, only one is left that is currently known about. However, in another article dated 9/23/1942; the article metions a two tone Decot siren being installed on the Rhodes-Haverty Building. During WWII, Atlanta did too purchase Model 7s as supplements. Any other information about these sirens is currently unknown, but at least one ended up in Palmetto, GA, which was removed in 2016 after burning out. Hapeville, GA did also have one on a water tank per a 1952 article, but nothing more has been found on this siren at this time. One more was found in Alpharetta, GA having been installed in 1945. This siren is currently stored at the fire headquarters for the city.<br />
In 1952, the city of Atlanta seeked bids and actually tried out some sirens. The sirens tested included Thunderbolts, a single Chrysler, so on. Biersach and Niedermeyer ended up winning the bid, and 25 gas powered Mobil-Directos were ordered. These sirens were installed in Atlanta proper, and in immediate surrounding areas, such as DeKalb County, Marietta, and East Point. The totals for sirens purchased was 27, with 15 being installed in Atlanta, 10 in DeKalb, and one in Marietta and East Point each. The sirens were delivered in December 1952 and installed in September 1953 at various points in the area. Some of these sirens did not last long, unfortunately. For example, the Marietta siren was replaced in 1958 with two Thunderbolts, both of which now no longer exist. Why is unknown. Atlanta did also add on sirens as time dragged on with a batch of Federal Signal SD-10s going up in 1961, and interestingly, some electronic sirens and six Thunderbolt 1003s going up ca. 1978. Between the batches in 1961 and 1978 however, some changes occurred. By 1974, Atlanta had 3 thunderbolts according to an article from that year about Big Myrtle, one of the Mobil Directos. In 1963, DeKalb installed 26 or 27 Thunderbolts (the numbers vary btw. 1963 and 1977 approximately. One was removed in 1984 however, 5 years before the system was shut down and removed.) and most likely replaced the Mobil-Directos. The electronic sirens are still of unknown manufacture, and the last known unit came down two years ago at the time of this article (2018). The 1970s expansions came at a time after the area got hit by a tornado in 1975 and CD officials deemed using sirens for weather warnings okay. Some sirens did go up around 1975 in Sandy Springs, but no information has turned up to date on those sirens.<br />
The system of sirens was decommissioned roughly in 1990 and removed. The sirens were sold as surplus with some of the SD-10s going to Cobb County, GA and one going to Oxford, GA. Nothing else is known about the whereabouts of the rest of the sirens. 6 sirens remain today, three of them being on one installation.<br />
<br />
Locations to follow.....?</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=500_Series&diff=2623500 Series2018-07-19T18:05:57Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox siren<br />
|company=[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|image= [[File:500dhtt_1.png|thumb|A 500-DHTT in Yonkers, NY.]]<br />
|type=[[electromechanical]]<br />
}}<br />
The 500 Series was a line of [[electromechanical]] sirens produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation|Federal Sign & Signal]]. <br />
It went through a lot of prototyping, ranging from a coded unit that allows it to make a "pulsed" signal, along with variants of single and dual tone models, even different phase motors were tested. They finally settled on one design that was compact, yet effective. This model unfortunately was advertised as a "mid-range" siren by Federal, which in turn caused their [[Thunderbolt]] siren to outsell it by a long shot. <br />
The most powerful unit they made was the 10/12 port, 3-phase 500SHTT, meaning single head two tone. <br />
<br />
The 500-DHTT is a dual horn version of the 500SHTT, they have 2 choppers and rotors each side, one being 8 port, the other being 12. They were offered with a 15 or 20 horsepower motor, <br />
roughly 100 were ever made, and 7 units are known to exist as of 2018.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=500_Series&diff=2622500 Series2018-07-19T18:05:22Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox siren<br />
|company=[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|image= [[File:500dhtt_1.png|thumb|A 500-DHTT in Yonkers, NY.]]<br />
|type=[[electromechanical]]<br />
}}<br />
The 500 Series was a line of [[electromechanical]] sirens produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation|Federal Sign & Signal]]. <br />
It went through a lot of prototyping, ranging from a coded unit that allows it to make a "pulsed" signal, along with variants of single and dual tone models, even different phase motors were tested. They finally settled on one design that was compact, yet effective. This model unfortunately was advertised as a "mid-range" siren by Federal, which in turn caused their [[Thunderbolt]] siren to outsell it by a long shot. <br />
The most powerful unit they made was the 10/12 port, 3-phase 500SHTT, meaning single head two tone. <br />
<br />
The 500-DHTT is a dual horn version of the 500SHTT, they have 2 choppers and rotors each side, one being 8 port, the other being 12. They were offered with a 15 or 20 horsepower motor, <br />
roughly 100 were ever made, and 8 are known to exist as of 2018.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Atlanta,_GA&diff=2579Atlanta, GA2018-07-08T02:58:35Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div><inputbox><br />
type=create<br />
width=100<br />
break=no<br />
buttonlabel=Create new article<br />
default=(Atlanta, GA)<br />
</inputbox><br />
<br />
The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like most cities, it had a civil defense system. Today however, only bits and pieces remain of this system that composed of well over 100 sirens total, and approximately 45 at its peak in the 1950s.<br />
<br />
From the beginning:<br />
The earliest mention of Atlanta having sirens comes from early 1942. In the early days of WWII, Atlanta installed 225 sirens according to an article dated 7/11/1942. These sirens were four Federal sirens installed on telephone poles that totaled 2 H.P. This would be, implying that they had 4 at every location, 56 sites. Of these setups, only one is left that is currently known about. However, in another article dated 9/23/1942; the article metions a two tone Decot siren being installed on the Rhodes-Haverty Building. During WWII, Atlanta did too purchase Model 7s as supplements</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Atlanta,_GA&diff=2578Atlanta, GA2018-07-08T02:49:10Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div><inputbox><br />
type=create<br />
width=100<br />
break=no<br />
buttonlabel=Create new article<br />
default=(Atlanta, GA)<br />
</inputbox><br />
<br />
The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like most cities, it had a civil defense system. Today however, only bits and pieces remain of this system that composed of well over 100 sirens total, and approximately 45 at its peak in the 1950s.<br />
<br />
'''From the beginning:'''<br />
The earliest mention of Atlanta having sirens comes from early 1942. In the early days of WWII, Atlanta installed 225 sirens according to an article dated 7/11/1942. These sirens were four Federal sirens installed on telephone poles that totaled 2 H.P. This would be, implying that they had 4 at every location, 56 sites. Of these setups, only one is left that is currently known about. However, in another article dated 9/23/1942; the article metions a two tone Decot siren being installed on the Rhodes-Haverty Building.</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Atlanta,_GA&diff=2577Atlanta, GA2018-07-08T02:48:47Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div><inputbox><br />
