Thread Number: 83790
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson 1969-2020 |
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Post# 1081470   7/18/2020 at 05:35 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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How Time Flies, In 2017 we had a mini meet trip up to Richards (Ricky50) home in County Durham, while there we met up with Gary Thompson, a Hoover engineer of old school machines who lived nearby,
we had known Gary years through the forums but like many of us still hadnt met in person. Last week we had the very sad news that Gary had passed away unexpectedly, this post is in memory to Gary and a big Thank You for all the help he unknowingly provided to many of us, especially in his favourite washing machine the Hoover A3308 Computer Control 1100, Hoovers first Computer Control washing machine... In pic: L-R, Alistair (Vacbear58) Steve (SESteve) Mikey (MikeyMatic) Richard Ricky50) Mike (ChesterMikeUK) & Gary .... Heres the link to original threads.. CLICK HERE TO GO TO chestermikeuk's LINK
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Post# 1081471 , Reply# 1   7/18/2020 at 05:40 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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Richards Hoover A3308 Computer Control was launched in the mid 1980`s when Gary was training and became a Hoover Engineer, this was probably the best era of Hoover machines, he told many a story of
fixing the Electrons & Logics ranges of machines, bearing being the main issue but parts easy to source and fix. |
Post# 1081472 , Reply# 2   7/18/2020 at 05:45 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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The computer Control washing machines where a big step forward in the era of computerisation doing away with the big 42 step timers, this model boasted an AEG motor power circuitry for extra reliability.
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Post# 1081473 , Reply# 3   7/18/2020 at 05:55 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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Having spent most of the weekend overhauling Richards washer and putting it back together we had trouble in sorting all the wiring on the harness which was all the same grey colour and if not n the know was a pain to sort through.
Cue Gary who took one look at it and paintstakingly set too sorting through all the wires explaining it was a job he was used to doing and enjoyed from his "Hoover Days" ... |
Post# 1081476 , Reply# 4   7/18/2020 at 06:08 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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When the A3308 computer control was back together we connected it up for a water test , so with rinse & spin selected and press start it went on its way until the spin, where there was a very evident knocking ,
well where all eyes and ears trying to fathom it out when from behind Gary shouted "Its The Heater Bracket" ... And on inspection it was, it had corroded and so the heating was rattling against the drum, thats when you appreciate the knowledge built up over years of repairs ha ha, and so another repair for another day!! |
Post# 1081477 , Reply# 5   7/18/2020 at 06:11 (1,237 days old) by chestermikeuk ![]() |
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My memories of that weekend where of the knowledge that Gary gave freely in a way that was easily understood. It has become apparent from social media since his passing that he gave advice and information and support freely to many more people than all the individual groups from family, friends, appliance buddies and care support work buddies knew about. We where arranging to meet up in Durham after the lockdown in September at Jamies new place where Gary had been advising all things repairs, when we do we will raise a glass to Gary & "Oovah Memories"..
With that in mind "A Toast" and great memories of Gary...
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Post# 1081480 , Reply# 6   7/18/2020 at 06:27 (1,237 days old) by Ricky5050 ![]() |
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Post# 1081529 , Reply# 9   7/18/2020 at 16:40 (1,236 days old) by Marky_mark ![]() |
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Post# 1081558 , Reply# 10   7/18/2020 at 21:36 (1,236 days old) by optima (Cumbria England)   |   | |
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Post# 1081574 , Reply# 11   7/19/2020 at 05:54 (1,236 days old) by combo52 ![]() |
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![]() He sounds like someone I wish I could have met, It is always fun to meet people that worked in and with the major appliance industry, so much information.
I think about you guys often and am yearning for the time I will be able to travel in your direction again, in the meantime I am getting my home in better shape for the future and for guests to visit, this coming winter we are going to be working on the museum again to get more plumbing and electrical work so more appliances can be connected.
Everybody stay safe and be well, and RIP Gary I am glad you guys got to know him.
John L. |
Post# 1081575 , Reply# 12   7/19/2020 at 06:07 (1,236 days old) by ozzie908 ![]() |
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