Last month, I obtained and purchased an electro-mechanical signal controller. It was manufactured by Marbelite, and it is the company's model M-30.
The electro-mechanical signal controller had originally seen service in New York City, and it was put into service in 1969. I believe it was removed from service last year. 2011. Unlike today's signal controllers, which are mainly computerized, electro-mechanical signal controllers are old forms of signal controllers, in which they are mainly composed of movable parts that control signal indications correctly.
I had originally grew up in New York City, and I was (am still) fond of the electro-mechanical signal controllers there. So, it is a pleasure to own something special like this, for that electro-mechanical signal controllers are slowly dwindling in New York City. The city first began to convert from electro-mechanical signal controllers to computerized signal controllers in 2006 or so. Since then, nearly 6,000 signalized intersections in New York City have been converted. Another 6,000 have been yet to be converted from electro-mechanical signal controllers to computerized signal controllers. Unfortunately, down the road, electro-mechanical signal controllers in New York City will be extinct.
This Marbelite M-30 had originally controlled a two-phase signalized intersection with pedestrian signals. Although I modified it to control a third phase, which, by the way, is a protected left turn movement for "Main Street" and the side street.
Below, are some pictures of what I have.
Exterior of the cabinet. Everything is in "off the street condition." That basically means that this thing is in the same condition as it was when it was originally removed from service.
The interior of the cabinet. The actual signal controller itself is encased in what is a plastic case. It is merely a dust cover. Below the actual signal controller is the wire harness and the back panel. The signal connections are to the bottom right.
The E/M signal controller has its own pedestrian "push button," however, it is inoperable. Only reason is in that it was disconnected from service many years ago. A useless feature, but a nice feature. Will leave it alone.
A side view of the cabinet.
