Advice For Newer Enthusiasts?

[traintraveler]

I didn't realize I was bumping a year old thread, my apologies! Yes, it's one of the old Gainesville units. A few people have reached out to try and purchase it from me, but shipping this behemoth across the United States is going to absolutely cost a fortune, and the fiberglass housings have seen better days-fiberglass doesn't last forever out in the elements.

Off-topic, I know, but I have sent you a PM regarding the siren.

[T-BoltLover55]

If you are wanting to make a siren map on Google, a few tips here might help.
1: Making a siren map with one person is easier when you are trying to make a map of a state of the U.S.A or a Canadian province, but it still takes time.
2: To find sirens, I would usually check every fire/police/EMS department in a town, and then look for shadows on aerial view that have distinct siren shapes on top of them.
3: If you find a siren, then drop down on Street View, and if you do see the siren, mark it down. If you don't see the siren, but see it on aerial view, mark it down too.

And when it comes to finding out information about sirens, I just watch some (too many) videos of sirens. That is how I found out most of what I know about sirens today.

[KidCrazer14]

Hello, new siren enthusiast and welcome to the community.
I know this has probably been said time and time again on this post but it is very important:

WEAR HEARING PROTECTION PLEASE!!!

Sirens are obviously extremely loud, so play it safe if you don't want to have hearing problems in the future.
Now go enjoy the incredible civil defense machines!

[Fanman]

Hi, I'm new here and this advice page will help A LOT... I don't have a nice camera like all you guys have. I just use my phone to record siren tests, and the only tests I have are the 2001-130 where I live.

I'm glad this website is a thing, it's super cool to have a site designated to just sirens.

[shadesofblue]

I appreciate this topic as we are new to the siren world as well. My son is going into 3rd grade and has been into them for about a year, and bells and clocks before that.

Every time we go to watch what he calls a "legendary" or other older siren during the monthly siren test, it never goes off, so I'm hoping at some point we find some that actually sound. Work in progress. (Of the more classic ones, we have 3T22s, Model 5s, a screamer, and Thunderbolt 1003s/1000Ts around us, and a super detailed Michigan siren map on Google Maps.)

So grateful to find this community. You're right - this is a super niche interest, and in my limited experience, it's hard to find sources of information on sirens, beyond YouTube videos. Looking forward to digging into the threads. Thank you for posting on this topic!

[fullsendersonly]

I've been trying to buy a few sirens and need help on what to say to help me get these sirens.

[29 ALF]

I've been trying to buy a few sirens and need help on what to say to help me get these sirens.

Please take my advice and start small. There are a number of small sirens in limited possession, and while they're not as big and loud as the ones talked about most frequently, they are a great start and will help you build confidence in restoration and maintenance of them. I'm sure the reason why Jerry Wick's Mobil Directo came together so well was his years of experience. Don't let this bother you though.
Start with something like a Type F, Model A, a vehicle siren, etc., so that way if things don't work out, you're not dealing with a large nightmare pile of scrap.
When you've done enough work, you'll have the confidence to ask municipalities what the rules are for purchasing or obtaining a siren no longer needed. If it's not for sale or grabs, don't push it. Another will come your way.

[fullsendersonly]

thanks.