type=create<br />
width=100<br />
break=no<br />
buttonlabel=Create new article<br />
default=(Atlanta, GA)<br />
</inputbox><br />
<br />
The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like most cities, it had a civil defense system. Today however, only bits and pieces remain of this system that composed of well over 100 sirens total, and approximately 45 at its peak in the 1950s.<br />
<br />
'''From the beginning:'''''Italic text''<br />
<br />
The earliest mention of Atlanta having sirens comes from early 1942. In the early days of WWII, Atlanta installed 225 sirens according to an article dated 7/11/1942. These sirens were four Federal sirens installed on telephone poles that totaled 2 H.P. This would be, implying that they had 4 at every location, 56 sites. Of these setups, only one is left that is currently known about. However, in another article dated 9/23/1942; the article metions a two tone Decot siren being installed on the Rhodes-Haverty Building.</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Atlanta,_GA&diff=2576Atlanta, GA2018-07-08T02:48:30Z<p>BrendanW21499: Created page with "<inputbox> type=create width=100 break=no buttonlabel=Create new article default=(Atlanta, GA) </inputbox> The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like mo..."</p>
<hr />
<div><inputbox><br />
type=create<br />
width=100<br />
break=no<br />
buttonlabel=Create new article<br />
default=(Atlanta, GA)<br />
</inputbox><br />
<br />
The city of Atlanta is the capitol of the state of Georgia. Like most cities, it had a civil defense system. Today however, only bits and pieces remain of this system that composed of well over 100 sirens total, and approximately 45 at its peak in the 1950s.<br />
<br />
From the beginning:<br />
<br />
The earliest mention of Atlanta having sirens comes from early 1942. In the early days of WWII, Atlanta installed 225 sirens according to an article dated 7/11/1942. These sirens were four Federal sirens installed on telephone poles that totaled 2 H.P. This would be, implying that they had 4 at every location, 56 sites. Of these setups, only one is left that is currently known about. However, in another article dated 9/23/1942; the article metions a two tone Decot siren being installed on the Rhodes-Haverty Building.</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2453Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-28T16:38:48Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */ Corrected a minor error someone was being incredibly anal over. You know who you are.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. Most of, if not all of the Series B units are C series, which began production in 1980 exclusively for this siren at first, although this blower started to go on regular 1003s and 1000 variations in 1981, which in turn was the last year of A2 production (1981 can be seen as a transitional year in this case). C series was standard from 1982 until the end of production of 1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2452Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-24T15:55:52Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units C series, which began production in 1980 exclusively for this siren at first, although this blower started to go on regular 1003s and 1000 variations in 1981, which in turn was the last year of A2 production (1981 can be seen as a transitional year in this case). C series was standard from 1982 until the end of production of 1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2451Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-24T15:55:17Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */ Corrected some blower information.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units C series, which began production in 1980 exclusively for this siren at first, although this blower started to go on regular 1003s and 1000 variations in 1981, which in turn was the last year of A2 production. C series was standard from 1982 until the end of production of 1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2450Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-24T15:52:25Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000 */ Added some more technical info on the 1000.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower which it essentially is. The chopper is little more than a Model 2-240 with the legs, stator ring, stator, and intake cone removed and the stator replaced with a chopper cap, which was a mostly enclosed item with a single port that connected to the back of the thunderbolt's horn via. allen screws. The rounded rotator pre production models of this siren built were single toned sirens as well. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units were A2s, as C series production began the year after these were discontinued.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Hurricane&diff=2449Hurricane2018-03-22T18:35:32Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Cities using the Hurricane */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image= <br />
[[File:Hurricane.jpg|200px|thumb|center]]<br />
|company= [[Alerting Communicators of America]]<br />
|produced= 1968-1981<br />
|type = [[:Category:Electromechanical Sirens|Electromechanical]]<br />
|output = 130<br />
}}<br />
The '''Hurricane''' is an Electromechanical siren manufactured by [[Alerting Communicators of America]]. This siren was meant to compete with [[Federal Signal]]'s [[Thunderbolt]] series sirens. Two known models were produced. The '''Hurricane 130''', which was a square horned model. Eventually, the horn was made round and the model was changed to '''Hurricane MKII 130'''. In 1981, ACA ceased production of the Hurricane in favor of the [[P-50]]. The Hurricane is an 8/10 port siren.<br />
[[File:ACA Hurricane.jpg|thumbnail|A Hurricane two years before being removed in Garland, Texas]]<br />
==Cities using the Hurricane==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Cities Using Or That Have Used The ACA Hurricane<br />
! Number of Sirens, Operation Status<br />
! Model<br />
|-<br />
| Addyston, OH<br />
| 1, Removed, in private possession<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Baxter, MN<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Normal, IL<br />
| 2 (Exact number unknown), Removed<br />
| MII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Crystal River, FL<br />
| Approximately 10, Removed (Crystal River NPP system)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Centralia, IL<br />
| 1, Removed In 2010, In Private Possession<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Darien, IL<br />
| 2, 1 Still Operational, 1 Removed for Private Possession.<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Fayetteville, OH<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Garland, TX<br />
| 4, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greendale, WI<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greenville, TX<br />
| 2, most likely inactive<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| La Crescent, MN<br />
| 3, Removed (1 Hurricane MKII-130 is replaced by a Sentry siren and other Hurricane is replaced by a Federal Signal 2001-130)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Milwaukee, WI<br />
| 2, 1 operational. The other one is stored at the [[American Signal Corporation]] Headquarters. More were installed in the city at one time<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Rolling Meadows, IL<br />
