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  1. MRC Mar 10, 2023

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    This was the same modus operandi that was applied in my day and a five year apprenticeship into the bargain.

    It's interesting that John Thompson Ltd manufactured aerospace parts during both world wars. Did Stewarts and Lloyds get involved in aviation ?
    [/QUOTE]

    Not that I remember, but they did make the piping for the "Operation Pluto" transfer of liquids from England to France after D-Day which would have included aviation fuel. In a mostly abandoned part of the old S&L works at Halesowen in the 1960s were the big obsolete 60Volt DC motors used in making the piping. A few tonnes of copper in each one. We apprentices did wonder how we might manage to get that copper out to sell, but never came up with a practical way. My mum worked at Boulton Paul Aircraft as part of the Aircraft Inspection Directorate of the British Govt, but I think her job was mainly typing.
     
  2. Twocats Married... with children Mar 10, 2023

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    Not that I remember, but they did make the piping for the "Operation Pluto" transfer of liquids from England to France after D-Day which would have included aviation fuel. In a mostly abandoned part of the old S&L works at Halesowen in the 1960s were the big obsolete 60Volt DC motors used in making the piping. A few tonnes of copper in each one. We apprentices did wonder how we might manage to get that copper out to sell, but never came up with a practical way. My mum worked at Boulton Paul Aircraft as part of the Aircraft Inspection Directorate of the British Govt, but I think her job was mainly typing.[/QUOTE]
    Operation Pluto supplied 8% (800,000,000+ Ltrs) of all fuel used in the war effort from England to the Allies in Europe. I love learning new things like this.
     
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  3. kgb Mar 10, 2023

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    PLUTO stood for Pipeline Under The Ocean. The miniature steam railway Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch helped transport material for PLUTO during the war.
     
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  4. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Mar 10, 2023

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    I don't own many old tools, but this Mühle-Glashütte micrometer is beautifully made, and a pleasure to use.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Pvt-Public Mar 10, 2023

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    My grand father worked for Continental Can in Chicago from the late 30’s until he died in 1961, his war contributions were keeping the machinery going to make the cans.
     
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  6. Pvt-Public Mar 10, 2023

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    That looks like a work of art.
     
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  7. timoss Mar 10, 2023

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    Wow that’s a beauty.
     
  8. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Mar 10, 2023

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    Thanks! The quality and precision are palpable while manipulating it. And the company began to make such devices in 1869!

    MG1869.png

    MG756g.jpg
     
    Edited Mar 10, 2023
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  9. ExpiredWatchdog Mar 10, 2023

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    I had a college professor who would say that, and follow it with "Anybody who can make anything on those tired old machines has to be the greatest".

    I liked to call it a Starrett Last Gasp.
     
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  10. blubarb Mar 11, 2023

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    Hmmmm...I feel enthused to get up early tomorrow morning, being Sunday, and clean the garage and sort the old measuring tools that I know are there and have been unused for decades. And, If I am still motivated, I might take a few pics and post here. :D
     
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  11. p4ul “WATERRROOP” to 50m Mar 11, 2023

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    Better yet, post them to me.
     
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  12. blubarb Mar 11, 2023

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    :D:D
     
  13. p4ul “WATERRROOP” to 50m Mar 16, 2023

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    New arrival, it’s a number 2 - obviously I am now looking for a 1 & 3.

    “Good grief”.

    5E5F9E1F-18F4-4F6F-A441-C44F72A93D3E.jpeg
     
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