Oh how times have changed.

[V8Ian]

https://youtu.be/A5UIotDwX8A'si=gR-3mMleKsCpnGmE
Look at how much labour went into the construction, the pride and skills involved. Very few younger than boomers would recognize many of the hand tools.
I can't see the cotton wool brigade letting kids in particular, but the public in general, on the tracks and up close to an idling steam loco, or allowing kids to climb on it.

[Killer]

https://youtu.be/A5UIotDwX8A'si=gR-3mMleKsCpnGmE
Look at how much labour went into the construction, the pride and skills involved. Very few younger than boomers would recognize many of the hand tools.
I can't see the cotton wool brigade letting kids in particular, but the public in general, on the tracks and up close to an idling steam loco, or allowing kids to climb on it.

Yes, when was the last time you saw a Yankee Screwdriver used in anger? Not a lot of power tools in those days. And CorTen steel was all the go. Now its all the go for a rusty appearance that doesn't corrode.

[V8Ian]

I remember as a primary school aged kid being fascinated by the mechanics of my father's Yankee Screwdriver. I now own that screwdriver.

[Killer]

Yes my father had one as well. Always a challenge for a young upstart to keep the screwdriver blade in the screw slot. [biggrin]

[p38arover]

I have one, too. Haven't used it in years.

Edit: I just checked. It still has the Spiralux sticky label on it.

188686

188687

[scarry]

My Dad had one as well,I don’t have it,I bet one of my brothers does.

[4bee]

My Dad had one as well,I don’t have it,I bet one of my brothers does.


I still have one as well but wasn't aware of it being called that.

It belonged to my Late elder Bro who did a Carpenter's Apprenticeship with Hansen & Yunken who conveniently had their Joinery shop near home, back then. a now a vacant block of land when last seen
I didn't see it much so cannot recall it's name & it is about 25cm in length.

Last look it was fitted with a run of the mill slotted screw head.

The only thing I have of his, because later that advice was common place ,he packed it in much to my Father's disappointment ( the olde "Gotta get a Trade behind you son" just coming out of the Great Depression & got a good job with SOLVER Paints & died about 3 years ago.

Another bruv was a Book binder, another a mechanic at J N Taylors Adelaide fixing Out board Motors & later CIG/Liquid air, & another a GMH Spares Specialist( now deceased).


Me? Was very fortunate Walking past a South Road Refrigeration Manufacturer "2X Refrigeration Apprentices wanted"who had a sign up. so wandered in & asked. .
I mean how hard can it be just Opening service valves on a Customer's new Refrigerator?

This was how easy it was to get a job back then.

Boss, "Sorry son, we have just placed both positions",


Must have noticed the disappointment in my voice.
Boss" Tell you what, we will take you on as well". He must have recognised a good thing when he saw it or was desperate to have a young Workshop Floor sweeper each day.[bighmmm][bigrolf] I never did find out who the 3rd person was.

And so they did. Oddly, in 1956 in National Service Army I was allocated the same bed space in the Barracks Room as the other apprentice who was in the 2nd Intake at Woodside Camp & I was in the 3rd. I really loved Nasho .

He has since kicked the bucket a couple of years ago.

[p38arover]

I still have one as well but wasn't aware of it being called that.

I didn't know they were called that, either. I looked up Yankee Screwdriver and found I had one. I must have bought it in the mid-70s. The cap unscrews and spare/different bits are kept in there. I think there's a drill bit, too. I'll go and check. Mine is a Spiralux Model 7233.

Yes, two drill bits plus one other bit that has no apparent purpose. A photo on the net shows it should have Phillips bit. The odd bit in mine looks like it hasn't been fluted to become a Phillips bit.

188690

[austastar]

Hi,
I knew them as Archimedes' screw drivers. Some were about 2'6" long and a skilled journeyman could sink a 3" screw with one or two plunges.
Cheers

[p38arover]

Look at how much labour went into the construction, the pride and skills involved. Very few younger than boomers would recognize many of the hand tools.
I can't see the cotton wool brigade letting kids in particular, but the public in general, on the tracks and up close to an idling steam loco, or allowing kids to climb on it.

I just noticed the narration was by Terry Dear. Who else remembers him from radio and early TV?

[4bee]

Hi,
I knew them as Archimedes' screw drivers. Some were about 2'6" long and a skilled journeyman could sink a 3" screw with one or two plunges.
Cheers[biggrin]

I can just imagine going to the Store & asking the usually grumpy Store person( looking nonplussed) for one if those.

"Listen Matey, don't come the old soldiers with me & wasting me time wottissit you really want?
:rulez:

[p38arover]

Hi,
a skilled journeyman could sink a 3" screw with one or two plunges.