| 3, replaced in the 1980s with Allertronics<br />
| 130<br />
| -<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nHaAzz8dDs Hurricane MKII 130 in Milwaukee, WI.]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]]<br />
[[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Alerting Communicators of America]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Hurricane&diff=2448Hurricane2018-03-22T18:34:31Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Cities using the Hurricane */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image= <br />
[[File:Hurricane.jpg|200px|thumb|center]]<br />
|company= [[Alerting Communicators of America]]<br />
|produced= 1968-1981<br />
|type = [[:Category:Electromechanical Sirens|Electromechanical]]<br />
|output = 130<br />
}}<br />
The '''Hurricane''' is an Electromechanical siren manufactured by [[Alerting Communicators of America]]. This siren was meant to compete with [[Federal Signal]]'s [[Thunderbolt]] series sirens. Two known models were produced. The '''Hurricane 130''', which was a square horned model. Eventually, the horn was made round and the model was changed to '''Hurricane MKII 130'''. In 1981, ACA ceased production of the Hurricane in favor of the [[P-50]]. The Hurricane is an 8/10 port siren.<br />
[[File:ACA Hurricane.jpg|thumbnail|A Hurricane two years before being removed in Garland, Texas]]<br />
==Cities using the Hurricane==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Cities Using Or That Have Used The ACA Hurricane<br />
! Number of Sirens, Operation Status<br />
! Model<br />
|-<br />
| Addyston, OH<br />
| 1, Removed, in private possession<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Baxter, MN<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Normal, IL<br />
| 2 (Exact number unknown), Removed<br />
| MII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Crystal River, FL<br />
| Approximately 10, Removed (Crystal River NPP system)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Centralia, IL<br />
| 1, Removed In 2010, In Private Possession<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Darien, IL<br />
| 2, 1 Still Operational, 1 Removed for Private Possession.<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Fayetteville, OH<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Garland, TX<br />
| 4, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greendale, WI<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greenville, TX<br />
| 2, most likely inactive<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| La Crescent, MN<br />
| 3, Removed (1 Hurricane MKII-130 is replaced by a Sentry siren and other Hurricane is replaced by a Federal Signal 2001-130)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Milwaukee, WI<br />
| 2, 1 operational. The other one is stored at the [[American Signal Corporation]] Headquarters.<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Rolling Meadows, IL<br />
| 3, replaced in the 1980s with Allertronics<br />
| 130<br />
| -<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nHaAzz8dDs Hurricane MKII 130 in Milwaukee, WI.]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]]<br />
[[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Alerting Communicators of America]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Hurricane&diff=2447Hurricane2018-03-22T18:34:13Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Cities using the Hurricane */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image= <br />
[[File:Hurricane.jpg|200px|thumb|center]]<br />
|company= [[Alerting Communicators of America]]<br />
|produced= 1968-1981<br />
|type = [[:Category:Electromechanical Sirens|Electromechanical]]<br />
|output = 130<br />
}}<br />
The '''Hurricane''' is an Electromechanical siren manufactured by [[Alerting Communicators of America]]. This siren was meant to compete with [[Federal Signal]]'s [[Thunderbolt]] series sirens. Two known models were produced. The '''Hurricane 130''', which was a square horned model. Eventually, the horn was made round and the model was changed to '''Hurricane MKII 130'''. In 1981, ACA ceased production of the Hurricane in favor of the [[P-50]]. The Hurricane is an 8/10 port siren.<br />
[[File:ACA Hurricane.jpg|thumbnail|A Hurricane two years before being removed in Garland, Texas]]<br />
==Cities using the Hurricane==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Cities Using Or That Have Used The ACA Hurricane<br />
! Number of Sirens, Operation Status<br />
! Model<br />
|-<br />
| Addyston, OH<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Baxter, MN<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Normal, IL<br />
| 2 (Exact number unknown), Removed<br />
| MII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Crystal River, FL<br />
| Approximately 10, Removed (Crystal River NPP system)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Centralia, IL<br />
| 1, Removed In 2010, In Private Possession<br />
| 130<br />
|-<br />
| Darien, IL<br />
| 2, 1 Still Operational, 1 Removed for Private Possession.<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Fayetteville, OH<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Garland, TX<br />
| 4, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greendale, WI<br />
| 1, Removed<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Greenville, TX<br />
| 2, most likely inactive<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| La Crescent, MN<br />
| 3, Removed (1 Hurricane MKII-130 is replaced by a Sentry siren and other Hurricane is replaced by a Federal Signal 2001-130)<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Milwaukee, WI<br />
| 2, 1 operational. The other one is stored at the [[American Signal Corporation]] Headquarters.<br />
| MKII-130<br />
|-<br />
| Rolling Meadows, IL<br />
| 3, replaced in the 1980s with Allertronics<br />
| 130<br />
| -<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nHaAzz8dDs Hurricane MKII 130 in Milwaukee, WI.]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]]<br />
[[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Alerting Communicators of America]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2446Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-13T02:07:51Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 2000 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units were A2s, as C series production began the year after these were discontinued.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. This unit was offered in single tone and dual tone. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very late 1950s (Ca. 1959), thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=CDWS&diff=2443CDWS2018-03-06T18:08:03Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Overview==<br />
The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consisting of a central console that looked like the dial to a desktop rotary phone, as well as a light up board that stated what signal the sirens were currently sounding. This controller, when used, sent a signal via. phone relay to receivers mounted to sirens. When a signal was received, sirens were activated. To activate sirens, a certain section had to be dialed twice within 5 seconds. The dial had 5 sections. 4 for siren signals (Test (1), Attack (3), and two instances of alert (2 and 4)), , one for cancel. In Bell literature, the controller was initially thought of during WWII, however the first know iteration of it is from 1950. The earliest known instance of this controller appearing anywhere was in a 1960 civil defense film that was shot in the Washington, DC metro. The controller did also have some screentime in 1978's Day of the Killer Tornadoes. It is currently not known when this controller was taken out of production, however a logical guess would be the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br />
