Mystery Button

[GreenMtnMan]

This is on the right rear of my truck. Looks like maybe the guy riding on the rear would use this to signal the driver for something. I have not been able to trace the wires.

[MplsBuffalo]

Various fire dept. used codes for stop, go,  ect. we have had a couple of trucks in our collection with this same door bell button on them.

[bulldogboy]

   When I was riding the tailend, our Mack "B" models had a button on the back (not that doorbell style) that we used to signal the driver.
   Our signals were: 1 - STOP, 2 - go, 3 - back up. Once everyone on the back was ready to respond one tailend man would give 2 rings
   to the cab.

                                         bulldogboy

[johnmocha]

We had the same code in Central Jersey back in the 80s and 90s.

[magicitybill]

Alabama too.

What is "my truck"?

[Lebby]

Was down in Laurel, MD (PG County) and found, to my surprise that all of their trucks, that I saw at least, were equipped with these buttons. Including their newest BLS which has not been placed in service yet.

Picture of Engine 101 (2008 Seagrave Marauder II 2000/500)

[APR343]

Hi.
Also have a button (a tiny one, almost invisible) in the back of the former Burlington,NJ Utility&Lighting 1967 Ford C600 (bodywork byThibault and Morysville), which seats 8 FF in the rear. It still works fine in 2014 and allowed for codified communication between the crew on board and the driver on a noisy environment.
Best

[alvin201]

The 1-2-3 codes probably predate apparatus with electrical systems, and were used as railroad whistle signals, when a train is about to proceed (forward) you usually hear two blasts of the whistle/horn.  Even today on the NYC subway, you'll hear 2 buzzes from conductor to the motorman as a signal OK to proceed.

[photoman475]

Departments in the Chicago area had a button arrangement on many of their rigs, too, mounted somewhere in the rear step area.

magicitybill:  He owns the truck.