1938 LIU Bell Canada Truck Back Arrived!

[DavePEI]

The LIU Truck back arriving. First; just off the trailer with Brian Gough and J. P. Gaudet. Second the final hand-off; myself and Brian. The box traveled about 1100 miles from Picton, Ontario to its final destination, with a six month respite in a barn, since we had to remove it from its former location at Gary Batchelor's, due to the sale of the property it was formerly on. Brian made arrangements with Gary, picked it up, found a location for it to be stored safely, and then hauled it to PEI. Prior to our getting it, Gary's late Uncle had been using it to store plumbing parts. I cannot thank Brian enough for all the trouble he went to to get this down to the Island!

[DavePEI]

Also arrived today with the truck body: Vintage Bunnell Pen Register and original mahogany case from Don Woodbury. This is a beautiful instrument!

It remains static until a pulse if received by the solenoid, at which point the clockwork mechanism drives the paper and a marking mechanism imprints on the paper. The paper exits out a slot on the left hand side of the box.

These were used for a number of purposes in the Telegraphic and Telephonic industries, and as recorders in Fire Stations, Charting alarm ID's from Gamewell Alarms. These Registers are covered in BSP section 030-341-701 downloadable from the TCI Document Library.

[DavePEI]

And from the fellow who I got the truck box from: Nice 4 Line keyset  444EC

[DavePEI]

And finally, from Don again: A very early multi-line set from Kellogg. This had a note on it that it was used in the office of a Gold mining company in Black Hills, Dakota! Whether or not that is true, it is still a very interesting phone!

[WesternElectricBen]

Very, very nice. The phones as well as the box should make excellent additions.

Ben

[19and41]

Nice to see those goodies making it to the good home!

[DavePEI]

Yesterday afternoon, I made arrangements to have a trailer specially modified to fit the box. It is made using an axle from 1952 truck, and the box will sit at the same ride height as it would have on the original Bell Canada truck. The only thing we won't be able to duplicate are the fenders, which would have been mounted on the side of the LIU box.

However, in lieu of having the actual truck, this will be the next best thing to show the box!

Dave

[DavePEI]

Today, another day which should turn out to be exciting. The trailer I am having modified for the LIU should be down at 8 a.m., along with a skid steer loader to place the truck back on the trailer. We finished off the trailer yesterday afternoon, but had to wait until this morning for the loader to be available. We will drop the LIU back down onto its new home using cargo straps. I have my fingers crossed nothing will go wrong.

The trailer is nothing more than a flat bed, the correct size for the trailer, but with full size tires, so the LIU will sit at the correct height. When we have it safely in place, I can begin the restoration on the trailer. From the rear, it will look as though it is sitting on a truck, sadly lacking the cab

I will be on the look-out for fenders and taillights off a late 30s to early 40s truck to complete the illusion; also  a ten foot or so wooden ladder to complete the display. Photos of the LIU on the trailer later....

[DavePEI]

Ok, here it is on the trailer, ready to start body work, painting, etc. It went on very easily, lifted it with slings on the loader, then slid the trailer under, finally dropping it down onto the trailer bed. I have left the 2x6's under it to promote airflow and drainage. I still need to bolt it down permanently.

Eventually I will try to find late 40s fenders and truck lights for it, and a short wooden ladder to complete the display.

Dave

[NorthernElectric]

Cool project Dave!  Any plans on taking a mini-museum on the road with it?

Eventually I will try to find late 40s fenders and truck lights for it, and a short wooden ladder to complete the display.

Don't forget the plate!

[andre_janew]

Yes! An old license plate would be a very nice touch!

[DavePEI]

Cool project Dave!  Any plans on taking a mini-museum on the road with it?

Eventually I will try to find late 40s fenders and truck lights for it, and a short wooden ladder to complete the display.

Don't forget the plate!

Yes, that would be a nice touch, but I have severely blown my budget for the month and then some with the cost of the trailer and getting it lifted onto the trailer, so much as I'd love to have the plate to match, I guess I will have to pass for now. No plans to take it on the road, but it will a the perfect place to display the museum's installer's and line tools and will clear up some space inside for phones!

Dave

[DavePEI]

I am tired this evening. It had been a busy day working on the trailer and LIU back. I now have the back bolted down, and spent a long time this morning sanding the rough spots on the trailer, especially the old fender line. I bought undercoating plugs to fill the former bolt holes, to keep the water out, and finally got a coat of paint on it. I took the shelves out (and also the layout chart to keep it from getting wet) to prepare for pressure washing and de-greasing the interior tomorrow, and tomorrow also hope to get a coat of elastomeric RV roof paint on the roof to seal any leaks, then, depending on how it looks, I may paint that Bell green as well!

Update: It doesn't look as though I will get the roof coating on tomorrow - showers forecast, but I should get the de-greasing and pressure washing done of the inside. There is a lot of grease on the shelf supports and close to 80 years of dirt inside and in the trays.  After that and the roof are done, I can start loading items into it... I have been taking my time at it, working for a spell then taking a break, but I have been getting quite a bit done in spurts, but I do want to get it done as fast as possible so I can go on to other things! I am limited in how long I can stand, and how much I can do in a day, but I am stretching it as much as I feel I safely can!

Once that is done, I can start working in the front compartment, where there is some rust perforation, and I will have to replace the shelf... That, I can take my time on.

[DavePEI]

Ok, these are the last photos of the LIU I am going to bore you with. I have partially loaded it with items for display (toolbox, wooden spool of inside cable, Bell hard hat, climbing spikes and belt, West test set, cable stretcher, tool bags, etc. - much more to go), and here it is from all four angles at 2:45 pm. today.

I still have to coat the roof and work on the front compartment which has some rust perforation, but at least it is ready for the bulk of it to be loaded with tools! The front compartment can wait until I feel like it :-)

Total cost was about $500 including the fabrication of the trailer, paint, nuts and bolts, etc. I just got the bill for the trailer today and paid it. LIU itself and its transportation were free, thanks to Gary Batchelor who donated the LIU and to and  Brian Gough who picked up the LIU from Gary in Picton, stored it over winter, then brought it down to PEI a week or so ago. Thanks, Guys!

[DavePEI]

I finally broke down and bought the plate
NorthernElectric mentioned below. The seller lives quite a distance from me, but is going to mail it to me. I should have it early next week! The perfect plate for a 1938 LIU!