<br />
==Photos:==<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt.png|thumb|left| Dial as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt2.png|thumb|left| Indicator as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Siren Control Equipment]][[Category:Electromechanical Siren Controls]]<br />
{{cite manual<br />
|title=Bell System publication from January 1968 pertaining to the CDWS|url=http://etler.com/docs/BSP/981/981-281-100.pdf<br />
|format=PDF<br />
|publisher=unknown<br />
|accessdate=March 6, 2018<br />
|deadurl=no<br />
}}</ref></div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=CDWS&diff=2442CDWS2018-03-06T18:05:37Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Overview==<br />
The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consisting of a central console that looked like the dial to a desktop rotary phone, as well as a light up board that stated what signal the sirens were currently sounding. This controller, when used, sent a signal via. phone relay to receivers mounted to sirens. When a signal was received, sirens were activated. To activate sirens, a certain section had to be dialed twice within 5 seconds. The dial had 5 sections. 4 for siren signals (Test (1), Attack (3), and two instances of alert (2 and 4)), , one for cancel. In Bell literature, the controller was initially thought of during WWII, however the first know iteration of it is from 1950. The earliest known instance of this controller appearing anywhere was in a 1960 civil defense film that was shot in the Washington, DC metro. The controller did also have some screentime in 1978's Day of the Killer Tornadoes. It is currently not known when this controller was taken out of production, however a logical guess would be the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br />
<br />
==Photos:==<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt.png|thumb|left| Dial as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt2.png|thumb|left| Indicator as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Siren Control Equipment]][[Category:Electromechanical Siren Controls]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2441Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-06T18:05:00Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1990; 1993(?)<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units were A2s, as C series production began the year after these were discontinued.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=CDWS&diff=2439CDWS2018-03-06T18:03:56Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Overview==<br />
The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consisting of a central console that looked like the dial to a desktop rotary phone, as well as a light up board that stated what signal the sirens were currently sounding. This controller, when used, sent a signal via. phone relay to receivers mounted to sirens. When a signal was received, sirens were activated. To activate sirens, a certain section had to be dialed twice within 5 seconds. The dial had 5 sections. 4 for siren signals (Test (1), Attack (3), and two instances of alert (2 and 4)), , one for cancel. In Bell literature, the controller was initially thought of during WWII, however the first know iteration of it is from 1950. The earliest known instance of this controller appearing anywhere was in a 1960 civil defense film that was shot in the Washington, DC metro. The controller did also have some screentime in 1978's Day of the Killer Tornadoes. It is currently not known when this controller was taken out of production, however a logical guess would be the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br />
<br />
==Photos:==<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt.png|thumb|left| Dial as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt2.png|thumb|left| Indicator as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Siren Control Equipment]][[Category:Signal Timer]][[Category:Electromechanical Siren Controls]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=CDWS&diff=2438CDWS2018-03-06T18:01:34Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div>The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consisting of a central console that looked like the dial to a desktop rotary phone, as well as a light up board that stated what signal the sirens were currently sounding. This controller, when used, sent a signal via. phone relay to receivers mounted to sirens. When a signal was received, sirens were activated. To activate sirens, a certain section had to be dialed twice within 5 seconds. The dial had 5 sections. 4 for siren signals (Test (1), Attack (3), and two instances of alert (2 and 4)), , one for cancel. In Bell literature, the controller was initially thought of during WWII, however the first know iteration of it is from 1950. The earliest known instance of this controller appearing anywhere was in a 1960 civil defense film that was shot in the Washington, DC metro. The controller did also have some screentime in 1978's Day of the Killer Tornadoes. It is currently not known when this controller was taken out of production, however a logical guess would be the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br />
<br />
<br />
Photos:<br />
<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt.png|thumb|left| Dial as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt2.png|thumb|left| Indicator as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
<br />
http://etler.com/docs/BSP/981/981-281-100.pdf<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Siren Control Equipment]][[Category:Signal Timer]][[Category:Electromechanical Siren Controls]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=CDWS&diff=2437CDWS2018-03-06T17:59:20Z<p>BrendanW21499: Created page with "The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consi..."</p>
<hr />
<div>The Civil Defense Warning Siren (CDWS) controller was a controller manufactured by Western Electric Co. for Bell or AT&T Telephone Co. This controller was a unique style consisting of a central console that looked like the dial to a desktop rotary phone, as well as a light up board that stated what signal the sirens were currently sounding. This controller, when used, sent a signal via. phone relay to receivers mounted to sirens. When a signal was received, sirens were activated. To activate sirens, a certain section had to be dialed twice within 5 seconds. The dial had 5 sections. 4 for siren signals (Test (1), Attack (3), and two instances of alert (2 and 4)), , one for cancel. In Bell literature, the controller was initially thought of during WWII, however the first know iteration of it is from 1950. The earliest known instance of this controller appearing anywhere was in a 1960 civil defense film that was shot in the Washington, DC metro. The controller did also have some screentime in 1978's Day of the Killer Tornadoes. It is currently not known when this controller was taken out of production, however a logical guess would be the late 1970s or early 1980s.<br />
<br />
<br />
Photos:<br />
<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt.png|thumb|left| Dial as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
[[File:Cdwsdotkt2.png|thumb|left| Indicator as seen in "Day of the Killer Tornadoes"]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
