the MOST fabulous dustpan

[air-waycharlie]

The Canisters

Here they are:
Lux 60, G, 1205, Ultralux, Air-Way Mark II 88 and the current Air-Way Sani-Clean.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Now for the up close and personal.........

The Electrolux 60, post WWII, millions made. This has the optional "companion" too holder, optional cord winder and optional wheels Kind of monster to pull around but still works great. Built like a Sherman Tank, designed to last several lifetimes!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Turquoise G

The wonderful newly styled turquoise G with an early power nozzle. Note, it only says Electrolux on the nozzle, the later ones has the words "Power Nozzle".

 

[air-waycharlie]

Next the 1205

Newly styled by Electrolux after it's takeover by Consolidated Foods, (Sara Lee), it debuted in 1968 and was made until 1972. This power nozzle is from the middle of the production run. Thousands are still used daily all over the world. First lux to have a plastic evacuator--bag cage.

People in the vac business either loved them or hated them. There wasn't too much middle of the road on it.

 

[air-waycharlie]

The

Considered by some to be the last "real" lux, it was the last to have a metal body. Great machines that are well built. With the new flexi hose and upgraded brushroll for the power nozzle it is a very good performer. Debuted in the late 80's, I think.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Air-Way 88 Mark II

Beautiful turquoise Air-Way that had a long production run. Started with the "88" and the upgraded to the "88 Mark II with a larger motor and optional power nozzle available. Famous for it's extra long hose, an Air-Way feature!

"88" was made 1958 to 1972, the 88 Mark II was 1973 to 1980ish. The gold Mark V came our in 1975 and run till 1981.

 

[air-waycharlie]

The Air-Way New Century

Currently called the "New Century" by Air-Way this all metal bodied vacuum is truly the "best bang for the buck". Incredible power with an 11 amp motor, great hose and power nozzle with beater bar. Using the filtrete bags you are cleaning machine!

Great retro deco look too. All that for $525.00 out the door.

 

[air-waycharlie]

This sells itself..........

Pretty incredible isn't it? What else can you do this with that is currently on the market?

"Air-Way.........Sanitation to the nation since 1920."

 

[air-waycharlie]

Another shot

Look Ma, no hands!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Almost forgot............

The Hoover Dimension 1000. IMHO the best canister Hoover made. And yes, I can live with the noise and pulling it around corners! A little bit clunky but a fabulous performer on all types of carpet.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Last but not least

A switch back to uprights for what I call Electrolux's, "Don't Let This Happen To You."

Their horribly designed, loud, extremely heavy, poor performer and overall failure, the Electrolux upright.

Kitschy for the collector but a monster for the typical "homemaker" it was catering to in 1976. These models did not last long-------thankfully.

 

[air-waycharlie]

One good thing

Was the 4 wheel adjuster for height. The best way to adjust height on vacuums is with all 4 wheels. Singer did it too for a while.

Notice the distance on either side of the brushroll to the edge of the cleaner. You are NOT going to get any closer to the baseboard than about 1 to 1 1/2 inches! And the same between the brushroll and the front. Really poor design.

Must be why they went back to canisters for many years. Even when the next generation of uprights came along, they had lots problems before they finally got right with current Legacy Deluxe and Classic 3000 uprights. But for $1099.99 and $899.99, respectively, it should be right!!

 

[petek]

Your 1205 Elux looks very similar to the Canadian model AP280 that I have in brown/tan. Actually I quite like using it because it's so hushed.
I don't think I've ever seen an AirWay sold here, not saying they aren't or weren't just haven't seen one. I'll probably get one one day but with us thinking of moving back east I have to cease and desist on vac acquisitions for the moment. I have a Eureka upright coming in the mail the other half don't know about yet.. lol

This is my ugly little Filter Queen model 200A. I'm told the first Filter Queen made. Unfortunately I don't have the original hose or attachments, just replacements, but it runs beautifully, like new. Looks worse in the pic than real life.

 

[brettsomers]

you sure didnt waste any time Mr Watrous. a friend of mine has tried to sell those old-style Lux uprights, you cant GIVE them away! where does the Air-Way New Century fall on the noise-meter? and if only that deluxe Hoover canister had a swivel handle on the hose!

 

[petek]

Greg, love the Kirby you found, need one of those for my collection. I'll collect it whenever I make it over your way.

I really like this Royal Electro-Hygiene canister if not just for the blue color and chrome on it. There's no doubt looking at it that it's an Electro-Hygiene either.

 

[brettsomers]

i been itching to snatch up an Electro Hygiene cylinder myself!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Noise

brett,
The New Century is relatively quiet and light enough that you can carry it in one hand while vacuuming with the other. It has the wonderful 30 foot cord, (maybe 35?), so you only have to plug it in once or twice. It has the same filters as the senior Air-Ways and a halo for the cord to wrap around.

When you call me Mr. Watrous you make me feel like an old man! Charlie is much better!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Electro

Pete,

I love those vacuums! It looks like something you could ride on to the moon. Or like what was dropped out of fighter planes during WW II.

Very cool and no doubt who makes it or what it is.

 

[brettsomers]

i like to call people Mr. or Ms. all the time. makes me feel very traditional and correct. kinda like in old movies. i have a Joan Crawford library too! Charlie it is! David

 

[petek]

Who can't love the sight of these Fairfax's. So industrial looking.