I was somewhat amused by Combo52's concept of a Wall Of Dishwashers in his display space, and whilst not being able to fully emulate the concept I seem to be heading along that road .....
Here is the latest candidate - A Swanmaid Select from 1964.
I do not know the exact date when it was introduced but I know that one was tested in the December 1960 edition of Which magazine. The guy I bought it off told me that it was from 1964 (he had to original documentation but not to hand) and had not been used for 15 years - it was left behind when he and his wife moved into their house.
There have been comments before that this machine has a similarity to some Kitchenaid models and indeed, in its earliest incarnation the handle assembly has more than a passing resemblance to KA too. It has the single wash arm although there is also a spray in the top of the wash tank. The waste was hard plumbed (unusual in this country) so I am guessing this is a gravity drain model. The previous owner told me that it was run off the hot supply but this model should have a tank to heat the water before the wash starts.
The lower rack was also unusual in that it does not have runners, the front and rear wheels are at different levels and there is a sort of hook arrangement on each side of the door (picture 4) that the front wheels engage in so that, as the door is lowered, the rack is pulled forward and can be rolled out onto the door.
There is no visible programme control or cycle selection or advance, the machine is started by the white press and release toggle switch at the top of the door.
It was not possible to do a water test yesterday and it will be a few weeks until I am able to do so but hopefully the old girl will spring back into life with few issues.
Al
Here is the latest candidate - A Swanmaid Select from 1964.
I do not know the exact date when it was introduced but I know that one was tested in the December 1960 edition of Which magazine. The guy I bought it off told me that it was from 1964 (he had to original documentation but not to hand) and had not been used for 15 years - it was left behind when he and his wife moved into their house.
There have been comments before that this machine has a similarity to some Kitchenaid models and indeed, in its earliest incarnation the handle assembly has more than a passing resemblance to KA too. It has the single wash arm although there is also a spray in the top of the wash tank. The waste was hard plumbed (unusual in this country) so I am guessing this is a gravity drain model. The previous owner told me that it was run off the hot supply but this model should have a tank to heat the water before the wash starts.
The lower rack was also unusual in that it does not have runners, the front and rear wheels are at different levels and there is a sort of hook arrangement on each side of the door (picture 4) that the front wheels engage in so that, as the door is lowered, the rack is pulled forward and can be rolled out onto the door.
There is no visible programme control or cycle selection or advance, the machine is started by the white press and release toggle switch at the top of the door.
It was not possible to do a water test yesterday and it will be a few weeks until I am able to do so but hopefully the old girl will spring back into life with few issues.
Al
