POD 06-06-09

[whirlcool]

When did Westinghouse make the 1000 series washer/dryer?
The whole set looks quite "computerish" from the 60's. Were they popular (good sellers). I would have loved to have this set.
Are there any left around? In other words has anyone here ever seen an operational set?

Multi-speed agitator in a FL machine? Hmmm...

 

[whirlaway]

Fifties

These were from around 1958 When Lucy and Desi were selling Westinghous,they were doing those hour shows,Bobby

 

[appnut]

I believe Jimmy Filter-Flo has a set.

 

[hilovane]

The "multi-speed agitator," was a misnomer. It was a tumbler.

 

[alr2903]

The multi speed tumbler iirc was Westinghouse's new "shuffling wash motion", it meant the potatoe pulley, and vanes were not exactly spaced around the tub. I think the earlier westies had vanes at 12,4,8, when looking at the clock, so to speak. This variable speed set up had the potatoe pulley and vanes probably positioned at say 12 and 7. Wards signature (made by westinghouse), always made much of this set up in their catalog.

 

[laundromat]

Laundromat 1000's

1 9 6 0. The 1959 models still had the same drum as the ones from the 40's to the 50's. The "Multi Speed" models were introduced at the end of 1959. Around October.Instead of a transmission using two belts,They had three pullies and perforated arms that were not evenly separated.One of those pullies is oval instead of evenly round and would make the speed very during the tumble.To increase the speed from tumble to spin and to activate the pump,there was a solenoid that would engage to first empty the wash water and the washer sprayed fresh water on the clothes as it drained(freerinse) and then the other solenoid would pop on tightening the tumble belt to increse the rpms from 48-55 to 480 rpms.Loud and off ballance most of the time but lots of fun to watch and the interior light may be turned on while the machine is in full operation.One of my neighbors in Baltimore had that model and let me watch it all the time.They had 6 kids and washed every day but Sunday.They used Dash.The controls were neet because there is an octagonal board that has a needle that goes from left to right and , once it is finished,it springs back to the left. You can be sure....if it's Westinghouse!

 

[whirlcool]

If IBM of this era made washers and dryers, I am sure this is what they would look like....