Simpson Twin Tub

[brisnat81]

Hi Guys,

We found this Simpson (Lightburn) Twintub this afternoon, along with a modern F&P washer.

The machine is made by Pope Industries, which was the Owner of Simpson.

The design however is based on the Lightburn Twintubs, and the only assumption I can make, is that Pope bought what was left of Lightburn's stock, when they stopped making washers in the late 70's. The reason I think this, is that the spin can is blue in Simpsons Corporate colours, but the wash tub is green, like the earlier paddle based Lightburn I parted out.

The control on the left opens the wash tub drain valve, and the control on the right stops and starts the agitator.

This is another single motor drive, like the older one I have, however this one has a brake/clutch on the spinner so that it stops in a reasonable time.

Unfortunately the motor is missing (I have a spare) and I've ordered a new drive belt and tub to pump hose.

Otherwise the machine is in good cosmetic condition and shouldnt take too much to bring back to life

 

[brisnat81]

This shows the green washtub, with a traditional Simpson reciprocating agitator, and the Blue spin can.

We'll take it up to Michaels mothers next time, where the Lightburn parts are stored and bring it back to life again.

 

[westyslantfront]

I like the agitator on this one. Too bad it is so far away.

Ross

 

[arrrooohhh]

Ohh how exciting.

A Simpson twin tub, a rare beast indeed!

I've just done some research in Choice, the last time twin tubs were tested was in 1978. Lightburn was included but not Simpson. In the 1978 issue there is a chart over several pages listing the spec's of all washing machines on sale, in Twin Tubs, small auto's, large auto's and wringers. Simpson is again not included in this list.

Choice also tested twin tubs in 1972 and Simpson is included in this. It has a picture of the same agitator as in your picture and that it has an arc of 170degrees. There are not pictures of any of the machines from outside though, only line drawings of the controls of each machine and the controls are the same as the Lightburn, drain: open/closed, wash: on/off.

So this machine had to be made before 1977.

For your interest I once saw a Simpson twin tub years ago like your machine and it had the Minimatic agitator in it!

Can't wait till you get this working and you post a video!

Tell me have you found your machines through advertisements or on the side of the road. The only machine I have ever found that was exciting was the early 70's Simpson I have which I am soon going to give attention too.

 

[brisnat81]

Curbside Collection is my Friend

I've found a lot of my stuff from Curbside collection.

Otherwise Ebay or occaisionally the paper.

I picked up another Simpson Fluid drive a few weeks ago, that is remarkabley clean.

Our house is now overfull, so I need to part out a couple of GE's and another 2 whirlpools.

 

[arrrooohhh]

Where in the paper do you look? I do keep an eye open when its rubbish collection. I live in the Innerwest, so, as and older area, I am sure a beauty will be on the curb one day, like my Simpson.

What kind of Fluid drive did you find the other day? Was it similar to the one you already have or a later one with the ribbed tub?

I really have no room in my flat to have a collection, and Parents already storing stuff cant stretch the favour too much, but if I found a Fluid drive with a ribbed tub and the push button controls, or a Solid State control model, I would have to have it!

 

[pulsatron]

Nice looking unit

Hello Nathan,
That is certainly a nice looking unit, it's funny though seeing a twintub with an actual agitator instead of a pulsator disc, I wonder when it was decided to change from agitators to pulsators?, well done though on a great little find.
It looks like there are some real treasures up in Queensland.
Arrooohhh,just a quick little comment about Choice magazine and twintubs, I was until recently a subscriber to that magazine and when they recently tested washers again I think it was the Jan-Feb issue,I quizzed them once again about adding twintubs to the list and I was told that since (apparently)) less than 2% of the population owned or would buy a twintub, they were not worth adding to the list of machines to be tested, a pity reallly since you can get such good water and time saving with a twinnie.
I also have my eye on a nice looking Hitachi twinnie at a second hand dealer in Auburn and it seems to be in quite good condition and actually seems to be a bit bigger in size and capacity than my Haier twinnie, I shall let everyone know if it becomes a reality.
Cheers folks.
Steve.