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WWII Arc Light searchlight info needed

rtk

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,181
417
83
Location
Lockport N.Y.
A buddy and myself are in the process of restoring a WWII Arc Light . We are at the stage where we have the Genset running and are getting ready to power up the Arc Light . We are looking for ANY info/TM's on these old lights . They are a pretty sophisticated setup and LARGE !! The light is about 5 feet !!! . The genset is a DC unit on a trailer and the arc light is separate on it's own trailer . We hope to get the unit working and bring it to the MVPA Convention next year . We need help with the control box/wiring on the light . I will get some pictures next time I work on the unit . I checked in the TM's but they don't cover anything this old . PM me if you can help , Thanks in advance , Bob k:driver:
 

Poccur

Active member
186
97
28
Location
Roanoke, VA
Cool project...who made it? GE??

I found this:

[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7040 Technical Manual[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Operator's Manual and Parts and Price Lists, Model 1941A, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 354 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81479 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7044 Technical Manual, 1943.Combined Operator's Manual, Maintenance Manual and Parts List for Search-Light Trailer, Model 1131 Special (Manufactured by the Fruehauf Trailer Co., Detroit), 112 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 67615 - BSIR 5(9):813; 45/30/47[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7045 Technical Manual, 1943. Searchlight, 60-inch General Electric[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942 and Control Station, 162 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81444 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7046 Technical Manual, 1943. Parts and Price Lists, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 178 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81466 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7047 Technical Manual, 1943. Maintenance Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942, 588 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81438 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7048 Technical Manual, , 1943. Parts and Price Lists for Portable Power Plant for Searchlight, 60-inch General Electric Model 1942, 48 pages. PB 81481 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7049 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 89 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81458 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7051 Technical Manual, , 1944. Maintenance Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.), 280 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81468 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7104 Technical Manual, , 1942. Parts and Price Lists for 24-inch Searchlight Equipment,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942, Portable Power Plant (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 81 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 85513 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7107, Technical Manual, 1942. Operator's Manual for 24-inch Searchlight Equipment,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942, Portable Power Plant (Manufactured by General Electric Co.), 57 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 85512 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7111 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 174 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81465 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7112 Technical Manual, , 1943. Parts Catalog, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942, 212 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81448 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7113 Technical Manual, , 43. Maintenance Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 650 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81439 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7115 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 86 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81450 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7116 Technical Manual, , 1943.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Parts Catalog, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight, Model 1942A[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 93 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81467 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7117 Technical Manual, , 1944. Maintenance Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight, Model 1942A[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](Manufactured by General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.), 280 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81445 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Manual numbers that were published for Sperry Searchlights[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7130 Technical Manual, , n.d..[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Operator's Manual for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlights, Mobile & Portable Units, Model 1934[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](Manufactured by Sperry Gyroscope Co. Inc., Brooklyn. N.Y.), 526 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81477 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7140 Technical Manual, , 42.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Operator's Manual for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight Equipment, Model 1941-A ...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](Manufactured by Sperry Gyroscope Co. Inc. Brooklyn, N.Y.), 345 pages.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]PB 81478 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]



[SIZE=+3]You can get some manuals from these places below[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Military/Info Publishing[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]P.O.Box 27640[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Golden Valley, MN 55427[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1](763) 533-8627[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]http://www.military-info.com/mphoto/p002.htm[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5[/SIZE] [SIZE=+1]-7111 Operating Instructions Manual. Searchlight, 60-inch Model 1942A and Control Station (November 1943); 156 pages, 79 illus. Price 16.00 {Item No.4099}[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Dave Orlando, of San Jose, had some nice reprints of GE and Sperry manuals.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Contact him at:[/SIZE]
searchlightguy@aol.com
[SIZE=+1](408) 929-4455[/SIZE] [SIZE=+1]Peter Munn, of New Zealand, sells a very nice scanned GE Operations manual on a CD.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Contact him at:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]info2@harvest.com[/SIZE]
 
Last edited:

rtk

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,181
417
83
Location
Lockport N.Y.
yes it is a GE , The Glass And Mirror is in pretty good shape . We pulled the head and freed up the valves , engine has very little use and runs very well , got everything cleaned and painted . We are at the stage of trying to put all the pieces together and see what happens !!! LOL thank you very much for the info , a lifesaver , all the best Bob k
 

Al Harvey

Active member
1,153
16
38
Location
Dover, TN
There was a gentleman at the Denton, NC rally that had an operational searchlight. He came up and had it running and it was awesome. I talked to him and he had the generator on the same trailer as the light and used it for local events i.e. car dealerships, special events, etc. Don't think I got his information anywhere, but someone else might.
 

rtk

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,181
417
83
Location
Lockport N.Y.
It is a amazing unit for WWII , Lots of ways to control the operation ( rotation and elevation ) of the light . Basicly a welder generator on steroids . The plan is to keep the unit as is on the two trailers . There is a LOT of small electrical items to take care of on both units , but most of the big parts are done , so we shall see , it would look neat in front of the Tank Plant fired up at the convention !! LOL :grd:
 

Geo44

New member
4
1
3
Location
Poway, Ca
My first job in the late 60s was running these searchlights for a company in Los Angeles called Film Ad. They would haul the searchlight to a movie opening, car dealer, or some other function and call me with the address. I would run it for three hours for $15.00, big money for a 16 year old at the time. I ran one at Lions Drag Strip in Wilmington every Saturday night for a couple of years. I have a few good stories from the time. I still think they are neat and will be following this thread.
 

