POD Westinghouse

[wireman]

Curious, anyone know WHY Westie moved away from the "Program Computer" back to this simpler dial design? Were the buttons and radio style dial too costly and prone to failure? Did it make the Westies too costly compared to the competition? Seems like a step backward in some ways.
Thanks!
Duane

 

[tomturbomatic]

I think that if you do a search in this forum for Westinghouse L1000 or Westinghouse program computer Laundromat, you will see extensive posting about the three brands that used the electro-mechanical rapid advance timers. Westinghouse, Kenmore and Maytag were the three manufacturers and only Maytag stayed with the timer for more than a brief period. The L1000 was unique in many ways, but with the high cost of these timers and the lack of flexibility they provided, they were judged to be more than most people wanted.

PS: This ad was often seen in Readers' Digest. It was part of a series touting the economy of the Laundromat, including one where a woman said that her Laundromat saved her so much money that she could afford a new washer every 5 years.

 

[wireman]

Thanks, Tom! Figured expense was at least part of it.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I forgot about the Hotpoint Touch Command washer. I think it had a similar timer for a year or so, too.

 

[arbilab]

I remember a DW with fastforward timer, but not when or who made it.

 

[westie2]

We had a TOL Wards DW with the rapid advance which we bought it in 1974.  I think it was Fridgidaire who made it.  Was a great machine.  It would clean very well had Sani Cycle.

 

 

 

[moparwash]

W Program Computer Dryer

Still a work in progress...next to work on the stuck timer!

 

[wireman]

Jerry,

GAWJUS washer! Lighted drum? Or did you temp. put one in to showcase the tub? Too cool that you also have a 50's GE range; learned to cook on a turquoise one in Phoenix as a young teen. Good luck with the restoration!

Duane

 

[moparwash]

thanks bud!

The TOL W dryers had a tub light....you pressed the circle W button to the right of the stainless trim to turn it on...it does not come on when the door is open...though I am tempted to hook it up like that...here is a shot of the GE for you glad you like!

Jerry