When is the last time you've seen one of these? (BD stack)

[speedqueen]

The ad says GE(wrong!) but it is obviously based on a BD Whirlpool portable mechanism.

Does anyone know much about these? When and how long were these made, etc. Being small is it safe to assume that these were some of the first machines to switch to DD?

http://https//detroit.craigslist.org/okl/app/d/ge-apartment-compact-washer/6496307572.html

 

[toploader55]

I definitely see a Whirlpool Logo in the center of the Control Panel.

 

[combo52]

WP BD 24" Wide Thin-Twin

These came out in 1983, they used the compact washer mechanism that went into production in 1972 and the compact dryer design that WP started building for Sears around 1969.

 

These BD TTs were changed over to the DD washer style in 1987 around the time that WP changed all their TL washers over t the DD design.

 

Hi Richard, the one you found in the picture is the 2nd model WP produced, the first had only timed dry settings on the timer [ we have one with only timed dry settings in the museum ] These BD compact washers were fun and effective with their nearly 900 RPM spin speed.

 

John L.

 

[tomturbomatic]

WP made these with the faster spin speed knowing that most of these would be paired with 120 volt dryers so they were trying to speed up the drying process with the better water extraction.

 

[Chetlaham]

Timed dry

@Combo/John do you have pics of this machine in the museum? I have to see the knob!

 

[potatochips]

This is such a neat machine!

I can see the front comes off, but it would be interesting to see underneath. WP allowed for the cabinet OR the bottom to come off of the BD portables, so I wonder how they worked around that to gain access to everything.

 

[strongenough78]

Would you be able to use the drivetrain from this in a full size belt drive machine and get the faster spin speed?

 

[combo52]

WP BD 24" Wide Thin-Twin

These are fairly easy to service machines without moving them out of the closet etc. One piece stack laundry appliances like these are generally much more serviceable, easier to install and more stable in operation than when you stack two separate machines. I work on at least 5 of these machines every week.

 

To service the washer in the 24 and 27" WP built TTs you first remove the slanted transmission panel below the dryer, then remove the washers top and take out a few screws and remove the complete front of the washer.

 

Now you can easily access the water pump, drive coupling or belt, inlet water valve, motor on the DD models etc. For more serious repairs you remove two 1/2" bolts and the whole washer assembly can be easily pulled out of the cabinet to work on or replace clutches, transmissions etc.

 

The drive mechanism from the faster spinning BD 24" machines cannot be easily adapted to the full size BD WP washers. I have been involved with several attempts to make standard BD WP washers spin faster. When you get up to a decent spin speed of around 700 RPMs the machine will walk all over the place, My friend Bob in Cleveland has one now that he literately had to bolt to the floor. The suspension design of standard WP BD washers while very rugged and generally trouble free was just not designed to contain and control vibration well at spin speeds above around 550 RPMs.

 

John L.

 

[electronicontrl]

very cool to see the BD

I have not seen a belt-drive on a Thin Twin before. This is very cool.