Marx searchlight tower

[tjl0824]

I have a Marx pedestal searchlight tower, and I would like to use it. The problem is, there is no terminals on the base, only a small lever. At first my question was how to hook it up, however researching the bigger towers has lead me to believe that it is battery powered. When I looked at mine though, I couldn't figure how to put a battery in it. So now I guess my question is, how do I power it? If it is battery powered, how do put a battery in it? I would post pictures as well, but my computer is running too slow right now.

Trevor

[balidas]

Is the tower metal or plastic? Is there a wire or two coming down from the light?

If the tower is metal then the common is attached directly to that and the single wire coming down from the light is connected to the power source.

[LL675]

could you post a pic of your tower?

[tjl0824]

[KCSRAIL]

This is battery operated by a D cell. You must bend the tabs on the base so the base removes. Insert a D Cell. reinstall the base. I suggest you leave the tabs straight since repeated bending will break the tabs. For practicality. I would suggest you rewire for track power. Keeping the antique nature intact you can change bulbs to match your power supply or power with a 1.5 volt power supply. To avoid disassembly run one lead of your power to top of a round non conductive piece of wood the size of a D-CELL (square block that will fit in housing) and the other to the bottom. To enhance connectivity - best to solder the wires to small metal plates attached to each end. The spring inside should keep you in contact. If spring is damaged then add a spring contact on the bottom. Make sure the top contact is raised and no larger than the top (positive) nib of a D Cell.

[KCSRAIL]

I realize this is an old thread but hope that the info can be helpful to others. The same actions apply to the #308 Battery operated Station Lamp and the #316 Flood light tower.  Probably many more but those are what I have.  Ubfortunately I have the searchlight that does NOT have a switch so the battery must be inserted and removed to turn on/off.