Francis Searchlight Fittings
Andrew Dyke
I have recently purchased from ebay, a Francis Searchlight. Circa 1962,
originally on a lifeboat. I have always liked the look of them on
traditional Nb's and they do a great job on others I have seen. The front
light is held on by 6 screw/bolts. One is missing and another has broken off
in the thread (1/4" BSW whitworth). I understand from Francis that these
items are no longer available so am looking for a company, or individual,
close to Evesham, Worcs.., preferably but not essential, that will make me,
ideally 2 but if not 6 new ones.
Pictures can be seen at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2447090206
Any ideas?
Many thanks.
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
Phil
"Andrew Dyke" <andre...@btconnect.com> wrote in message
news:brsmh3$ca8$1...@titan.btinternet.com...
Hi Andrew
I can't help with your specific request but the following might be of
interest
to you:
I have had a Francis searchlight for many years which has an 11" chromed
reflector. I assume from the photos that yours has been replaced by silver
foil.
Mine has three knurled screw bolts securing the glass to the body rather
than
6. The knurled beam adjusting screw is in the centre at the rear of the
body. Inside
their is a plate specifying 6 volt 72 watt bulb, although mine has been
converted to
12 volt 100 watt halogen (slide projector bulb - so you should be the right
man
to get one!). The people at Francis tell me this is their recommended
conversion,
although I would love to try a 150W bulb (ducks low before tunnel
visionaries
fire a broadside).
Assuming yours has an adjustable beam, I would imagine this would be fairly
ineffective without the original reflector.
You will now be joining the brasso brigade? Something I never use because
mine
is chrome plated :-)
Good luck
Phil
River Tramp
searchlights at boat jumbles a couple of years ago, with the handles on the
back as shown in the photographs. The marine ones as fitted to motor
cruisers in the 40's and 50's had a through the deck fitting with a device
which altered the elevation. On the other hand, maybe lifeboats had
searchlights more similar to the fire engine types.
RT
"Phil" <wa...@rec.com> wrote in message
news:3fe21a0d$0$25674$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Neil Arlidge
> The marine ones as
> fitted to motor cruisers in the 40's and 50's had a through the deck
> fitting with a device which altered the elevation.
SA - properjob!
--
Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest - plastic car spot lamp.
Follow the travels of the TNC at http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk
Phil
"River Tramp" <ia...@binnacle-design.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3fe24258$0$2772$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
> You sure this is a lifeboat searchlight? There was a glut of ex fire
engine
> searchlights at boat jumbles a couple of years ago, with the handles on
the
> back as shown in the photographs. The marine ones as fitted to motor
> cruisers in the 40's and 50's had a through the deck fitting with a device
> which altered the elevation. On the other hand, maybe lifeboats had
> searchlights more similar to the fire engine types.
>
> RT
Mine is identical to the type that was fitted to Dennis fire appliances.
Andrew's new acquisition is probably a proper marine job, but not the
wheelhouse roof-mounted type - hence 6, rather than 3 screw bolts
to hold on the front cover/glass. Whilst all the fire engine ones were
chromed, I have seen quite a few identical, but brass finished ones
on boats.
Cheers
Phil
I hope that wasn't too illuminating for this time of night
Julian
"River Tramp" <ia...@binnacle-design.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3fe24258$0$2772$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
Francis can tell you who it was sold to and what it was fitted to from the
serial number.
Julian
Tim Blyth
The front light is held on by 6 screw/bolts. One is missing and another has
broken off
in the thread (1/4" BSW whitworth). I understand from Francis that these
items are no longer available so am looking for a company, or individual,
Bolts etc of all kinds available from http://www.allfix.co.uk/
Andrew Dyke
"Phil" <wa...@rec.com> wrote in message
> Hi Andrew
Hi Phil,
Thanks for the good wishes. I have ordered a new reflector, 10", from
Francis, or rather their agent and they inform me that it will take a 12v
100w lamp as it is now and yes, we do have them in stock :-) There is an
adjustable screw at the back and I think it will vary the beam. Don't know
till I have it all fully restored and working. AFAIK, a 150w lamp is only
available in a 24v.
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
Andrew Dyke
"River Tramp" <ia...@binnacle-design.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3fe24258$0$2772$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
engine
> searchlights at boat jumbles a couple of years ago, with the handles on
the
> back as shown in the photographs. The marine ones as fitted to motor
> cruisers in the 40's and 50's had a through the deck fitting with a device
> which altered the elevation. On the other hand, maybe lifeboats had
> searchlights more similar to the fire engine types.
Hi River,
Francis told me about the lifeboat connection. They can tell from the serial
number. Would love to know which lifeboat but that is unavailable,
apparently.
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
@ntlworld.com Rick
> items are no longer available so am looking for a company, or individual,
Not especially close, but RS Paskin in Stourbridge used to be good with
things of this type. They may be able to put you on the right lines if they
can't help.
You should find them in the phone book.
Richard
Andrew Dyke
"Rick" <aartyy @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:LrAEb.17536$R6.40...@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...
Thanks, will check
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
Andrew Dyke
"Tim Blyth" <t...@nospamkernborough.co.uk> wrote in message
news:10718290...@ananke.eclipse.net.uk...
Thanks. Have had a look and I need something a little more specialised.
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
Guy Morgan
<andre...@btconnect.com> writes
Just caught up with this thread. Not looked at the pics but I guess
that if the item isn't obtainable it should be possible to make them.
Whit taps and dies are easily available.
Cheers
Guy
--
Guy Morgan
brian
"Guy Morgan" <g...@first-light-services.co.uk> wrote in message
news:VI15oTPue04$Ew...@btinternet.com...
> In message <brur3e$q40$1...@titan.btinternet.com>, Andrew Dyke
> <andre...@btconnect.com> writes
> >
> >"Rick" <aartyy @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> >news:LrAEb.17536$R6.40...@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...
> >>
> >> "Andrew Dyke" <andre...@btconnect.com> wrote in message
> >> news:brsmh3$ca8$1...@titan.btinternet.com...
> >> I understand from Francis that these
> >> > items are no longer available so am looking for a company, or
> >individual,
> >>
> >
> >and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
> >
> >
> Hi Andrew
>
> Just caught up with this thread. Not looked at the pics but I guess
> that if the item isn't obtainable it should be possible to make them.
> Whit taps and dies are easily available.
>
Graham Keens
now that's novel, whats wrong with TRAMP then?
Neil Arlidge
> Andrew wroted " Hi River"
>
> now that's novel, whats wrong with TRAMP then?
Or Mr Binnacle?................or even Ian Clarke? :-)
http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/T01_Imag/fens01/01.7.8/Dscn3733.jpg
River Tramp is Ian's home made ply tender to his Gentleman's Motor Yot -
this piccy also shows his chromyswively searchlight
--
Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest
Andrew Dyke
"Graham Keens" <famil...@lineone.net> wrote in message
news:3fe4a...@mk-nntp-1.news.uk.worldonline.com...
> Andrew wroted " Hi River"
>
> now that's novel, whats wrong with TRAMP then?
>
> Graham
Whato G,
Thought River was his first name, as in Mr R Tramp. Is that not correct?
Regards,
Andrew
and...@andrewdyke.co.uk
PS got the picture. Very good. Nice bush :-) Tried to send a reply picture
but will not send at the moment. Try later.