What was the evolution of the WE 500?

[Telephones_etc]

Hello fellow CRPF'ers. Haven't posted in a while because I just got over being sick with flu for almost a month now but I'm finally better now Anyway, I know about all the changes the WE 302 underwent in its long life; its body, handset, dial, etc all were heavily 'edited'. But I got to thinking, what were the changes made to the 500? I haven't researched it in much depth, so I'm asking all you guys. Between what years was it manufactured? What changes were made to its design after its release? (Pictures are appreciated)

Thanks!

[Doug Rose]

Excellent reading of Dan's great 49 500....Doug

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2394.msg31962#msg31962

[Russ Kirk]

Paul Fassbinder's excellent reference site does cover some of the evolution of the 500 sets and its components.

http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm

[Dan/Panther]

Thanks Doug, I clicked on your link and spent an hour going back through the thread. It never gets old.
D/P

[Doug Rose]

It was an amazing achievement Dan.  One I doubt  will ever be duplicated....you should be proud....Doug

[paul-f]

... what were the changes made to the 500? ...  Between what years was it manufactured? What changes were made to its design after its release?

A lot can be seen by examining the date ranges from the group's observations. Since there is no good documentation from the Bell System, observations of many sets was determined to be the best way to determine component changes and dates. Results to date are reported here:

     http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11422.msg132909#msg132909

That effort was a follow-on to an earlier summary chart, as Russ mentioned. The direct link is:

     http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#Evolution

[Dan/Panther]

It was an amazing achievement Dan.  One I doubt  will ever be duplicated....you should be proud....Doug

Beyond my wildest dreams..
I so wanted a 49-500 but the truth be known, I do not think I would trade this phone for a 49-500.

Dan