Voit 50 Fathom timeline

[Barlow]

I have read every posting on the Voit 50 Fathom that I can find. I have also consulted my Voit catalogs to determine the timeline for each particular model. I would appreciate those with more knowledge to check the following.

SDM announces in a 2/1959 article the "new" Voit 50 Fathom with a painted blue case. I assume from this, along with the 1960 catalog that I own, that the only model offered in 1960 was the painted blue version known as VCR-2. There are no blue plastic models shown or mentioned in the SDM piece or the factory catalog.

Then, in my 1961 catalog, it only lists the VCR-2 in a chromed case version. In fact, it states: "The 50-Fathom regulator is entirely chrome plated over brass fittings." The features section also states: "Chrome plated box. Rust free construction throughout." It also shows the 1961 version with the new nylon hose clamps.

Now, I own a blue painted case model, and can attest to the fact that it contains the Gagnan design, rather than a clone of the US Divers Mistral regulator. The 1961 chromed version also used the same valve assembly.

My 1962 catalog shows the new V22 Polaris 50 and V55 Blue 50-Fathom with the Mistral regulator design. It also states that the design is, "NEW in '62 positive sealing seat assembly."

When in the mix did the VCR-2 blue plastic version get produced, and listed in the catalog? It is not mentioned in the SDM article of early '59, nor is it shown in the 1960, 1961, or 1962 catalogs. The only model of this type remaining in the 1963 version is the Polaris 50.

From what I have read on this site, and others, it is quite obvious that the VCR-5 and VCR-2 are the same design. That of the downstream, single stage, push-pull, lever operated seat. The V22 Polaris 50 and the V55 were simply rebadged Mistral and Jet Air regs.

So, where does this mystery reg, the VCR-5 enter the picture? I know that Voit made at least three different labels for the blue cycolac versions. Did label design positively identify the internal design?

I would really like to clarify this info, as the painted blue 50 Fathom is my favorite double hose reg. I believe it to be the most attractive regulator ever produced.

Thanks for all of your assistance.

Greg Barlow

[Broxton Carol]

I have owned three voit 50 fathom regs. Two were the metal, blue painted ones, and they had the gagnan oddball valving. I had one of the blue plastic ones, but I dont remember what mechanism it had in it. I think it had the mistral unit in it, I seem to remember the air tube. Since the oddball mechanism never did work as good as a mistral, I dropped in a usd mistral mechanism in to my 50 fathom, the metal one, and it breathed better than it ever did!

[SeaRat]

Fred Roberts lists the VCR-5 Blue 50 Fathom regulator as being produced only in 1961.

John

[Broxton Carol]

A "Polaris" 2 hoser just sold for, sit down everybody, $512.00 on ebay It was nothing to get excited about, but if this is the direction our hobby is taking, it will be in the same league as, aircraft owners, and locomotive restorers!

[Voice of Gomez]

Ha ha ha, why waste my savings on that stuff, we threw it away in the old days. Now its on eebay. Now Im lucky if I even got money for beans! ;D

[Barlow]

Fred Roberts lists the VCR-5 Blue 50 Fathom regulator as being produced only in 1961.

John

I bought a copy of Basic Scuba, but have not yet received it from the seller. Can you please describe what the label looks like? I know that Karl Gehring has one that depicts a diver along with the text. Considering that the 1962 catalog show the V55 with the text only plate, I am wondering if the original downstream valve system used the diver/text design.

I also cannot figure out why Voit wouldn't have included it in the 1960-1962 catalogs. Perhaps it came out in 1961 after the catalog was sent to the printer, and then didn't remain in production long enough to warrant going in the 1962 version. After all, at that time period the Mistral mechanics were being used in the V55, and the new V22 Polaris 50. Voit probably changed the name from 50 Fathom to Polaris to phase in the different valve design, but to keep the 50 Fathom Blue nameplate added to the confusion. Particularly with the thought that the two cycolac models had completely different operating systems.

Also, John, along with others, have pointed out that the venturi tube on the original VCR-2 was pointed at the can's side rather than toward the inhalation tube. When I examined the Gagnan patent drawing, and the SDM diagrams, it shows the tube as pointing to the inhalation tube. This would follow the mechanical principle of the earlier Mistral design. I believe John's theory that Voit did this intentially may be accurate. It wouldn't take an engineering degree to realize this negates the venturi's advantage.

Also, Chuck mentioned the high dollar price that the Polaris 50 earned. This is only the second Polaris 50 that I recall going on eBay. It is a fairly uncommon reg compared to the number of other regs that appear.

If anyone ever wants to part with a nice cycolac 50 Fathom reg, and wants to make sure it goes to a very loving home, let me know. That would make my day...

Greg

[Broxton Carol]

Dennis Pierson, years ago modified his 50 fathom to aim the air tube down the hose, like a mistral. He let me try it. Wow, great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He also dove my BROXTON 100 feet at BLUE SPRINGS! I had a plastic voit 50 fathom and it was sold to a gentleman from Portugal, or over that way.

[SeaRat]

Barlow,

Unfortunately, I'm on a business trip right now, and cannot look at my copy of Basic Scuba. I think that there is a photo of it in that book, but it may be one of the others.

John

[duckbill]

Greg,
The VCR-5 will only show in the Second Edition of "Basic SCUBA". Here is what I see:
1) As John said, 1961 only.
2) Figure 3-72, pg.239 (not paginated in the illustrations section): "V-55 Blue 50 Fathom regulator (1962-). VCR-5 Blue 50 Fathom regulator (1961) has same exterior appearance."
There is no specific photo showing a VCR-5, but the label on the V-55 shows "Voit" and "AMF(?)" on the left half on a light colored background, and "Blue Fifty Fathom" on the right half over a dark background (the photo is in black and white, and I don't want to make any assuptions on the true colors). I don't see any diver, at least on the photo of the V-55.

[Barlow]

Duckbill,

My copy of Basic Scuba arrived today. It is the first addition, and only contains info on the original VCR-2 model. Interestingly, the author calls it the VRC-2, but all of the Voit printed literature has always called it the VCR-2. My guess is Roberts had a typo. The information, though is very helpful.

Karl Gehring has three different labels. I believe he is going to pull the exhalation hoses to check to see what valve system they employ. I am guessing that the label with a diver had the Gagnan system. The last two styles probably had the Mistral/Jet Air version.

Your information from the second edition is very helpful. It would have made more sense for Voit to change the V-55 name to something like "Blue Polaris 50", since it ushered in the new mechanism.

Thanks.

BTW, do you like the HP hoses? I have already used one of mine on a Voit MR12 Viking reg.

Greg

[duckbill]

barlow said:

Duckbill,

BTW, do you like the HP hoses? I have already used one of mine on a Voit MR12 Viking reg.

Greg

Yes! I just got my gauges switched around today using the hoses. Since they are a little short for end-view gauges (don't know what else to call them. They are the ones like the Sportsways Sea-Vue gauge with the dial perpendicular to the axis of the hose), I took some longer hoses from my side-view gauges, put them on the end-view gauges; then put your brand-spankin'-new hoses on the side-view gauges. Worked out great, and NO ADAPTERS!
Thanks.