28-12-2017, 09:46 AM
Further to RR’s post, Our RP through the 1950s was used to very regularly visit grandparents 60 miles away, usually returning at night. About 1957 it was supplanted with a “modern”, in the manner of the time sans heater. The first thing we noticed was the dismal cold!
At least in this colony bumpers seem to have been a popular accessory. I have seen various. My RP had well made front and rear but very heavy. Probably a local product.
My father understood his car was a deluxe because it had leather seats, chrome lamps and bumpers, but no sun roof , just the smokers hatch. The front bumper transferred impact to the body so removed early. The rear provided some protection for the guards, commonly bent and battered. With parking spaces not all marked out, and many other cars with formidable bumpers, cars seemed to suffer far more bumps than do today. Bumpers formed a useful mount for carriers, thus helping to produce the lozenge door openings so typical of RPs.
As for tinplate toys, I have found tin plate very prone to rust in humid parts of the country. Idally needs to be kept sealed. Oiling may assist but may discolour.
At least in this colony bumpers seem to have been a popular accessory. I have seen various. My RP had well made front and rear but very heavy. Probably a local product.
My father understood his car was a deluxe because it had leather seats, chrome lamps and bumpers, but no sun roof , just the smokers hatch. The front bumper transferred impact to the body so removed early. The rear provided some protection for the guards, commonly bent and battered. With parking spaces not all marked out, and many other cars with formidable bumpers, cars seemed to suffer far more bumps than do today. Bumpers formed a useful mount for carriers, thus helping to produce the lozenge door openings so typical of RPs.
As for tinplate toys, I have found tin plate very prone to rust in humid parts of the country. Idally needs to be kept sealed. Oiling may assist but may discolour.