1955 Australian Healing / Thor 'Trimatic' AKA: US Bendix 'Powersurge' washer

[mayfan69]

Hi guys,

Well, after many delays, these two quite rare machines arrived today. They're an Australian version of the US Bendix Powersurge Washer.

Both came from one families deceased estate. One still in very good condition as you can see and was still sitting in the laundry. The motor and pump bearings will need attention as they are both a bit stiff to turn due to sitting idle for many years.

You'll note all the functions of the Washer are controlled by gears and linkages

The idea of this 'Trimatic' was it could be used as a fully automatic semi automatic or a combination of the both.

Considering I only had to pay for transport, I'm very happy with them.

I must also thank Ash (arrrrooohhh) who alerted me to the original advert.

Cheers
Leon

 

[jetcone]

THOSE

are ADORABLE !!!

And I see they have a unique OZ wash plate ! That black bakelite was not on our machines atleast the ones I've seen.

 

The outer tubs are speckled ~! Very unique.

 

So Cool ! Thanks for posting Leon.

 

 

[chestermikeuk]

Healing Thor

Wow, you do find and have the rarest of washers Leon, they look so old yet so modern at the same time. Looking forward to seeing the washplate in action.

Good to see original belts as well !!

 

[mopar65]

Awesome!

I would love to see it in action.

 

[gansky1]

Those are super cool, Leon, great finds.  The little curved fins on the top of the impeller are very interesting.  Hope these come together quick for you - your fans out here in the wide world are anxiously waiting for more

 

 

 

[a440]

What a beautiful pair! 

Amazing that you found both the washer and dryer.

Thanks for sharing your find. 

 

 

[tomturbomatic]

WOW! That impeller looks like it could move a boat through the water. Do these heat water?

 

[supersuds]

Great finds, Lean and Ash! The panels are almost 1950s Kenmore-ish.

What would be the advantage of operating an automatic washer as a semi-automatic? Reusing wash water?

 

[appnut]

Wow Leon.  Amazing.  Cannot wait to see more.  Are there any differences between the two washers other than the doors on each look to be slightly different?  Off topic, what is that harvest gold dryer in the photo?  It reminds me of Montgomery Wards dryers here. 

 

[mayfan69]

Two washers

Hi Bob,

The two washers are exactly the same: owned by a brother and sister who lived very
close to each other.

And good spotting there Bob! It is indeed a Harvest Gold Montgomery Ward dryer that was owned by a US diplomat when they came to work at the US embassy and left the washer and dryer here when they returned to the US. Unfortunately, the washer died about 12 years ago.

Cheers
Leon

 

[a440]

I looked at the washer so hard earlier that I thought this was a washer / dryer pair!

 

[simpsomatic]

A.G. Healing

A. G. Healing was originally a bicycle manufacture in Melbourne Australia. In the 1950's the company expanded with a line of washing machines, refrigerators, radios and early television. The line of Thor washers was named so because Thor was the god of water. In the 50's when these machines were produced and for many years after only the escutheon changed to keep up with times and fashion. There were four models in the range. Firstly, top of the line was the Thormatic, featured automatic fill, heater and suds return. Second in line was the Thor trimatic as you see here, manual fill, automatic cycle, semi-automatic cycle or combination of both. Thirdly was the Automagic, same styling and cabinet but completely semi-automatic. Wash, spin selector and a timer for each function. You manually filled tub for wash and rinse action. Last but not least was the LaRonde model. Same interior and mechanicals but was not in square cabinet, rather the speckled outer tub was finished in white with a couple of chrome bands for decoration and a round removable lid in color of choice, red, yellow or white. Switch control front mounted similiar to the old thor automagics we have seen restored and owned by many AW members. Off, wash, spin. Deluxe model had a setting for heater. As time went on A.G. Healing could not stay ahead of the economic curve and eventually closed down. A sad day for the Thor line up. If you google Australian advertising in publications like "The Age" and "The Sydney Morning Herald" re A.G Healing products or Thor washing machines you can see all of the products produced by A.G. Healing.

 

[brucelucenta]

Just goes to show, there are still treasures out there yet to be found!

 

[revvinkevin]

Oops I missed this thread.......

 

 

Wow Leon CONGRATS on your new acquisitions,  those are really awesome, fantastic, etc!

 

Best of luck with them!

Kevin