| Name | Western Electric 2C2 |
| Date | 1975 |
| Manufacturer | Western Electric |
| Special thanks to Andy Krop for the beiow images |
Development of the Western Electric 2C2
| The Western Electric 2C2 is a panel-mounted (flush) single-slot pay telephone in the Fortress family, designed for high-traffic, vandal-resistant installations such as transit stations, institutional corridors, and exterior wall recesses. Model Designation Western Electric single-slot nomenclature is structured as: First character (mounting): 1 = surface; 2 = flush/panel Second character (service type): A = Coin First (CF); C = CF/DTF configurable; D = DTF only; E = postpay Third character (dial): 1 = rotary; 2 = Touch-Tone (DTMF); 3 = manual Thus, 2C2 = flush-mounted, CF/DTF-configurable, Touch-Tone instrument. Construction and Panel Arrangement The 2C2 consists of a standard 1C2 chassis mounted behind a flat stainless-steel (SS) cover plate, providing a clean architectural finish and tamper resistance. The stainless panel conceals mounting hardware and presents a flush trim to masonry or metal wall openings. Internally, the unit retains the heavy-gauge Fortress upper housing, armored handset cord, and secure coin vault. Electrical and Coin Control Like other C-series sets, the 2C2 supports: Coin First (prepay) or Dial Tone First (DTF) operation (field-configurable) It employs an electro-mechanical Totalizer (visible beneath a clear plastic cover inside the upper housing) for coin validation, rate stepping, and collect/return control. Units are typically Central Office–controlled, compatible with Automatic Coin Toll Service (ACTS) for automated long-distance billing. Connector architecture follows C-series practice (dual 11-pin circular plugs between upper housing/Totalizer and coin chassis). Dial and Variants Standard dial assembly is the 61C Touch-Tone unit. Production-era variations may include: Bell System logo differences (1960s early mark; 1970s–1984 modern mark; post-1984 unbranded) Mechanical vs. later electronic coin return assemblies Tapered vs. squared coin return lever (early vs. later production) Some late-life examples were refurbished or converted to COCOT operation while retaining the original Fortress housing and stainless panel. Typical Deployment The 2C2 was specified where aesthetics required a flush stainless presentation combined with Fortress-level durability—subway platforms, airports, schools, hospitals, and commercial lobbies. Most examples have since been retired or disconnected in place. Below- model 2D |
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