This particular signal, I'm presuming, was most likely made some time before 1978—I could tell by the 3M "Plumber's Gothic" logo on the back. It was in 1978 that the current 3M logo (Helvetica Bold) came into use.
@RJSchex - Actually, 3M dilly-dallied on updating the logo on the lamp housings until the mid-90s, probably due to the cost of redesigning the molds. The build tags and several other parts of the signal sport the current, bold 3M logo. YouTube user SignalKid and I have come to the mutual agreement that mine hails from the early 90s, probably '91 or '92.
@Sobek79 - Back in the day before LEDs became commonplace, they were fairly useful at combating sun phantom, a phenomenon where all three indications appear lit at once when the sun enters the lens and reflects off the interior reflector plate. These are also useful if you have an intersection where only a certain lane or lanes should see the signal. They can be fitted with backplates; if you look closely at the side profile, you'll see screws in the center of each section to affix a backplate.
@Sobek79 - No problem. They were painted according to the standards of the jurisdiction that ordered them; Hunter Green, Black, or Yellow. Some are a combination like yellow body with black visors but most are (or were) all one color. The City of Portland used Hunter Green signals for years but has since switched to black. No smaller sizes were made (all were 12") although 8" adapters for standard signals were made but suffered from design defects so not many remain. Feel free to message me.
@Sobek79 - The arrow lenses had the same fresnel design but with an arrow shape cut into a black shroud that covered most of it. There were pedestrian signals made but from what I've seen, they weren't too popular, probably due to the exorbitant cost. There was one in the City of Portland but it was removed from service before I could capture it on video.
I bought mine back in 2003 from California. This signal had seen a lot of wear and weathering over the years. Since 3M no longer makes the PV signal, I've considered ordering a case of olive green paint to give the signal its original California color. I haven't been satisfied painting it anything other than olive green since California is where it came from.
Very cool, Andrew! I just stumbled across this one. Very detailed video. And to get it for that price is amazing. I paid $90 for mine. You cant look at one of these for under $150-200 anymore.
@josecitoperecito - So have I. There is only one I've ever seen and it's still in use (for now) just a few miles from my house. If my math is correct, it's roughly 5 feet tall and weighs around 120 pounds!
I have 2 3M M-131's and a McCain PS, although I never open them because we have very large spiders over here, about 6 inches in diameter and they are SCARY! One is mounted in my garage and 2 are in the signal containment shed behind my house.
@countryboy44555 - Thank you. They were common here up until mid-April when the county put them in the express lane for the gas chamber. Washington County went from having the most of anywhere I've ever seen to some of the least. It's disheartening but it's progress.
This particular signal, I'm presuming, was most likely made some time before 1978—I could tell by the 3M "Plumber's Gothic" logo on the back. It was in 1978 that the current 3M logo (Helvetica Bold) came into use.
RJSchex 1 year ago
@RJSchex - Actually, 3M dilly-dallied on updating the logo on the lamp housings until the mid-90s, probably due to the cost of redesigning the molds. The build tags and several other parts of the signal sport the current, bold 3M logo. YouTube user SignalKid and I have come to the mutual agreement that mine hails from the early 90s, probably '91 or '92.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
Very interesting video. What isthe advantage of using a 3M signal over a more "common"signal?
Did those signals have a backplate?
Sobek79 1 year ago
@Sobek79 - Back in the day before LEDs became commonplace, they were fairly useful at combating sun phantom, a phenomenon where all three indications appear lit at once when the sun enters the lens and reflects off the interior reflector plate. These are also useful if you have an intersection where only a certain lane or lanes should see the signal. They can be fitted with backplates; if you look closely at the side profile, you'll see screws in the center of each section to affix a backplate.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
@deloreanman14 Thanks for the information. I thought they have always a yellow housing instead of green.
Was there a smaller or bigger version of this signal? I mean with different lens diameter?
Sobek79 1 year ago
@Sobek79 - No problem. They were painted according to the standards of the jurisdiction that ordered them; Hunter Green, Black, or Yellow. Some are a combination like yellow body with black visors but most are (or were) all one color. The City of Portland used Hunter Green signals for years but has since switched to black. No smaller sizes were made (all were 12") although 8" adapters for standard signals were made but suffered from design defects so not many remain. Feel free to message me.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
@deloreanman14 I see. I know a lot more. Thank you.
The masks for arrow etc.. go behind the colored screens?
Was there a pedestrian signal of 3M?
Sobek79 1 year ago
@Sobek79 - The arrow lenses had the same fresnel design but with an arrow shape cut into a black shroud that covered most of it. There were pedestrian signals made but from what I've seen, they weren't too popular, probably due to the exorbitant cost. There was one in the City of Portland but it was removed from service before I could capture it on video.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
Of course, you were quite lucky to get yours brand new and at a steal for $25. I paid something like $100 plus shipping on ebay.
GrnArrow092 1 year ago
I bought mine back in 2003 from California. This signal had seen a lot of wear and weathering over the years. Since 3M no longer makes the PV signal, I've considered ordering a case of olive green paint to give the signal its original California color. I haven't been satisfied painting it anything other than olive green since California is where it came from.
GrnArrow092 1 year ago
Very cool, Andrew! I just stumbled across this one. Very detailed video. And to get it for that price is amazing. I paid $90 for mine. You cant look at one of these for under $150-200 anymore.
SignalKid 1 year ago
Those lights are rare, I thought they look cool. Looks like it's from the furture.
Thinker669 1 year ago
Ive once seen a five lit traffic light that was 3M.
josecitoperecito 1 year ago
@josecitoperecito - So have I. There is only one I've ever seen and it's still in use (for now) just a few miles from my house. If my math is correct, it's roughly 5 feet tall and weighs around 120 pounds!
deloreanman14 1 year ago
I own a 3M signal. Mine is a elevator plumbizer type, it have left arrows on the lens and it have the backplate too =D
foxthorne 1 year ago
I have 2 3M M-131's and a McCain PS, although I never open them because we have very large spiders over here, about 6 inches in diameter and they are SCARY! One is mounted in my garage and 2 are in the signal containment shed behind my house.
Voyage400 1 year ago
cool video, I always wanted to know what was insides these types of traffic lights.
nxios 1 year ago
Completely thorough, very awesome video!
wrailfan 1 year ago
Nice video, man. You are extremely lucky that you purchased it for only twenty five dollars.
Steven197981 1 year ago
@Steven197981 - Thanks. Even in '03 that was a smoking deal. It's unheard of now.
deloreanman14 1 year ago
Just wondering, are these common in your area? By the way nice video, very professional.
countryboy44555 1 year ago
@countryboy44555 - Thank you. They were common here up until mid-April when the county put them in the express lane for the gas chamber. Washington County went from having the most of anywhere I've ever seen to some of the least. It's disheartening but it's progress.
deloreanman14 1 year ago