Servis Powerglide 1957 with "Vortex"

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chestermikeuk

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Was just explaining to the lads on super forum about trying this machine with a "New" packet of Fairy Snow Handwash & Twintub and adding some pics to the file noticed a video clip...

It was produced in 1957 to provide an "under the Counter" sized machine for the more compact kitchen, of which the UK had a lot of....Servis produced many Big to Us machines (9lb loads)from 1930, so this filled a market niche and sold many, available in four colours of which this is "Guardsman Red" & Cream...The top doubles as a cover and clips onto the back to form a tray for the clothes coming through the wringer, the wringer is electric and uses a patented "Positive Action" mechanism where you have to place your foot on the pedal to start, unlike other machines of the time..

The wash action on the Powerglide differed very much from the Servis method of washing, they developed the famous Servis "Hi-Zone" wash action, 210d agi with square wash tub which used to wash the clothes into the corner of the tubs providing more pressure etc... This machine uses a massive Turbulator Disc in the base corner of the vitreous enamel drum, its so powerful when switched on that in the vid you can see the Vortex and hear the gurgling and the air is being sucked into the wash-stream.

It also empty`s through a pipe, BUT, doesnt have a pump.Instead it has a solid metal "Pipe" under the Turbulator Disc which is normally near the heater but when you slide the lever on the front to "Pump", it moves to the "Outside" where the force of the water spinning around just forces it through the pipe into the sink..

Have a look and let me know what you think!!! Mike

10-25-2006-10-06-36--chestermikeuk.jpg
 
Awsome Action

Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for the pictures and video I thought I would never see a Powerglide again. My great Aunt had the exact same machine and I remember her boiling in it when I was a child, she used Ariel and the whole house was filled with the wonderful Ariel scent.

David
 
Mike that is a very cool looking washer! I love the red trim and the porcelain interior, as well as that 220volt water heater!
 
What a fun looking machine Mike, I too love the color combination. That box of Fairy Snow is so fun!! Terry
 
voll geil

Mike, thanks for sharing. That baby must have dimmed the lights when she was heating the water.
What a beautiful example of practical engineering - why have a seperate "pump" when the impeller does it for you?
 
Mike

Cool machine!!
I love Guardsman red, i wonder if i can mix some up and paint my westinghouse!!
Wowo what suckulation, it sounds like a hungryman machine.
The cabinet top resembles our first Hotpoint fluid drive machine the way the sides are shaped.

But I can't believe that pump works, its too simple.
Nice to see you're still running it in that same wonderful kitchen too.

Tell Ty and John I say hi.
 
Mike----

Wow! Now that is different! That is a huge impeller for that size tub! Obviously that machine was not meant to wash lingerie----or not for long anyway!

Mike, is that Fairey Snow a vintage product you collected, or is it still available on the open market?

Thanks for sharing, I learned something new first thing this morning!
 

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