Willis Lamm's
Traffic Signal Collection

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  Darley Simplex C-811
"Three bulb" 4-way signal

Part Two

The Darley signal had three distinctive advantages over the original Potts signal. Potts' signal used railroad lenses designed to project a narrow beam of light down a railroad track, however the Darley signal used diffused wide angle lenses making it easier for motorists and pedestrians alike to view the signal's indication. The Darley sun visors were much more prominent and shaded the lenses much better. Finally, the Darley signal was automatic or "self-regulated." It contained a Reynolds Time-O-Matic controller in the bottom of the signal to operate the color displays.

Aside from these improvements, the original C811 signals were pretty crude by today's standards. The aluminimum castings had numerous visible flaws. The signals were apparently built by hand. Holes for attaching each side panel and the tabs that the holes mated with were drilled and tapped by hand. If you mixed up the side panels, the holes often wouldn't line up. Holes for the porthole mounting screws weren't carefully aligned either and portholes that fit on one panel often wouldn't fit correctly on another. Even the bottom plate would only fit one way or it stuck out the side of the bottom of the signal and left a gap on the other side.

The signal as it came out of service.

In spite of these shortcomings this was a very practical and durable signal. Many remained in service for over 50 years.
Reynolds Time-O-Matic Controller.
Back side of porthole w/ lens & reflector mounted.
Wiring layout.

Continue to Part Three

Return to Part One

Return to Darley C-810

The original bulbs were 150 watt (upper.)
For display I'm using 115 watt bulbs (lower.)
The smaller bulbs require socket extensions.
This model came with the compact gooseneck hanger.


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