WRRS Model 1275 Mini Bell Restoration (Photos and Video)

[MikeRXR]

Greetings Folks,

Here is my WRRS Model 1275 mini bell that I have been working on for a while. I thought I would wait until it was completely finished to share the final results. I acquired this bell from a friend who owns a shortline railroad and signal maintaining firm in Michigan as a trade for buying lunch. Most of his tracks are former Grand Trunk Western, but since this bell did not show signs of original black paint like the GTW used(I did try brush painting it black) so it may have been C&O / Pere Marquette Heritage. Here is the bell before and after restoration:









I hope you enjoy the pictures and video. I did not sand blast the bell myself, but they did an excellent job and it is quite rewarding taking something so old and special and returning it to like-new condition.

Here is a video of the bell, pre-re assembly:


Here is a video of the bell after being assembled, but before any painting:


Here is a video of the bell ringing after a light coat of titanium silver:

I need to do a bit more tweaking as it is ringing on the weak side at the moment, but I like how the ring is soft, so that I can ring it indoors on occasion.

Lastly, here is a photo of my collection:


I am getting a lot of just a few US&S Co Teardrops. I don't know if anyone is interested, but I certainly don't need multiple Teardrops due to the size and weight. After inspecting and cleaning them, if anyone is interested I may offer 1 US&S Teardrop bell to this message forum, available for trade for a General Signals Type 1, Griswold M Bell, Safetran M Bell, or Raco M Bell.

Enjoy,

Michael

[Smjh1979]

I don't think selling a Teardrop will be much of a problem, as long as it isn't too high...

[MikeRXR]

No I don't think so, that is why I would like to offer to the good folks here first, the option that if anyone really wants one, they can trade a more common bell. Shipping would be the biggest cost, but that can be worked out.

Mike

[TrainmanKight]

No I don't think so, that is why I would like to offer to the good folks here first, the option that if anyone really wants one, they can trade a more common bell. Shipping would be the biggest cost, but that can be worked out.

Mike

me i would love to have a teardrop lol
im looking for one that does the clicking sound too

also great job on the mini bell
what kind of paint do you use
maintainers ive talked to use sherwin williams chrome aluminum

[MikeRXR]

Thanks for the comments. The paint I used in this case, was an all purpose, fast drying Rustoleum product, "Titanium Silver" I used this because, I really liked the clean blasted bell and didn't want to have to use a thick primer and layer up the paint. Just hit it with one nice light and even coat. If you need the color number or something from the can just let me know, but it is Rustoleum brand, Titanium Silver.

Hope this helps,

Mike

[illinoistrains]

the bell looks amazing! great work!

[rmitchelljr]

No I don't think so, that is why I would like to offer to the good folks here first, the option that if anyone really wants one, they can trade a more common bell. Shipping would be the biggest cost, but that can be worked out.

Mike

Mike,

Please contact me off list. I have a safetran M-bell I would trade for a teardrop.

Thanks,

Ralph
rmitchelljr@bellsouth.net

[MikeRXR]

Sorry to keep posting my WRRS mini bell, but it just was not ringing well. I could not seem to get it to adjust at all, I would get a strong ring followed by a few light taps and then a strong ring, it just wasn't keeping any kind of rythem and it was very soft. Today I completely filed down the grime off the contacts and re-built them up with silver solder on both sides and bend them into shape / removed a washer or 2 from the screw holding them so that they lined up better, here are the results and I am finally satisfied, I would like it a little slower, but these bells tended to ring fast historically, and well, a restoration should be historic so here it goes!



Enjoy!

Michael

[Smjh1979]

Much better sounding. A great improvement.

[Geochurchi]

Hi, where can I get info on restoring an MI bell, how are the points set, anything will help.
Geo