i dont know much about sirens, but i do own a old b&m siren that im trying to restore. but do you know how to take the armature off the siren it self? i cant figure it out. and can i buy a new armature for it?
see, so there is a reason for the front guard, that and i was thinkin, it could be there, because police travel at higher speeds than a engine, so it needs a guard from debris
In the 1960's vintage Crown Firecoach apparatus, the S-8 was in a specially designed hollow in the front of the truck with a screen in front of it. The location of the S8 on these trucks caused the siren to "resonate" and gave it a hauntingly "throaty" sound that has never been reproduced since.
Here's a really obscure question: I have a B&M S8B in my collection, and I've noticed that on a lot of B&M sirens from Texas (mainly Dallas FD), the muzzle is much shorter (as is yours)than mine (which came off a California fire truck). Was this a B&M option, or was it a habit to "saw down" the muzzle in Texas to get more sound?
Yes, it was an option as a matter of fact. B&M would regularly provide these models with a shortened air inlet to accommodate mounting behind the grille of a police car. "M7" is a series number, not a model number. The current production series is M9, although we are still capable of producing the direct-driven series M8.
On a Houston, TX police car? Are you sure? Reason I ask is that HPD went to twin 58 watt Federal CP's on each side of a Beacon Ray 175 back around '65. No arguement, but I'm a native Houstonina and have never heard a mech siren on an HPD unit outside the academy museum.
They were rare, this one came off a Sargents car in the Accident Division. Believe me, it was mounted on the front fender. I believe he also had a Federal Electronic, speaker mounted in the grill. My roomate for a while was in the Hit and Run detail that fell under the Accident
Division and I rode along on many a weekend nights. By the way, this was in the early 70's and you are right, the Patrol Cars and most Accident cars had the electronics but for some reason the Sargent was allowed this S8.
I'd have loved to hear it in action; a beaconray and a mech...classic combo! A heck of a lot louder than the Federal electronics of the time. Emg Equip today may do more and be superior in some ways but there is something about this kind of gear that is just classy.
I agree, during this time period (1965-1973) I was a member of a local volunteer rescue/ambulance service and had the privlage of actually using the Q, C5 and the B & M. We had electronics, Sireno's, but we considered them secondary warning devices. By the way I am a native, born in St Jospeh Hospital, 1946.
i dont know much about sirens, but i do own a old b&m siren that im trying to restore. but do you know how to take the armature off the siren it self? i cant figure it out. and can i buy a new armature for it?
minesandlookouts 5 months ago
I dont no why maybe its just me but when it winds down its kinda sounds like the eq2b wind down.
fdnylover 1 year ago
I would cut out the two metal guards in each stator port and remove the front plate.
Bet it would sound more open.
I do not like the "throaty" sound.
I bet that opening causes some restriction of intake air which diminshes the loudness of the siren.
Nice long wind down.
Great siren.
robertgift 2 years ago
you gotta think though, it was on a police car, so it wasnt meant to be as loud as say, a Q2B on a engine
Camaroson2008 2 years ago
Yes. Weighed a lot less than a Q2B and a lot less expensive.
Our ambulance had a Q.
robertgift 2 years ago
see, so there is a reason for the front guard, that and i was thinkin, it could be there, because police travel at higher speeds than a engine, so it needs a guard from debris
Camaroson2008 2 years ago
Wow, and to think these are still available NEW from B&M Sirens!! Amazing!!
911caddy 3 years ago
awsome coaster ... sounds loud...I LIKE IT!
stupullen 3 years ago
In the 1960's vintage Crown Firecoach apparatus, the S-8 was in a specially designed hollow in the front of the truck with a screen in front of it. The location of the S8 on these trucks caused the siren to "resonate" and gave it a hauntingly "throaty" sound that has never been reproduced since.
John
resqrev1 3 years ago
Here's a really obscure question: I have a B&M S8B in my collection, and I've noticed that on a lot of B&M sirens from Texas (mainly Dallas FD), the muzzle is much shorter (as is yours)than mine (which came off a California fire truck). Was this a B&M option, or was it a habit to "saw down" the muzzle in Texas to get more sound?
usonian55077 3 years ago
Whats you Model #, S8B-M?, mines a model M7, 1949-1962. Maybe you have an earlier or later model series.
Henry455 3 years ago
It appears you have a Model M8, 1962-current, look at B & M's current S8 at their website.
Henry455 3 years ago
Yes, it was an option as a matter of fact. B&M would regularly provide these models with a shortened air inlet to accommodate mounting behind the grille of a police car. "M7" is a series number, not a model number. The current production series is M9, although we are still capable of producing the direct-driven series M8.
therealmrsiren 3 years ago 2
From the man that knows, thanks K.O. for answering his question.
Henry455 3 years ago
Mercy Corps or Harris County Emergency Corps?
TheLSK 3 years ago
Mercy Corps, boy you are a native and must be near retirement like me. I would sure like to talk with you futher but in a more private manner.
Henry455 3 years ago
Please talk here so we all can learn.
What is the purpose of the rotor intake tube?
Hey, would like to hear complete wind-down to rotor stop.
Thank you.
robertgift 3 years ago
I am not sure what the purpose was. Maybe therealsirenman, who posted above and is the owner of B&M will respond.
Henry455 3 years ago
Looks like that was answered below. I was wondering that too until I read on.
Unit430 2 years ago
On a Houston, TX police car? Are you sure? Reason I ask is that HPD went to twin 58 watt Federal CP's on each side of a Beacon Ray 175 back around '65. No arguement, but I'm a native Houstonina and have never heard a mech siren on an HPD unit outside the academy museum.
TheLSK 3 years ago
They were rare, this one came off a Sargents car in the Accident Division. Believe me, it was mounted on the front fender. I believe he also had a Federal Electronic, speaker mounted in the grill. My roomate for a while was in the Hit and Run detail that fell under the Accident
Division and I rode along on many a weekend nights. By the way, this was in the early 70's and you are right, the Patrol Cars and most Accident cars had the electronics but for some reason the Sargent was allowed this S8.
Henry455 3 years ago
I'd have loved to hear it in action; a beaconray and a mech...classic combo! A heck of a lot louder than the Federal electronics of the time. Emg Equip today may do more and be superior in some ways but there is something about this kind of gear that is just classy.
TheLSK 3 years ago
I agree, during this time period (1965-1973) I was a member of a local volunteer rescue/ambulance service and had the privlage of actually using the Q, C5 and the B & M. We had electronics, Sireno's, but we considered them secondary warning devices. By the way I am a native, born in St Jospeh Hospital, 1946.
Henry455 3 years ago