# 83 block signal

FYI: More properly a #83 Traffic Crossing Signal Flasher. Photo of part in question would be helpful.  ☺

It should have the following warning to drivers printed on the front: "caution drive slowly". It is NOT a block signal.

Somewhere in my search for answers and info about this item it was referred to, perhaps incorrectly, as a block signal but it does, as you noted, say, on three sides, "Caution Drive Slowly" so I'm confident that we are referencing the same item. It's my understanding that it is supposed to flash intermittently.  Thanks,

Ed

Henning's, an OGR Forum sponsor, may be able to help you!

Here is a schematic from Greenburg's book. The 83 was a model of a traffic beacon back in the 20's and 30's in NYC.

Is that citcuit interrupter available as a replacement part, or can it be easily adjusted?

When you put power on the accessory the bulb should light.  If it doesn't light, jumper the bi-metalic switch (gizmo) and it should light.  If not, there is a problem with the wiring and/or connections to the bulb or the bulb itself.

Thermal switches can be found, if necessary. The contacts may have corrosion on them after all those years. Clean with a cardboard fingernail file.  Note that the picture above, the thermal assembly is mounted up-side-down to be clearly seen.

I did try filing the contact but still no luck. Yeah, I thought the assembly was upside down in the picture. It had me thinking I had to flip it in mine. I'm going to have another go at fiddling with the wires before trying to find another thermal assembly. It does have a good bulb that I borrowed from another accessory.

Thanks,

Ed

Is the bulb on and not flashing? Or is the bulb dark?

There is no indication yet from the responses that the bi-metalic switch is bad.  If the bulb is dark, the problem could be just about anything.  If the bulb is on but not flashing, the problem is the bi-metalic switch or it's wiring.  Is the bulb on or not flashing ?

The bulb is dark, not doing anything.

Ed W posted:

The bulb is dark, not doing anything.

This accessory is heavy reworked.  I would start by just trying to get the bulb to light.  As shown below there is supposed to be one wire that goes to the bulb.  The other connection is to the chassis.  Verify you can get the bulb to light.  Connect one power lead to the chassis and the other power lead to the wire going to the bulb and the light should illuminate.

I have had problems with these signals. Sometimes the problem is oxidation between the base and middle center casting. Or the bulb socket casting. As a experiment with your test leads, try one lead to the binding post on the wire going up to the bulb. Then with your other lead, scrape the inside center casting. This is to check if there is a problem with continuity between the castings. It won't flash, but should light. What Shorling said.

I will be trying all of your much appreciated suggestions. I will be away for awhile but I will get back to this project when I return.

Thank you all,

Ed