http://etler.com/docs/BSP/981/981-281-100.pdf</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:Cdwsdotkt2.png&diff=2436File:Cdwsdotkt2.png2018-03-06T17:57:38Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
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<div></div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:Cdwsdotkt.png&diff=2435File:Cdwsdotkt.png2018-03-06T17:56:55Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
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<div></div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2425Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-03-04T00:24:28Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1003 */ I'd really appreciate it if whoever you are who did it would stop deleting my contributions. It's really annoying to go on here and find out some stuff I spent quite a bit of time finding, writing, etc. has been erased. Thanks!</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units were A2s, as C series production began the year after these were discontinued.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|left|Modded 1003 atop UP 6924. This photo was taken in 1980.]]<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. <br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Mobil_Directo&diff=2424Mobil Directo2018-02-27T19:08:09Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added a photo of a Gas MD, and added what kind of engine it had.</p>
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<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image=[[File:Mobil20directo20ad20195220sm.jpg|200px]]<br />
|produced= ~1942-1967<br />
|company= Biersach & Niedermeyer Co.<br />
|type= [[Electromechanical]]<br />
|succeeded= [[Allertor 125]]<br />
|output= 125 <br />
}}<br />
<br />
<br />
The '''Mobil Directo''' was a siren manufactured by the Biersach & Niedermeyer Co. The siren came in two types. An '''Electric Motor''' Mobil Directo only came in a Dual Tone 10/12 port ratio. However, the '''Gas Motor''' Mobil Directo only came in an Single Tone 8 port ratio. Many gas motor units were eventually converted with an electric motor like the 10/12 port units. When the company evolved into [[Alerting Communicators of America]] the siren was evolved into the [[Allertor 125]].<br />
<br />
[[File:York.jpg|thumb| a Mobil-Directo that still retains its original gasoline engine. The engine was an air cooled Wisconsin 25HP V-4 engine. ]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:York.jpg&diff=2423File:York.jpg2018-02-27T19:03:04Z<p>BrendanW21499: Gas MD in York, PA</p>
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<div>Gas MD in York, PA</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Model_5&diff=2422Model 52018-02-27T18:41:19Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added rough production years for some of the 5/7 variants as well as original Federal material pertaining to them.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|title =Model 5/7, and Model 5T<br />
[[File:IMG 0233.JPG|thumb|Model 5/7 in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.]]<br />
[[File:Image (2).jpg|thumb|Original advertisements (?) for the Model 5, circa. late 1970's]]<br />
|caption =<br />
|company =[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced 5: 1938 to 1988 7: 1920s until 1970s? 5T: 1954 approximately until 1982<br />
|type =[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|output =113 (Single Tone) 108 (Dual Tone)<ref name="manual"><br />
{{cite manual<br />
|title=Service Manual, Outdoor Warning Sirens, Models 2, 5, SD10, STH10, STL10 |url=http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|format=PDF<br />
|publisher=Federal Signal Corporation<br />
|accessdate=October 22, 2017<br />
|deadurl=no<br />
}}</ref><br />
|hertz =690 (Single Tone) 690/517.5 (Dual Tone) <ref name="manual" /><br />
|neigh =5, or 7 (Model 7's) <ref name="manual" /><br />
|manual = http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Model 5/7''' was a siren produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]]. The siren came in the three different port ratio's. 12, which is the most common. 8, which isn't found on many models, and 9/12, only found on Model 5T's. A Model 5A is a three phase siren, and a Model 5B is single phase. Model 7's are three phase sirens like the Model 5A, but seem to have a faster windup. However, Model 5T's are dual tone only.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
[[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]]<br />
[[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:Image_(2).jpg&diff=2421File:Image (2).jpg2018-02-27T18:39:25Z<p>BrendanW21499: model 5 ads</p>
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<div>model 5 ads</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2412Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-25T03:43:44Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. <br />
The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from roughly 1979 to 1980 or 1981 (All three years have been reported on BTs), B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. 12 units are accounted for as still being extant as of February 2018, however more may be out there. All of the Series B units were A2s, as C series production began the year after these were discontinued.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2411Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-25T03:32:01Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */ Edited some info. Also working on taking a total on B series units out there as of 2017-2018.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from 1979-1981, B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. Approximately 20 or 25 are known to exist as of 2017.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2410Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-25T03:27:41Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000T */ Added some info on the BT</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively. The majority of Thunderbolt 1000Ts were typical A series units, however from 1979-1981, B series units were made. The difference is that the rotator, instead of being driven by a motor and gear reducer linked via. belt, it is direct drive. The chopper was also was powered using an external motor attatched to the rotor as opposed to a Model 2 motor. The B series 1000Ts were dual tone only. No single tone units are known to exist as of 2017.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2409Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-25T03:23:20Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Rotators */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:Unnamed.png|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000.]]<br />
[[File:Copy 2.jpg|thumb|Propane tank which is connected to the gas engine. ]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
[[File:018-1.jpg|thumb|left|Guts of a B series rotator. Photo courtesy of EL1998P71]]<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:018-1.jpg&diff=2408File:018-1.jpg2018-02-25T03:22:19Z<p>BrendanW21499: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=HOR&diff=2406HOR2018-02-23T04:58:22Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added some information, as well as a photo so at least this god forsaken page has SOME visual appeal.</p>
<hr />
<div>H.O.R (Commonly misconcepted as Hear Our Roar. It actually stands for Harry O. Ricci, the name of the founder of the company) was a siren company based in Long Island, New York that built the Super Sirex and Siro-drone sirens. There are very few active units in the United States.<br />
