Hello folks,
I figured this would be a good place to invite some advice. We operate railroad handcar tours in California and last year we rebuilt a 1970s era motorized rail car known as a speeder for service. In the process we put a Model 14 beacon as these were occasionally used on these cars and it matched the era well. Most of the time a xeon style strobe beacon was used for these pieces of equipment.
We recently acquired another motorcar and we are contemplating putting another Model 14 beacon on it as well. The pros is the light is quite helpful for tours as it allows the car to be seen from distances. It also does a great job of advertising our enterprise as the tracks border a freeway and the beacon is noticed by passing drivers that often end up booking a tour. We operate near the ocean so it is really neat looking when the fog rolls in. The downside is the beacon is on all day long and being mechanical I worry about how long it will last before it is worn out. What was the designed duty cycle of this light? I am contemplating installing a strobe on our recent acquisition instead of the rotating beacon just so I don't need to worry about finding replacements every year on ebay.
Also, I may be looking to buy another Model 14 or a strobe depending upon what we go with for the new car.
Todd Clark
Handcar Tours
I figured this would be a good place to invite some advice. We operate railroad handcar tours in California and last year we rebuilt a 1970s era motorized rail car known as a speeder for service. In the process we put a Model 14 beacon as these were occasionally used on these cars and it matched the era well. Most of the time a xeon style strobe beacon was used for these pieces of equipment.
We recently acquired another motorcar and we are contemplating putting another Model 14 beacon on it as well. The pros is the light is quite helpful for tours as it allows the car to be seen from distances. It also does a great job of advertising our enterprise as the tracks border a freeway and the beacon is noticed by passing drivers that often end up booking a tour. We operate near the ocean so it is really neat looking when the fog rolls in. The downside is the beacon is on all day long and being mechanical I worry about how long it will last before it is worn out. What was the designed duty cycle of this light? I am contemplating installing a strobe on our recent acquisition instead of the rotating beacon just so I don't need to worry about finding replacements every year on ebay.
Also, I may be looking to buy another Model 14 or a strobe depending upon what we go with for the new car.
Todd Clark
Handcar Tours