Reproducing Strowger SxS Contacts

[325-6969697]

It seems like there are line finders and selectors sometimes available on ebay but rarely ever any contact assemblies. I'm not sure of the correct nomenclature (except for the one from a knowledgeable seller) but has anyone ever tried to reproduce these parts to restore functionality to their switching setup? How hard could it be.

[HarrySmith]

How hard could it be? I guess that would depend on your knowledge and skill levels.
For me, impossible!
There is probably all the needed information out there.

[5415551212]

It seems like there are line finders and selectors sometimes available on ebay but rarely ever any contact assemblies. I'm not sure of the correct nomenclature (except for the one from a knowledgeable seller) but has anyone ever tried to reproduce these parts to restore functionality to their switching setup? How hard could it be.

Welcome to the forum, I am not familiar with step by step switches which photo is the contact assembly you would like to re-create?

[325-6969697]

Welcome to the forum

Thanks, I've been lurking for a while and find this old technology fascinating. I have now learned the names and function of these parts from some knowing individuals. The photos in order are:

'Vertical Bank (AE) or Commutator (WE) - used with Line Finders, Trunk Finders and AE Level Hunting Connectors

Contact Bank - double, triple and even quad banks exist for:
2 banks - 100 outlets, 3-wire - ordinary Selector or Connector switches
2 banks - 100 outlets, 4-wire - terminal hunting Connector switches, some special Selector switches
3 banks - 200 outlets, 3-wire - common Line Finders
3 banks - 100 outlets, 6-wire - Trunk Finders
4 banks - 100 outlets, 8-wire - Trunk Finders

Shelf Jack - contact counts vary from 16 to 24 contacts with the same contact spacing and also rarely seen higher density 32 contact versions for some special switches.'

I will need all three to get my line finder working. An intercom system is a good way to operate a rotary phone collection for now. But eventually I'd like to also run a few phones using CO equipment. If I can't find them on ebay or from another collector I will have to attempt to manufacture my own. I know there has to be some demand so maybe someone has already tried the same.

[leejor]

Reproducing any of this is going to be extremely difficult. Your best bet would be to find old equipment that is being scrapped. Unfortunately as time goes on that becomes close to impossible. I made sure I got what I could, when SxS equipment was being removed in the mid to late 1980's. Even then, there are a few things i am kicking myself i didn't get while I still could.
I know that for about 10 years after it was turned down, some central offices (in our area) still had bays of SxS that had yet to be removed due to the cost. There may still be some small trailers with equipment that has yet to be towed away, in remote areas, But finding someone willing to give you access to it is going to be almost impossible.

Your best bet is to post requests for what you're looking for and hope that someone has parts that are willing to spare.

[MADhouseTelephone]

When I started trying to build a small switch for my house, I mounted them on a plywood sheet and hardwired the shelf jacks. Since then, my switch grew until it occupied an entire room in a bigger house!
That being said, I have some complete 20 position selector shelves available in Kansas.