I never found it useful, probably because I was not very adept at using it. :(

[V8Ian]

I just noticed the narration was by Terry Dear. Who else remembers him from radio and early TV?
:no2: Never heard of him.

[scarry]

[biggrin]

I can just imagine going to the Store & asking the usually grumpy Store person( looking nonplussed) for one if those.

"Listen Matey, don't come the old soldiers with me & wasting me time wottissit you really want?
:rulez:

We used to send the apprentice to the store to get a left handed screwdriver,and if that didn't work a tin of elbow grease.[biggrin]

[V8Ian]

We used to send the apprentice to the store to get a left handed screwdriver,and if that didn't work a tin of elbow grease.[biggrin]
I got sent for a can of compression powder.
Other favourites I've heard of were, a bucket of steam or sparks, spare bubble for a spirit level, the old chestnut, a long wait/weight, and a skyhook.

[4bee]

I never found it useful, probably because I was not very adept at using it. :(

I think it is a case of practice make perfect Ron.f

By the time one grabs a new screw from the box & tries to line up the driver head with the slot it could be knock off time.[biggrin] I never saw my bruv using his so he probably used 4" nails & said bugger it!:Thump::Rolling:

[4bee]

We used to send the apprentice to the store to get a left handed screwdriver,and if that didn't work a tin of elbow grease.[biggrin]

........... & you said it with such fearmongering that even if he/she thought it was was fishy didn't dare contradict.

The other one I recall was to go to the Lunch Shop & come back with a Pregnant Pause or a Pregnant Tart. Of course old Mr Dutton or Mrs Dutton had heard it all before over the years. I don't recall the response.
Ah the Good old Days!
EDIT.

I do recall though that Mrs Dutton had her hair cut & styled in the same manner of dear Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday in 1953 & she looked a million $. One of the very first I saw & the rest followed like sheep.

[V8Ian]

A favorite at the workshop my mate did his time, was honey rollover and let us on top. For the nine years he worked there, the message from the smoko bar was always the same 'Tell xyz we're out of honey.' [biggrin]

[4bee]

:no2: Never heard of him.


I did. I think it was The Amateur Hour . Sponsor????? Colgate Palmolive?


Thurs evenings.

[stuarth44]

Yes, when was the last time you saw a Yankee Screwdriver used in anger? Not a lot of power tools in those days. And CorTen steel was all the go. Now its all the go for a rusty appearance that doesn't corrode.


I was once asked to roll corten r200, 6mm, my 5 inch plate rolls would not move it, my plate wheeling machine did the job
corten pulls like crazy when welded, plus it needs lo hydrogen
pity it costs moonbeams here, i built a round brick house with a slate roof, corten, or weathering steel looks great, my idea for Tornado Ally USA, Round house, coned corten roof, stead of that they rebuild with matchsticks

[stuarth44]

I was once asked to roll corten r200, 6mm, my 5 inch plate rolls would not move it, my plate wheeling machine did the job
corten pulls like crazy when welded, plus it needs lo hydrogen
pity it costs moonbeams here, i built a round brick house with a slate roof, corten, or weathering steel looks great, my idea for Tornado Ally USA, Round house, coned corten roof, stead of that they rebuild with matchsticks
here is my wee round house

[V8Ian]

I was once asked to roll corten r200, 6mm, my 5 inch plate rolls would not move it, my plate wheeling machine did the job
corten pulls like crazy when welded, plus it needs lo hydrogen
pity it costs moonbeams here, i built a round brick house with a slate roof, corten, or weathering steel looks great, my idea for Tornado Ally USA, Round house, coned corten roof, stead of that they rebuild with matchsticks
Corten is the steel shipping containers are made from and the only material allowed to be used in the repair of same.

[simonmelb]

My Dad was an apprentice at those Newport workshops and had one of those screwdrivers too.

One time on the way to work on his motorbike one of the front forks broke so of course one of the older blokes helped my Dad do the repair at work that day.

Dad also drove Heavy Harry a few feet forwards when it was in the yard with steam up. He was seriously told off afterwards!

[Tins]

I just noticed the narration was by Terry Dear. Who else remembers him from radio and early TV?

Me.

[Killer]

I didn't know they were called that, either. I looked up Yankee Screwdriver and found I had one. I must have bought it in the mid-70s. The cap unscrews and spare/different bits are kept in there. I think there's a drill bit, too. I'll go and check. Mine is a Spiralux Model 7233.

Yes, two drill bits plus one other bit that has no apparent purpose. A photo on the net shows it should have Phillips bit. The odd bit in mine looks like it hasn't been fluted to become a Phillips bit.

