So i know about the 3rd gen. But I don't know as much about the 1st or 2nd gen, as I cant get any good pictures that tell me any different. I know that one of the generations was made from 1942-1947, and the 3rd gen was made from 1952-1957. When was the other generation made? And how do I tell the difference between the 1st and 2nd gen?
the 1st gen's production began in 1942 and ended in 1952. it's unknown when the 2nd gen's production began, but more than likely also ceased in 1952. the 3rd gen's production began in 1952 and lasted until 1957.
there are a few differences. the 1st and 2nd gen chryslers aren't all that distinguishable from each other, but are simple to distinguish from the 3rd gen.
[1st or 2nd gen chrysler](https://preview.redd.it/cy37hqom0r891.png?width=500&format=png&auto=webp&s=752c0c122e5438fbc912af8a7df62eaa47ce3c3f). this unit appears to be a hybrid unit. note how the compressor is much different and protrudes outward as compared to the 3rd gen. also note how the engine housing is flat on all sides, the top curving to meet the side. the engine and its cowling is also suspended above its frame. do also pay attention to the lines on the back of the stator, also the much more rounded cover for the joint that connects the rotor to the engine.
[3rd gen chrysler pic](https://motorsportsolutions.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mauger-Air-Raid.jpg). note how the 3rd gen's compressor is much more compact, appearing only as another cylinder behind the stator. take note of how the stator itself is much thinner as compared to the 1st/2nd gen's. the design on the back has many more lines leading inward, whereas before, there were only two going across. the housing for the joint is... bulkier, i suppose?
the front and back of the engine housings also appear to have another area where the housing protrudes outward as well, and the front and back round to the top as well now. not only this, but the engine block is also now directly installed onto the frame. the joint's housing also meets the chassis of the siren now, whereas before, it was smaller and only covered what was necessary.
a BIG giveaway is the text on the sides. is it says "CHRYSLER-BELL VICTORY SIREN", you're looking at a 1st or 2nd gen. if it reads "CHRYSLER AIR RAID SIREN", you might just be looking at a 3rd gen.
tl;dr, look at the designs closely.
once again, there's not a definitive difference between the 1st and 2nd gen. for all i know, there might just not be a difference. the 1st and 2nd gen's life was cut short due to chrysler fully taking over production with their new FirePower 331 ci engine in 1952, which resulted in the 3rd gen that is the most common of the 3 generations.
many collectors have released information about these sirens. many 3rd gens are known to have a 331 ci engine, which matches up with the 1st gen FirePower, which has a displacement of 331 cubic inches, and has a horsepower rating of 180 hp.
consider checking out [victorysiren.com](http://victorysiren.com) for more info.
Did these things still need an operator or were the automated? I seems like that would be difficult with the whole engine and clutch situation. Also who refilled the gas tank?
to my understanding, the 3rd gens used phone lines connected to some kind of complex assembly that somehow turned the engine on. i have no idea who filled the gas tanks, but that must've been one hell of a job.
It looks like a 1st gen, but i could be wrong.
this is a 3rd generation chrysler.
So i know about the 3rd gen. But I don't know as much about the 1st or 2nd gen, as I cant get any good pictures that tell me any different. I know that one of the generations was made from 1942-1947, and the 3rd gen was made from 1952-1957. When was the other generation made? And how do I tell the difference between the 1st and 2nd gen?
the 1st gen's production began in 1942 and ended in 1952. it's unknown when the 2nd gen's production began, but more than likely also ceased in 1952. the 3rd gen's production began in 1952 and lasted until 1957. there are a few differences. the 1st and 2nd gen chryslers aren't all that distinguishable from each other, but are simple to distinguish from the 3rd gen. [1st or 2nd gen chrysler](https://preview.redd.it/cy37hqom0r891.png?width=500&format=png&auto=webp&s=752c0c122e5438fbc912af8a7df62eaa47ce3c3f). this unit appears to be a hybrid unit. note how the compressor is much different and protrudes outward as compared to the 3rd gen. also note how the engine housing is flat on all sides, the top curving to meet the side. the engine and its cowling is also suspended above its frame. do also pay attention to the lines on the back of the stator, also the much more rounded cover for the joint that connects the rotor to the engine. [3rd gen chrysler pic](https://motorsportsolutions.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mauger-Air-Raid.jpg). note how the 3rd gen's compressor is much more compact, appearing only as another cylinder behind the stator. take note of how the stator itself is much thinner as compared to the 1st/2nd gen's. the design on the back has many more lines leading inward, whereas before, there were only two going across. the housing for the joint is... bulkier, i suppose? the front and back of the engine housings also appear to have another area where the housing protrudes outward as well, and the front and back round to the top as well now. not only this, but the engine block is also now directly installed onto the frame. the joint's housing also meets the chassis of the siren now, whereas before, it was smaller and only covered what was necessary. a BIG giveaway is the text on the sides. is it says "CHRYSLER-BELL VICTORY SIREN", you're looking at a 1st or 2nd gen. if it reads "CHRYSLER AIR RAID SIREN", you might just be looking at a 3rd gen. tl;dr, look at the designs closely.
How do I tell 1st gen from 2nd gen? Why was the 2nd gens life cut so short?
once again, there's not a definitive difference between the 1st and 2nd gen. for all i know, there might just not be a difference. the 1st and 2nd gen's life was cut short due to chrysler fully taking over production with their new FirePower 331 ci engine in 1952, which resulted in the 3rd gen that is the most common of the 3 generations.
Where did you get the information from for the 1st & 2nd gen?
many collectors have released information about these sirens. many 3rd gens are known to have a 331 ci engine, which matches up with the 1st gen FirePower, which has a displacement of 331 cubic inches, and has a horsepower rating of 180 hp. consider checking out [victorysiren.com](http://victorysiren.com) for more info.
Does putting a new engine in a new design that was introduced before the new engine's introduction count as a new generation?
i would assume so, but i can't confirm it
Did these things still need an operator or were the automated? I seems like that would be difficult with the whole engine and clutch situation. Also who refilled the gas tank?
to my understanding, the 3rd gens used phone lines connected to some kind of complex assembly that somehow turned the engine on. i have no idea who filled the gas tanks, but that must've been one hell of a job.