Early Frigidaire Jet-Action Washer model distinctions question

[kenmore71]

In recent days a member here has had a 1970 WS-4 Frigidaire Jet-Action washer for sale.  This machine clearly looks to be from the first line "S-series" of 1-18 production (mid 1970 through 1971).  

 

When I went to look up this machine in the "S-series" Tech-Talk it's not listed.  However, the Frigidaire accumulative parts index lists parts for it as though it were in the "S" line AND the Model Index and Identifier lists it as a bona-fide 1971 "S-series" machine. From what I can tell it is (at least cycle and feature-wise) comparable to the WIAS.  The only difference that I can see cosmetically is a different use of wood-grain styling on the paneling. 

 

Does anyone know what purpose the WS-4 served in the "S-series" line if it was identical to the WIAS?

For that matter what about the WS-1, WS-2 & WS-22, none of which are listed in the tech-talk either?

 

Was this a model that was sold through department stores or utilities as opposed through "authorized" Frigidaire dealers?

Perhaps I have just a bit too much time on my hands...

 

Here's a picture borrowed from Capecodlaundry's listing for his WS-4:

[this post was last edited: 9/16/2013-12:09]

 

[kenmore71]

And here is a picture of the WIAS console as found in the Sept. 1970 Tech-talk.

Same layout, same features, different "paneling"!

 

[philr]

These are the Gold Crown series. Starting in the 1968 "N" series, Frigidaire started to sell this series which had similar features from the regular line but added a window lid and had a slightly different control panel design (with reversed woodgrain pattern on the 1-18 models) and model designations. 

 

Some Gold Crown 1-18 dryers from this series were also unique as they had automatic drying but just two heat selections rather than 4. If you search threads about them

 

In the mid-seventies, the Gold Crown series was renamed "Crown" and continued even after GM sold Frigidaire to WCI. 

 

Other series introduced in the mid-seventies were the "Custom" and 

 

The link shows the manual for a later Crown model and the picture shows different consoles available, the model on top has the fabrics selector just like the WIA and the WS4. 

http://manuals.frigidaire.com/prodinfo_pdf/augusta/2001SL/001/00000291.pdf

 

[philr]

The W4 is the later "Crown" version with the Fabrics selector that followed the WS4. The WS above it has the same features but a different control panel design. 

 

[philr]

3 "Crown" models, the two first didn't have the fabrics selector.

 

[kenmore71]

Thanks!!!  Now I know how the window lid fits into the grand scheme of things!

 

BTW, what archive is that that you linked to?  I wanna know more about this treasure-trove...

 

[wiskybill]

WS-1

This is one I rescued from the crusher about
3 years ago. It is a GoldCrown and has a window lid
but that's on another machine at the moment.

 

[circlew]

Actually I like the Crown series better, as the control panels are easier to read.