Grandaddy Thunderbolt

[almdoc]

I finally picked up my thunderbolt that I bought at auction. I'm glad I won it because the person bidding against me was buying it for scrap. From the research I've done and reading this forum I am under the assumption that this is a very early thunderbolt built by Federal Enterprises. All ID tags have the F.E. name on them. At first I reported that this siren came from Harlem Twp. OH, north of Columbus. After talking with the chief I found out that this siren was purchased used from the Cuyahoga Co. OH(Cleveland) CD warning system which was installed in the early 50's. The Cleveland area was a primary target for Soviet nuclear missles. There were actually Nike intercept missle sites in and around Cleveland along lake Erie. When the thunderbolt was removed from Halem Twps. station it was in working condition and stored inside. I have posted pictures. Once it comes up click on the picture and it will enlarge. The last one is the original installation as part of the Cuyahoga Co. warning system. I had been ask to show the tic-tac-toe screen on my projector horn and describe how it was built. The horn is 1/16th" steel plate cut and bent to form the horn. There are actually 3 screens inside the horn. They are welded 1/4" x 1" steel strap and welded to the body of the horn. The blower is huge and VERY heavy as is the 7.5 horsepower motor. The only disappointing thing is that there is no sign of an original decal. I almost wish this one could end up in a museum. I would think about selling it or trading for a newer single phase 1000T as my intent is not only to collect but to repair and restore CD era sirens for future use in Schuylkill Co. Any imput or leads on restorable sirens of the CD era would be greatly appreciated.

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[500 AT fan]

Great photographs, and congrats on getting the siren. Not many F.E. Thunderbolts exist today.

[Jim Z]

for as old as it is, it seems like it's in pretty good shape.

[Siren1000T]

Holy Macro! That is so amazing to own one of the earliest Thunderbolt Siren manufacture. Congratulations.

[jerrylovessirens]

Fixed for your viewing pleasure---what a nice early Tbolt!!

[kx250rider]

What a find!!!! I've never seen one with those grates in the horn. That thing must weight a lot more than the FS models. Both of my T-Bolts are early 1970s models, and they have the big blower like yours, but your motor is very different and earlier-styled.

Congratulations on making a great save!

Charles

[Oldiesmann]

We have quite a few of those ancient TBolts around here, all installed around 1950. Great find though

[Jpressman8]

We have quite a few of those ancient TBolts around here, all installed around 1950. Great find though

Actually on the survey disc that Clayton gave us. I only saw one. It's the gray Tbolt on Ellison off of Linwood in Mt. Lookout.

[jkvernon]

Harlem Twp? North of Columbus? That's my county! Dang, what a find! I never knew we ever had such a siren around here and so close to me. Congratulations BTW!

I was under the impression that the only things we had civil defense wise were Model 5s. How did you come across this?

[EL1998P71]

I have that same motor and compressor in my garage
It came with my Skokie IL tbolt. 4 belts, heavy basturds.
The compressor rack has the federal enterprise tag on it.
But the rotator box tag has the federal sign and signal tag.