Thread Number: 70535
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
POD 4/26/2017 |
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Post# 934622 , Reply# 1   4/26/2017 at 06:53 (2,528 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Two rows of those very basic RL-1 washers were in the laundromat in my home town. They wouldn't come close to passing today's standards for safety: The door didn't lock, so you could open it up during the spin--which didn't stop, of course. Water also entered the machine right above the door from an exposed fill tube.
I'd gather some quarters, rags/rugs and bike to the laundromat when I was bored. I'd keep the door open for much of the cycle and sometimes put my thumb on the fill tube and shoot water all over the place. The spin was very slow---300 rpm, maybe. Also loved buying the little boxes of All detergent from the vending machine. Those were eventually replaced with two rows of an updated model. No exposed fill tube; can't remember if the latched door locked during operation or if the machine stopped when the door was opened. At any rate, they weren't as much fun for a young washerhead. Aside: There was an old Pepsi vending machine in the laundromat with the vertical row of bottles (which rested horizontally), one of which you'd pull out after dropping a quarter in the slot. I'd bring a big plastic glass and a bottle opener; open the door, pop the top off one of the bottles and let the Pepsi flow into the cup. Yes, I was hood rat as a kid, LOL. |
Post# 934639 , Reply# 2   4/26/2017 at 09:20 (2,528 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 934647 , Reply# 4   4/26/2017 at 10:35 (2,528 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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My favorite aunt also had this same Westy set that matched the POD washer. I loved to watch that machine! She used that set for 10 trouble free years and sold them with the house when they moved. I've said before that in the 50's and early 60's watching these machines was almost as good as watching the limited programming we had on TV then. These machines really spawned my lifelong love for washers.
Eddie |