The Super Sirex came in either 25, 40, or 50 horsepower. They either had port ratios of 9/9, 10/10, and 7/10. They were available in both dual and single head models, with or without a rotator.<br />
The Siro-Drone came in 2,5,7, and 10 horsepower and were smaller vertical sirens similar to a Fedelcode siren. Its port ratios were 9,10, and 12 port. HOR also had another vertical siren, similar to the Super Sirex, called the Sirex, of which there are two known to be active in Massapequa, New York.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|left|An H.O.R Super-Sirex 50 being tested in Jefferson City, MO in 1951.]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Siren Manufacturers]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2393Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-22T00:18:42Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1003 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. It is noteworthy that the 1003 was the last production unit ever built. The last sirens went to a township in Michigan, however all of them were replaced sometime within the last ten years.<br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:SanDimasT-bolt12.jpg|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. This unit no longer exists.]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Thunderbolt_Siren_Series&diff=2392Thunderbolt Siren Series2018-02-22T00:15:15Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Thunderbolt 1000 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image = [[File:Thunderbolt Pole Mounted Official.jpeg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced=1952-1993<br />
|type=[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|phase=1 or 3<br />
|voltage=120, 220, 240, or 480<br />
|output=125-130<br />
|succeeded=[[2001SRN]]<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Thunderbolt Exploded View and Parts List.jpeg|thumb|An exploded view of the Thunderbolt siren as well as a parts list for the siren.]]<br />
The '''Thunderbolt''' siren was a supercharged electromechanical siren produced by Federal Enterprises, which later became known as Federal Sign & Signal, and finally Federal Signal. The '''Thunderbolt''' has seven chopper levels, or voltage settings, that allow the pitch to be adjusted on the chopper, which gave the benefit to use lower or higher tones depending on the terrain and surroundings. The '''Thunderbolt''' can come in three port ratios, 5 Port single tone, or 4/5, and 5/6 Port dual tone. This siren was invented in the late 40s/early 50s as a cold war siren to warn the public of an air raid attack, later to be reissued as a multi-purpose disaster siren for weather, chemical spills, fires, or anything else that may deem appropriate. This siren went through many changes throughout it's life, and made quite a reputation as one of the best sirens in the market.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Pre-Production ==<br />
<br />
As with any siren, prototypes for the Thunderbolt did exist. These prototypes included such units as ones with rounded horns, rounded blower and rotator covers, even non-rotational ones. The rounded rotator and blower unit is the unit that appears on very early Federal advertisements. One unit turned up in photos from a siren study in Jefferson City, Missouri. Another unit was supposedly destroyed in the Trinity nuclear test in the early 50s. A person claimed to have found the remains of a rounded thunderbolt rotator panel on a former test site, however no evidence ever surfaced to back this. It could be implied that the poster lied or was mistaken on his find. One other prototype unit turned up in photos that appears to have an oblonged rotator. This unit was tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952. To this day, it is presumed that none of the prototype Thunderbolts survived into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
[[File:22520112 1765587287074560 8948048422846476337 o.jpg|thumb|Rounded rotator Thunderbolt behind the HOR. Taken in Jefferson City, MO, Ca. 1951]]<br />
[[File:22549825 1765587280407894 2829865785080313364 n.jpg|thumb|Same unit, just less obstructed.]]<br />
[[File:Federal thunderbolt air raid siren ad.JPG|thumb|Aforementioned advertisement with the rounded blower and rotator. Ad is from 1952.]]<br />
[[File:Minneapolis MN Siren Test 1952.jpg|thumb|A prototype unit being tested in Minneapolis, MN in early 1952]]<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000''' is a single-tone siren. The 1000's chopper has 5 ports. The rotor is the same as that used in the [[Model 2]], as well as the same motor. In retrospect, the Thunderbolt is said by some to be a Model 2 with a horn and a blower. This model was the first and last of the Thunderbolt, being the only model from 1952-1955, optional from 1960-1990, then the one and only model in 1993.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1000T ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1000T''' is a dual-toned siren. The 1000T came in 4/5 or 5/6 port ratios, which correspond to minor 3rd and major 3rd intervals, respectively.<br />
<br />
== Thunderbolt 1003 ==<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 1003''' uses two solenoids that are attached to the throat of the horn. Each solenoid has a gate that closes off one row of ports on the stator. They are used to create alternating steady, alternating wail, pulsed steady, and pulsed wail signals, which can be used as a fire warning. Otherwise, it is identical to the 1000T, but used the 5/6 rotor only. Although the 4/5 port rotor is compatible, it was never offered originally. The 1003 entered production around 1959, and ceased in 1990. <br />
<br />
Some units were adapted for other purposes as well. For instance, two units were adapted for train horns, by means of removing the rotator, and adding a custom flat projector as opposed to the regular Thunderbolt horn. It is unknown if these units had blowers or not. This setup was two Union Pacific Centennial engines; numbers 6918 and 6924 specifically. The setups were installed in roughly Mid-1979, and were gone by 1984. None of the two units are believed to still exist to this day. Both engines are still in service as of 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:UP DDA40X siren 2.jpg|thumb|left|1003 chopper setup on Union Pacific Centennial no. 6918]]<br />
[[File:Img176-1.jpg|thumb|Modified Thunderbolt on UP 6924. Photo dates from late 1980.]]<br />
<br />
== Other models ==<br />
<br />
=== Thunderbolt 2000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''Thunderbolt 2000''' is a variant from the 1950s with a gas-powered blower. It is unclear wether this model was offered in dual tone or not. It is also noteworthy that later on, some 2000s had the gas engines removed and replaced with electric motors. This was prominent during the 1970s, logically as a result of the various gas crises in that decade. The blower was powered by a two cylinder, two stroke Wisconsin (likely air cooled) engine. The blower size can be implied to be a 6MC size, as the 2000s were built solely in the 1950s, with the 5M only coming out in the very early 1960s, thus making the possibility of 5M 2000s either anachronistic, or a parts swap job if any exist. Some cities ended up with some, notably the outskirts of Los Angeles, and Phoenix Arizona. Units also existed in Florida and Detroit, MI. Only one 2000 stands today in Los Angeles, CA. Some 2000s are in private possession in Phoenix, Arizona as well.<br />
<br />
[[File:SanDimasT-bolt12.jpg|thumb|The gasoline engine for a Thunderbolt 2000. This unit no longer exists.]]<br />
<br />
=== System 7000 ===<br />
<br />