Ferroequinologist

Resident railroad expert
Steel Soldiers Supporter
4,806
723
113
Location
Liberty Hill, SC
I have access to 5 operational lights, not sure if they have any manuals but I would be glad to answer operational questions, or trace wires/get pictures for you. They are very awesome and like moths to a flame, they do attract people.
 

rtk

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,181
417
83
Location
Lockport N.Y.
A Big Thank's to everybody for the help !!!!!:D yes , we may need a few pictures and or info to get this thing up and running . I will keep everybody posted on the build . Can not wait to see this light lit up , should get the attention of the local LEO's or Homeland security !!!! LOL
 

rtk

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,181
417
83
Location
Lockport N.Y.
EXACTLY !!!! Ya we plan on letting everybody in on the secret before we fire it up !!! The local LEO's are pretty good , a lot are ex military and have a interest in our stuff . We do have to be careful as the NFAFB is just down the street , the Base Commander would be upset for sure !!!! LOL We don't need a visit from the AP !!! One of our members who lives just off base owns a Deuce and had a visit from the AP as a NEIGHBOR complained that how come soldiers have TAKE HOME MV's !!!!! It all worked good , everybody had a laugh , but there you go !!!
 

Radden

Member
41
7
8
Location
Lexington/Ky
Cool project...who made it? GE??

I found this:

[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7040 Technical Manual
Operator's Manual and Parts and Price Lists, Model 1941A, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station
(Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 354 pages.
PB 81479 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48
TM 5-7044 Technical Manual, 1943.Combined Operator's Manual, Maintenance Manual and Parts List for Search-Light Trailer, Model 1131 Special (Manufactured by the Fruehauf Trailer Co., Detroit), 112 pages.
PB 67615 - BSIR 5(9):813; 45/30/47
TM 5-7045 Technical Manual, 1943. Searchlight, 60-inch General Electric
Model 1942 and Control Station, 162 pages.
PB 81444 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48
TM 5-7046 Technical Manual, 1943. Parts and Price Lists, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,
Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 178 pages.
PB 81466 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48
TM 5-7047 Technical Manual, 1943. Maintenance Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,
Model 1942, 588 pages.
PB 81438 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48
TM 5-7048 Technical Manual, , 1943. Parts and Price Lists for Portable Power Plant for Searchlight, 60-inch General Electric Model 1942, 48 pages. PB 81481 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48
TM 5-7049 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,
Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 89 pages.
PB 81458 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7051 Technical Manual, , 1944. Maintenance Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,
Model 1942 (Manufactured by General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.), 280 pages.
PB 81468 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7104 Technical Manual, , 1942. Parts and Price Lists for 24-inch Searchlight Equipment,
Model 1942, Portable Power Plant (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 81 pages.
PB 85513 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48
TM 5-7107, Technical Manual, 1942. Operator's Manual for 24-inch Searchlight Equipment,
Model 1942, Portable Power Plant (Manufactured by General Electric Co.), 57 pages.
PB 85512 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48
TM 5-7111 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,
Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 174 pages.
PB 81465 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48
TM 5-7112 Technical Manual, , 1943. Parts Catalog, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,
Model 1942, 212 pages.
PB 81448 - BSIR 8(5):412; 01/30/48
TM 5-7113 Technical Manual, , 43. Maintenance Manual, 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight and Control Station,
Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 650 pages.
PB 81439 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48
TM 5-7115 Technical Manual, , 1943. Operator's Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight,
Model 1942A (Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y.), 86 pages.
PB 81450 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48
TM 5-7116 Technical Manual, , 1943.
Parts Catalog, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight, Model 1942A
(Manufactured by General Electric, Schenectady), 93 pages.
PB 81467 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48
TM 5-7117 Technical Manual, , 1944. Maintenance Manual, Portable Power Plant for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight, Model 1942A
(Manufactured by General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.), 280 pages.
PB 81445 - BSIR 8(5):411; 01/30/48[/SIZE]


[SIZE=+2]Manual numbers that were published for Sperry Searchlights[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]TM 5-7130 Technical Manual, , n.d..
Operator's Manual for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlights, Mobile & Portable Units, Model 1934
(Manufactured by Sperry Gyroscope Co. Inc., Brooklyn. N.Y.), 526 pages.
PB 81477 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48
TM 5-7140 Technical Manual, , 42.
Operator's Manual for 60-inch Antiaircraft Searchlight Equipment, Model 1941-A ...
(Manufactured by Sperry Gyroscope Co. Inc. Brooklyn, N.Y.), 345 pages.
PB 81478 - BSIR 8(4):320; 01/23/48[/SIZE]




[SIZE=+3]You can get some manuals from these places below[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Military/Info Publishing
P.O.Box 27640
Golden Valley, MN 55427
(763) 533-8627[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]http://www.military-info.com/mphoto/p002.htm[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]TM 5[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]-7111 Operating Instructions Manual. Searchlight, 60-inch Model 1942A and Control Station (November 1943); 156 pages, 79 illus. Price 16.00 {Item No.4099}[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Dave Orlando, of San Jose, had some nice reprints of GE and Sperry manuals.
Contact him at:[/SIZE]
searchlightguy@aol.com
[SIZE=+1](408) 929-4455[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Peter Munn, of New Zealand, sells a very nice scanned GE Operations manual on a CD.
Contact him at:
info2@harvest.com[/SIZE]
I have a Sperry 60" light and would like to find and manuals and documentation. Your post is not very readable. Could you send me information Thanks, Bob email rpcope@cope5.com
 

Kirk Skaggs

New member
6
6
3
Location
Seattle, WA
I have a Sperry 60" light and would like to find and manuals and documentation. Your post is not very readable. Could you send me information Thanks, Bob email rpcope@cope5.com
Here is a link to reprints of the Sperry Searchlight manuals on Ebay.


Kirk
 
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