Very Early Model Southern Autoflow 4-Way Porthole  

MFR:  Southern Autoflow
Make:  4-Way Single Body Signal, Early Porthole Version 
Years Made:  Unknown
Estimated Year:  Unknown 

Lens Size:  Early-Model 8"
Orig City:  Findlay, OH Area
Orig Color:  Black, Presumably
Orig Configuration:  4-Way 
Orig Visors:  Cutaway
Orig Lenses: Adler-Bar (With frosted Bar)
Orig Reflectors: Aluminum

Current Color:  Silver and Black
Current Configuration:  Same
Current Visors:  Same
Current Lenses: TBD, Some Adler Non-Bar and Some Large Bead
Current Reflectors: Same

Notes, Commentary, Restoration: 
This signal was one which showed up as a batch on eBay in early 2006.  Still equipped with Adler-Bar lenses (except green LOL) another Signalfan took possession, thoughtfully subsidizing my purchase, meaning this gutted hull would be in a range I could afford.

Bringing it back north in mid 2006, work was focused on it during the summer.  Stripped of all paint, it was left with a beautifully light black primer coat.  Then, a discovery!  The age was much older, one of the first Autoflows!  Where a typical Autoflow has always been known to have riveted on, permanent visors these were secured with tiny screws, 4-40 or under and potted in with glazing putty.  Likewise, every hole is uniquely drilled and parts do not interchange (anyone care to do a 12! permutation for both the doors, visors, and reflectors).  The portholes also were made slightly undersize for the 8 1/4" lenses of the day with wider shoulders...modern lens fitting is a bit of a game of chance.

Breaking it down, it was pretty standard fare.  No major stuck screws or components.  One of the four sides though had extra screw holes with flush-mounted screws set from the inside as seen in the side-by-side comparison pictures.  The sockets were mainly original, however a few were Leviton specials and one was a more modern Autoflow or Eagle socket and one was an ancient Crouse socket.  A few were completely corroded away and at least one had arced through a reflector.

Removing the doors was tough.  The brass cotter pins had reacted to the body and broke several of the hinges.  These were sleeved, filled, and reshaped good as new.  The entire light was redrilled and retapped.  Following this, coats of ACE Enamel Silver and Black were applied before reassembly.  Restoration is not yet complete, blanks are being made for the two unused sides and wiring needs to be done to new sockets as the old ones are all crumbling away.  A Lights to Go controller will be customized to run the old mechanical Autoflow pattern (Green, Green/Yellow, off, Red, off) and mounted in the base.

Photographic Records: 
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During
     
   
 
     
 


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This page was last modified on 12 November 2006.