The '''System 7000''', a variant of the original Thunderbolt versions, is equipped with a self-contained generator. This particular series came in three versions; the 7012, corresponding to the 1000. the 7022, corresponding to the 1000T, and the 7026, corresponding to the 1003. [[File:Thunderbolt 7026 Kuwait.jpg|thumbnail|A System 7026 sounding off in the City of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991.]]<br />
<br />
==Other Information==<br />
<br />
===Rotators===<br />
<br />
Originally the Thunderbolt used a motor and an Abart gear reducer driven by pulley to drive the large spur gear which makes the projector rotate. The pulleys utilized 3 different belt slots to change the RPM in which the siren rotates, from 2, 4, and 8 RPM. In the 80s Federal wanted to make the Thunderbolt more maintenance free, doing so by turning the motor and gear reducer to face each other and attached to make a direct drive system which rotated at 4 RPM. This rotator was used only on the B-series models. Later at the end of the Thunderbolt's life, Federal tried one more time to make the Thunderbolt better by designing an even better rotation system that would surpass the B-series model. The idea was to make it compact, and efficient. Think of it as a B-series, but in the shape of a cube, with a more reliable and low maintenance gear reducer, also keeping the collector rings in the chopper tube and not inside the rotator. This rotator was only featured on the last Thunderbolt model in 1993, and made it's appearance again on the 2001-SRNB, now used on the latest 2001-130, Equinox, and 508 sirens from Federal.<br />
<br />
===Blowers===<br />
<br />
All Thunderbolts run on what is known as a "blower" to push air to the top of the siren to increase sound output. The type of blower has changed during production; starting in 1952, thunderbolts used a 6M, then switched to the 5M blower around 1960, later to the 4M in the late 1960s. This was used up until 1980, when thunderbolts started to have the 4M roots blower mounted vertically, which was used all the way up to the end of its production in 1993. The units consisted of a motor and a Sutorbilt roots blower unit that was driven by belt pulleys attached to the blower and motor. The blower then took in air and pushed it into the pipes. They also had a "relief valve" that was mounted right outside of the roots blower, this acted as a "jam protection" system that would open if something was stuck in the standpipe. If something was stuck inside, air pressure would build up and would lift the relief valve open and let the air escape before the blower either, perforated the standpipe, blew off the chopper in the siren, or possibly cause the blower to literally explode.<br />
<br />
The rough time-frame for each blower size is as follows:<br />
1952-1959: 6M (A1 series)<br />
1960-1964: 5M (Early A2)<br />
1965-1981: 4M (Late A2)<br />
1982-1990: C series (Same blower size as the late A2 units, just the actual blower was turned vertically)<br />
<br />
[[File:6m.jpg|thumb|6M blower.]]<br />
[[File:5m.jpg|thumb|5M blower]]<br />
[[File:4m.jpg|thumb|4M blower]]<br />
[[File:C series.jpg|thumb|C series blower]]<br />
<br />
===Projectors===<br />
<br />
A notable feature of some Thunderbolts is their projector, or "horn". The earliest thunderbolts had metal cross support bars, now referred to as "Jailbars", throughout the horn making a 3x3 grid in the front, 2x2 in the middle, and 2x2 in the back. This acted like reinforcements. Since the Thunderbolt was new at the time, Federal wanted to make sure the horn did not warp or bend as this would ruin the sound output. After 1952, Federal started testing to see if there really was any benefit from having these "supports" in the projector, this caused some models to have them, and some to lack them. After 1955, it became obvious that the thick metal panels used for the projector were strong enough to not compromise the projector itself. Federal decided to drop the reinforced projectors and continue making the models with nothing more than a mesh screen used to keep various animals, insects, and debris out so the rotor wouldn't lock up leading to a burnt motor.<br />
<br />
== Examples ==<br />
* {{Link-inline-video |link=NQ4mFyPxlrY|name=Thunderbolt 1000AT test in Memphis, Tennessee.}}<br />
[[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Supercharged Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Model_2&diff=2387Model 22018-02-16T20:45:15Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added photos. Also; HELP!!!</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|title =Model 2<br />
|image =[[File:Model 2.jpeg|200px]]<br />
[[File:IMG 5380.JPG|thumb|Model 2 in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.]]<br />
|caption =<br />
|company =[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced =1917-present<br />
|type =[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|output =102 (Single Tone) 100 (Dual Tone)<ref name="manual"><br />
{{cite manual<br />
|title=Service Manual, Outdoor Warning Sirens, Models 2, 5, SD10, STH10, STL10 |url=http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|format=PDF<br />
|publisher=Federal Signal Corporation<br />
|accessdate=October 23, 2017<br />
|deadurl=no<br />
}}</ref><br />
|hertz =533 (Single Tone) 533/427 (Dual Tone) <ref name="manual" /><br />
|neigh =2<br />
|zap =<br />
|whoosh =<br />
|preceded =<br />
|predate =<br />
|succeeded =<br />
|sucdate =<br />
|manual= http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|sheet= http://www.alertnotification.com/sites/ans/files/downloads/CS_Model%202_0613.pdf<br />
}}<br />
The '''Model 2''' is an omnidirectional siren produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]]. It holds the record for the longest production run of any siren. This siren has a rating of 102 decibels at 100 feet. There was also a coded version produced in limited quantities. Although the Fedelcode name was used on many examples, most did not actually contain a coding mechanism. <br />
<br />
==Variations==<br />
<br />
There were different variations of housings and other differences as 2 production carried on. In regards to housings, the first Model 2s had two louvers on top, and one on the bottom. This was common practice until the 1950s, when a new housing design, the more notable one louver on top and two on the bottom (as seen on the right) was introduced. There are versions with evenly spaced louvers. These housings belong to the Fedelcode versions of the 2. The first 2s were referred to as the "Long Legs". They were called this because the mounting legs that bolted to the motor were rather tall, at roughly 9 or 10 inches tall. It is also worth noting the Long Legs lacked the intake cone and stator ring for stabilizing the housing that newer sirens feature. The long leg sirens were predominately single tone, yet some dual tones have shown up, such as the example in New Orleans, LA that is pictured. The long leg sirens also used 4 brushes as opposed to 2. The 4 brush setup and long legs were replaced with a short leg, two brush setup around 1953, with the version still currently produced today. Although these differences are quite noticeable, the basic formula for the Model 2 has remained constant since the first ones were built around 1917.<br />
<br />
==Model 2T==<br />
