1961 Duo-Matic Twin Tub

[launderess]

Laundryettes Not Allowing Or Even Wanting Drying Only

Was fairly common back in the day all over, and maybe still goes on far as one knows.

Laundromats depending upon several factors either made their money on washers, or the dryers. Sometimes things balanced out, but in many cases someone who washed things elsewhere (at home), then lugging their wet wash to use laundryette dryers was discouraged. Many places even put up signs saying "no drying only".

Other reason was how the place was planned out; that is ratio of washers to dryers. Many laundromats saw those who washed and dried as true customers (see above), and didn't think they should have to wait for a dryer while someone else who didn't do their washing at the place was hogging one.

 

[keymatic]

Hi Al,

I saw that page of washers and the Morphy Richards thing also caught my eye, I have seen in Home magazines of the time that Morphy Richards were listed as selling a twin tub similar to the Rolls machine, there were quiet a few companies that adopted the "Rolls" principal:
Frigidaire
Goblin
Pye
Burco
Electricity boards own brands
Cheers
Keith

 

[rolls_rapide]

The Rolls automatic washer...

I came across this anecdote from 'Camtechman' on a forum, Vintage-Radio.net:

"There were quite a few including the chap that made the 'pile it high, sell it cheap' model, can't remember his name.
Yep John Bloom and his Rolls washing machines, my late Aunt bought one (a front loader with a stainless steel drum) but after 18 months it wouldn't empty pump out water, so, like a keen, budding engineer I said I could fix it.........no chance !!

It wasn't meant to be opened the whole machine was spot welded together. His method of manufacture and selling was similar to Clive Sinclair's ethos !"