188690

I think "Yankee" was a Stanley trademark name, a bit like calling a vacuum cleaner a Hoover I suppose.

[gromit]

I think "Yankee" was a Stanley trademark name, a bit like calling a vacuum cleaner a Hoover I suppose.

Turns out it was a name they acquired when purchasing the original manufacturer.
Yankee screwdriver - Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_screwdriver)
https://hyperkitten.com/w/images/thumb/a/a0/Yankee11.jpg/300px-Yankee11.jpg

I have a number of them in various sizes. I've purchased them from Trash & Treasure markets just to get additional blades. They seem to have just the one blade, the handle is always empty !

An elderly guy at the local woodwork club used to be a coachbuilder, he used a Yankee screwdriver to install several hundred screws in railway carriages. That's when men were real men.


Colin

[4bee]

I was once asked to roll corten r200, 6mm, my 5 inch plate rolls would not move it, my plate wheeling machine did the job
corten pulls like crazy when welded, plus it needs lo hydrogen
pity it costs moonbeams here, i built a round brick house with a slate roof, corten, or weathering steel looks great, my idea for Tornado Ally USA, Round house, coned corten roof, stead of that they rebuild with matchsticks


Have got two old sheds both with Queens Head Galv. must be, as far as I can determine, at least 140 years old. 1 X stables & 1 x Packing
I had both "Slippered" when they replaced the olde roof house probably got another 50 years, unlike me.[bigsad]

[4bee]

Turns out it was a name they acquired when purchasing the original manufacturer.
Yankee screwdriver - Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_screwdriver)
https://hyperkitten.com/w/images/thumb/a/a0/Yankee11.jpg/300px-Yankee11.jpg

I have a number of them in various sizes. I've purchased them from Trash & Treasure markets just to get additional blades. They seem to have just the one blade, the handle is always empty !

An elderly guy at the local woodwork club used to be a coachbuilder, he used a Yankee screwdriver to install several hundred screws in railway carriages. That's when men were real men.


Colin

I Wonder whether he was the bloke that screwed shut every onboard toilet door? No, I didn't know him either, Colin.:BigCry::Thump:

[stuarth44]

Have got two old sheds both with Queens Head Galv. must be, as far as I can determine, at least 140 years old. 1 X stables & 1 x Packing
I had both "Slippered" when they replaced the olde roof house probably got another 50 years, unlike me.[bigsad]

got mebbe one to 5 years meseln
building cuppla shelters for the Ds, have a stack of clay tiles , on top hats, yes i had a gal drum of creosote the yanks left from ww2, that 44 gal drum was like new arrghhhhhhhhh

[scarry]

How times have changed.


https://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/16702392/640/16702392.jpg (https://picturepush.com/public/16702392)

[V8Ian]

K-Mart has got boring and rifles have got expensive. [biggrin]

[scarry]

K-Mart has got boring and rifles have got expensive. [biggrin]

I think it was A Mart that sold rifles as well?
And Ammo.

I am sure we used to get air rifle pellets from A Mart.

[Tins]

I think it was A Mart that sold rifles as well?
And Ammo.

I am sure we used to get air rifle pellets from A Mart.

used to get air rifle pellets from the Ivanhoe newsagent. Not Ivanhoe in NSW.

[123rover50]

I left NZ for Australia back in 67. Jumped on an Electra, no passport required then. All I bought over was a Mountain Mule Backpack, A fibreboard suitcase and a Winchester 73 in 44-40. No problems, the carbine fitted in the overhead luggage rack. No one was bothered.
They were the days.
Keith

[scarry]

I remember going with my father to pick up a new Vostock 12 guage shotgun from the gun shop in the city.Probably mid seventies.
It was broken down in two pieces,and wrapped up in brown paper.
He had the butt,i had the barrel.

We then went to the Comm bank to get some money out,no problems.

As kids we used carry guns all over the place,even on public transport.Often on our pushbikes mainly.
They were usually wrapped up in a blanket,ammo in our pockets.

[Killer]

I remember going with my father to pick up a new Vostock 12 guage shotgun from the gun shop in the city.Probably mid seventies.
It was broken down in two pieces,and wrapped up in brown paper.
He had the butt,i had the barrel.

We then went to the Comm bank to get some money out,no problems.

As kids we used carry guns all over the place,even on public transport.Often on our pushbikes mainly.
They were usually wrapped up in a blanket,ammo in our pockets.

Back in the days that the banks had cash at the branches, and were used to people coming in with shotguns wanting money.[bigwhistle]
When I went to school in rural Victoria, skeet shooting was one of the sports. we used to have kids bringing their shotguns to school on the school bus. We also had a reloading facility under the principal's office.