During the Cold War Era, [[Federal Signal Corporation]] released a version of the '''Model 2''' that was dual tone. The 2T had a rating of 100 decibels at 100 feet. The 2T started production in the mid 1950s. It is unknown when 2T production ceased, however, the 2T was an order option as late as the early 1980s, so it is wise to assume production probably ended around then. It is worth noting too that the newest known 2T is from 1981 and that said siren is in private possession. A vast majority of the 2Ts in private possession are from the 1970s. A production oddity is the long leg 2T. It is unknown if they were factory built units or ones in which the chopper and stator were swapped out. They may have existed in some quantity, as one long leg 2T is in private possession (It is also noteworthy that the privately owned is Darley branded), and one has been found in New Orleans, Louisiana, as pictured.<br />
<br />
[[File:New orleans 2t.png|thumbnail|left|A long leg, shroudless 2T in New Orleans, Louisiana.]]<br />
<br />
==Photos==<br />
[[File:2240.jpg|thumb|left|A Model 2 siren without the shroud. The Coke bottle is for a size comparison]]<br />
[[File:2240 2.jpg|thumb|right|A housing for a Model 2. Coke bottle again for a size comparison.]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:2240_2.jpg&diff=2386File:2240 2.jpg2018-02-16T20:33:30Z<p>BrendanW21499: Model 2 shroud. Coke bottle for scale</p>
<hr />
<div>Model 2 shroud. Coke bottle for scale</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=File:2240.jpg&diff=2385File:2240.jpg2018-02-16T20:33:02Z<p>BrendanW21499: Model 2 without the shroud. Coke bottle for scale</p>
<hr />
<div>Model 2 without the shroud. Coke bottle for scale</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=Model_2&diff=2384Model 22018-02-16T20:27:09Z<p>BrendanW21499: /* Model 2T */ Added info about late 2Ts as well as information about long leg units existing. 1981 siren is in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km8oUYIxbnU</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|title =Model 2<br />
|image =[[File:Model 2.jpeg|200px]]<br />
[[File:IMG 5380.JPG|thumb|Model 2 in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.]]<br />
|caption =<br />
|company =[[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|produced =1917-present<br />
|type =[[Electromechanical]]<br />
|output =102 (Single Tone) 100 (Dual Tone)<ref name="manual"><br />
{{cite manual<br />
|title=Service Manual, Outdoor Warning Sirens, Models 2, 5, SD10, STH10, STL10 |url=http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|format=PDF<br />
|publisher=Federal Signal Corporation<br />
|accessdate=October 23, 2017<br />
|deadurl=no<br />
}}</ref><br />
|hertz =533 (Single Tone) 533/427 (Dual Tone) <ref name="manual" /><br />
|neigh =2<br />
|zap =<br />
|whoosh =<br />
|preceded =<br />
|predate =<br />
|succeeded =<br />
|sucdate =<br />
|manual= http://www.civildefensemuseum.org/sirens/manuals/2-5-SD10-STH10-STL10-255A154F.pdf<br />
|sheet= http://www.alertnotification.com/sites/ans/files/downloads/CS_Model%202_0613.pdf<br />
}}<br />
The '''Model 2''' is an omnidirectional siren produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]]. It holds the record for the longest production run of any siren. This siren has a rating of 102 decibels at 100 feet. There was also a coded version produced in limited quantities. Although the Fedelcode name was used on many examples, most did not actually contain a coding mechanism. <br />
<br />
==Variations==<br />
<br />
There were different variations of housings and other differences as 2 production carried on. In regards to housings, the first Model 2s had two louvers on top, and one on the bottom. This was common practice until the 1950s, when a new housing design, the more notable one louver on top and two on the bottom (as seen on the right) was introduced. There are versions with evenly spaced louvers. These housings belong to the Fedelcode versions of the 2. The first 2s were referred to as the "Long Legs". They were called this because the mounting legs that bolted to the motor were rather tall, at roughly 9 or 10 inches tall. It is also worth noting the Long Legs lacked the intake cone and stator ring for stabilizing the housing that newer sirens feature. The long leg sirens were predominately single tone, yet some dual tones have shown up, such as the example in New Orleans, LA that is pictured. The long leg sirens also used 4 brushes as opposed to 2. The 4 brush setup and long legs were replaced with a short leg, two brush setup around 1953, with the version still currently produced today. Although these differences are quite noticeable, the basic formula for the Model 2 has remained constant since the first ones were built around 1917.<br />
<br />
==Model 2T==<br />
During the Cold War Era, [[Federal Signal Corporation]] released a version of the '''Model 2''' that was dual tone. The 2T had a rating of 100 decibels at 100 feet. The 2T started production in the mid 1950s. It is unknown when 2T production ceased, however, the 2T was an order option as late as the early 1980s, so it is wise to assume production probably ended around then. It is worth noting too that the newest known 2T is from 1981 and that said siren is in private possession. A vast majority of the 2Ts in private possession are from the 1970s. A production oddity is the long leg 2T. It is unknown if they were factory built units or ones in which the chopper and stator were swapped out. They may have existed in some quantity, as one long leg 2T is in private possession (It is also noteworthy that the privately owned is Darley branded), and one has been found in New Orleans, Louisiana, as pictured.<br />
<br />
[[File:New orleans 2t.png|thumbnail|left|A long leg, shroudless 2T in New Orleans, Louisiana.]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]][[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499https://wiki.airraidsirens.net/index.php?title=RSH-10&diff=2380RSH-102018-02-10T02:14:53Z<p>BrendanW21499: Added some history to the Thunderbeam. Sources include: US patent, obituary for Earl Gosswiller, etc. etc.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox siren<br />
|image= [[File:RSH-10 Official.jpg|200px]]<br />
|company= [[Federal Signal Corporation]]<br />
|output= 128<br />
|type= [[:Category:Electromechanical Sirens|Electromechanical]]<br />
|succeeded= [[2001SRN]]<br />
|manual= https://www.thesirenboard.com/manuals/rsh10.pdf<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The RSH-10, also known as the Thunderbeam, was a rotating electromechanical siren produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]]. RSH stands for Rotating Single-Tone High. Its unusual design consists of a hornless [[STH-10]] mounted at the top with a slanted disc in a cage below. The housing directs sound downward from the rotor and stator, onto the disc. The disc is rotated using a gear reduction off of the rotor shaft, directing the sound in different directions.<br />
<br />
The trademark for the Thunderbeam was filed on January 7, 1983 (No. 73408887). The Thunderbeam was invented and patented by the late Earl Gosswiller (1912-2009), who was a chief designer for Federal Signal. Most of all, he is known as the father of the Beacon Ray light, which is believed to be the inspiration for the Thunderbeam. The siren was submitted to the US Patent Registry on December 3, 1982, and published on July 16, 1985 (Patent No. US 4529969 A). The Thunderbeam proved to be his last patent however, as Mr. Gosswiller retired from Federal in 1982 according to his obituary. The Thunderbeam was discontinued in the 90s at some point, as the last mention of the Thunderbeam is in a Federal Signal publication from 1995.<br />
<br />
[[File:US4529969-1.png|thumb|Patent for the Thunderbeam.]]<br />
[[File:US4529969-2.png|thumb|Other part of the patent. The full version includes a description as well of the siren.]]<br />
[[Category:Rotating Sirens]] [[Category:Electromechanical Sirens]] [[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Sirens]]</div>BrendanW21499