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Reinout
USA
223 Posts |
 Posted - 26/07/2023 : 16:51:04
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What can we tell about this photo of an early m-Type production line: is this already Abingdon or still in Oxford, what piece of equipment sits next to the kneeling mechanic, why are some mechanics in a white shirt, vest, and tie, while others are more in worker clothes... etc. etc.
PS: This wonderful photo came from Dick Knudsen's book MG Record Breakers From Abingdon.
Reinout Vogt
Emma
1931 M-Type 2M/2735 |
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Ray White
United Kingdom
42 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 17:12:55
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I would say the kneeling man is holding an airline and pumping up the tyre of the n/s front wheel. There looks to be two hammers (both standing on their heads) and a wheel brace on the floor. The man behind him is wearing a coat so he would probably be a foreman; looks like he may have a plaster cast on his wrist?
R. White |
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Cooperman
United Kingdom
760 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 18:55:30
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As the cars appear to have rear hinged doors (suicide doors) it seems that it would be Edmund Road as when they moved to Abingdon, the M type was modified with fully cable brakes and front hinged doors. also in front of the man bending down you can just see the hole in the valance where the cross shaft projects.
I stand to be corrected if anyone thinks differently.
John Cooper M 628 |
Edited by - Cooperman on 26/07/2023 18:57:23 |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
6119 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 19:03:54
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I’d agree, John, the brake cross shaft confirms it's Oxford, not Abingdon.
Simon J
J3437
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Edited by - Simon Johnston on 26/07/2023 19:06:21 |
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Ray White
United Kingdom
42 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 19:11:46
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I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that the man in the flat cap squatting (next to the tyre inflator) is none other than Cecil Kimber himself. There are very few photos (that I know) of Kimber in the early days to compare with... but why would he not be in a photo of the works ? and everyone seems fully occupied which would definitely been the case if the boss was there.!
R. White |
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rapide
United Kingdom
238 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 19:33:01
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| the way I see it is a portable revolving drum positioned behind the wheel to spin the wheel. The tools are not necessarily hammers and brace but could be a device for checking throw out and or tracking . The part that appears to have a curved pointer ( could be hinged ) that may support my theory. I would have thought tyres on wheels taken from the parts bin would not have been checked for pressure until a little later in the process unless a flat was evident and I don't think his hand is anywhere near the valve nor do I think that is a younger Kimber. Looks more like David Walliams! |
Edited by - rapide on 26/07/2023 19:34:50 |
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Westbury
United Kingdom
2009 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 19:43:40
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Great picture!
Ray, definitely not Cecil Kimber.
Chris |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
6119 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2023 : 20:10:50
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This might make things a bit clearer.
Simon J
J3437 |
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Reinout
USA
223 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2023 : 15:49:46
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The first car in the line (on the right in the photo) has no bonnet yet. Cars 2 and 3 both have the bonnet being worked on my a mechanic in a white shirt (with a tie?) and a dark vest. Then,cars 4, 5, and 6 have the bonnet removed again?
And the poster hanging on the wall, in the middle of the photo, looks maybe like a Morris advertisement?
Does anybody have a better resolution version of this photo where we could read what is on the black sign above the workbench?
Reinout Vogt
Emma
1931 M-Type 2M/2735 |
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George Eagle
United Kingdom
3237 Posts |
Posted - 28/07/2023 : 15:27:28
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That does not look like Kimber to me.
The location must be Oxford as the line appears to be a production line with the cars at the front being almost complete whilst the cars at the rear have no windscreen, mudguards or bonnet?
George |
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mackeith
USA
27 Posts |
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M-Type Production Line
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