[Tins]

Moons ago. late 70s early 80s, I worked for a bit at a garage in Silvan, Vic. Lots of market gardener types back then. Blokes of the Italian persuasion would come in for a chat and maybe a little job on their old Bedfords or Inters after an early morning at Vic Market. Every one of them would have huge rolls of cash, and every one of them had at least one shottie under the seat. Of course, a few of their mates got knocked off back in those days.

[stuarth44]

Corten is the steel shipping containers are made from and the only material allowed to be used in the repair of same.
yes and some good yachts were built of it, I was a yachtbuilder too
stuarth43 on youtube

[scarry]

Moons ago. late 70s early 80s, I worked for a bit at a garage in Silvan, Vic. Lots of market gardener types back then. Blokes of the Italian persuasion would come in for a chat and maybe a little job on their old Bedfords or Inters after an early morning at Vic Market. Every one of them would have huge rolls of cash, and every one of them had at least one shottie under the seat. Of course, a few of their mates got knocked off back in those days.

The last work van i sold,probably 12 months ago, was paid for in cash,so there is still quite a bit around.
But probably no where near the amount there was in those days.

The buyer spent more time counting out the money than looking at the van[bigrolf]

[stuarth44]

Back in the days that the banks had cash at the branches, and were used to people coming in with shotguns wanting money.[bigwhistle]
When I went to school in rural Victoria, skeet shooting was one of the sports. we used to have kids bringing their shotguns to school on the school bus. We also had a reloading facility under the principal's office.
in 72 i went through Heathrow with a folding .410 sticking outta my pack

[Tins]

In 72 I snuck my L1A1 SLR off base and home. Still scares me. Not the rifle, but what if I'd got caught? Army's not known for it's sense of humour.

No bolt though.

[V8Ian]

in 72 i went through Heathrow with a folding .410 sticking outta my pack
How times have changed indeed, Digger has an amusing story about firearms and Heathrow, just after a terrorist attack.

[4bee]

How times have changed.


https://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/16702392/640/16702392.jpg (https://picturepush.com/public/16702392)


Spot on Paul.[bigsad] Had you noticed when you were a kid how Xmas was a very distant occasion when if you were very lucky got a sackful of goodies ? Once we stopped believing, then it flashed past your eyeballs as quick as a blink.
The more senior one gets the faster it comes around, Again.[bigsad]


I thought I had it sorted being a, I dunno, a 10 year olde smart arse & thought I had rumbled Father Xmas,( or even a Job sharing imposter that it was his missus) & hid behind.the settee when other Bros hit the sack. Not sure if I was Disappointed or Victorious now the cat was out of the bag but a bit of each I think.

Smartarse kid 5/10

Father or Ma Xmas also 5/10:Rolling::clap2:

[4bee]

In 72 I snuck my L1A1 SLR off base and home. Still scares me. Not the rifle, but what if I'd got caught? Army's not known for it's sense of humour.

No bolt though. Waddya mean No Bolt? How in hell did you think you were going to wipe out the local population in a poor copy of a USA School Shoot out?
A bit late now to be grassed up. Soz, what did you say was your Address & Regt#[bigrolf]?



BTW you must have been up to date with an SLR . Mine was a SMLE made in 1915 # 96627 You never forget that # do you?


Maybe it was issued for Gallipoli &/or France.

[Tins]

Waddya mean No Bolt? How in hell did you think you were going to wipe out the local population in a poor copy of a USA School Shoot out?
A bit late now to be grassed up. Soz, what did you say was your Address & Regt#[bigrolf]?



BTW you must have been up to date with an LIAI Mine was a SMLE made in 1915 # 96627 You never forget that # do you?


Maybe it was issued for Gallipoli &/or France.

Had a SMLE in Cadets. Wound up owning one, de-wooded.

L1A1 is very old hat these days, but my son, who was a Fitter/Armourer in his second enlistment, reckons it's way better than the Steyr they carry now.

Army used to take the bolts away and lock 'em in a safe somewhere. Good thing we weren't invaded by the Yellow Peril. Course, the rounds were in a different safe somewhere else[thumbsupbig]

[stuarth44]

in NZ we had military drill every wednesday, in real uniforms, with shorts
our school won THE DAUGHTERS OF THE EMPIRE CUP, every year in the late 50, 60,s
we had a range for .22
we had 700 lee enfield 303s and brens all with pins
My dad gave me the .410 age 11, i had to walk with it unloaded for a year, passing it under fences, broken unloaded, it was a single 28 inch barrel hammer,
I still have that gun
grew up, never wanted to shoot after age 20

[4bee]

Had a SMLE in Cadets. Wound up owning one, de-wooded.

L1A1 is very old hat these days, but my son, who was a Fitter/Armourer in his second enlistment, reckons it's way better than the Steyr they carry now.

Army used to take the bolts away and lock 'em in a safe somewhere. Good thing we weren't invaded by the Yellow Peril. Course, the rounds were in a different safe somewhere else[thumbsupbig]

OLDE Hat they may be today but I luvved 'em. I wonder which lucky 3rd world country got them by the container load?

A bit strange that the Federation Guard still use them for Ceremonial drill though..

There was a WRACC who I did a Service Call for years ago fronted up with a SMLE & I don't think it was a warning:bat: who I recalled was in the Canteen at Woodside. We did pass a pleasant hour discussing the olde days.
Apparently her Army Dad bought it for her, she said. It may have been a FOBOT job for all I know.

"SERVICE CALL" as in AC service you understand.:rulez:

[scarry]

Spot on Paul.[bigsad] Had you noticed when you were a kid how Xmas was a very distant occasion when if you were very lucky got a sackful of goodies ?:

Sackful of goodies?

If I got one of those little matchbox toy cars I would be happy,and maybe some shoes for school would be a bonus.
Then I wouldn’t have to wear last years that were three quarters worn out and getting too small.
The brothers got those as hand downs.
That was about it.
I suppose we just got used to not getting much,unlike the kids today.

[4bee]

Sackful of goodies?

If I got one of those little matchbox toy cars I would be happy,and maybe some shoes for school would be a bonus.
Then I wouldn’t have to wear last years that were three quarters worn out and getting too small.
The brothers got those as hand downs.
That was about it.
I suppose we just got used to not getting much,unlike the kids today.



Wot, you mean that big sack the old bloke carries around is full of hot air?

How are you off for shoes today, maybe I could send you some or would you prefer boots? Joking aside, I assume that time was just post world Depression? Tell me about it sheeeeeeeeeeeesh!

:soapbox:

[3toes]

Friend who in the police had to take pistol that had been used in a murder on a plane. Problem was it could not go in cargo and could not be separated from him during transit. There was a lot of phone calls and emails to allow the gun in the cabin of the plane but it did finally happen although against the rules. Why could they not drive from Sydney to Perth why fly?

[stuarth44]

I dunno 'bout the other States, but in QLD, the places where boys trained after leaving schools, TECH think they were called, sold every machine, lathes, saws, shapers, too scared of being sued i guess
I bought a bandsaw in new condition for 1200, 800 mm throat 2m high 8000 new
scary the way things are going
24 years ago when i came here, I thought abt restarting my yachtbuilding bizz, nope the place is swimming in lawyers and litigeous piblic

[4bee]

Friend who in the police had to take pistol that had been used in a murder on a plane. Problem was it could not go in cargo and could not be separated from him during transit. There was a lot of phone calls and emails to allow the gun in the cabin of the plane but it did finally happen although against the rules. Why could they not drive from Sydney to Perth why fly?


Some shonk may have tried to hold him up & a Gunfight may have ensured. [biggrin]


Gunfight at the Border Roadhouse would have been historic. (or hysterical.) Seriously, one would have expected these circumstances would have arisen previously so you have to wonder why it took all that Hoo Haa to get permission as it would have already been in place, Shirley?


The next thing Cabin Crew would be armed with a Sawnoff 12 g. In the olde Days OF Aviation on International Flying boats I have seen a Photo with a Revolver attached to the rear of the Captain's seat back.

I guess Depressurization from a Stray round would not have mattered too much at about 10,000' or less.
(recommended economical Flight level was about 2000')


It is not as if OZ is free of all that legal crap stuff with differing States is it?

[Tins]

Why could they not drive from Sydney to Perth why fly?

I can think of a couple of reasons that Des overlooked. First, cost. At least a week's pay, and accommodation and vehicle costs. Why a week, you ask. Brings me to my second reason. Plod would prolly get lost and wind up in Hobart or Port Moresby or somewhere.

[4bee]

I can think of a couple of reasons that Des overlooked. First, cost. At least a week's pay, and accommodation and vehicle costs. Why a week, you ask. Brings me to my second reason. Plod would prolly get lost and wind up in Hobart or Port Moresby or somewhere.



I suppose then they would use the last resort & pick up the telephone from PM or somewhere & physically speak &/or use olde E-Mail with phone images.
or even do the lot by Mobile inc Images. No that can't be right, Ask Pony Express to do the transfer of whatever.




Not so hard for a person in that job,shirley?