Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,748 Threads: 31
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Location: Auckland, NZ
26-06-2020, 09:53 PM
(This post was last modified: 26-06-2020, 10:01 PM by Bob Culver.)
Another primus advocate. On one occasion we picnicked on a local long beach and a few miles on the way home realised no Primus. We returned. A car was parked in similar position and we asked if they had seen it. No. I wandered over to their station wagon and the primus was in the back. Apparently the wife had picked it up without mentioning.... such items were relatively much more expensive than now. The RP had an underbonnet battery box intended to originally also cnatain used nappies. (Mine!). Later served as the Primus compartment.
As to large framed bike my practical mates used to take a ring spanner to school and lock the seat fully extended so I had to ride home standing on the pedals. I suppose in the early days there were no traffic stops so cyclists did not have to repeatedly reach the ground. I presume the frames were to obtain rigidity, yet the corresponding ladies bikes were like riding a jelly. The unfortunate ladies never learned the difference.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 952 Threads: 38
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Which Chummy?, is there a picture missing? Or is there another David Cochrane?
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,337 Threads: 34
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Location: Cheshire
Car type: Race Ulster, 1926 Special, 1927 Chummy, 1930 Box
Primus stoves are for softies. What you need is an Optimus Petrol stove. A truly dangerous device. Still got mine - it lurks on a shelf in the garage, threatening like.
Alan Fairless
Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 243 Threads: 13
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Location: Toronto
Car type: 1930 Boat tail tourer
I heard a while back that part of the reason for the original tinyness was the consequence of the pollution and diet particularly around the industrial revolution.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,638 Threads: 23
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Location: The village of Evenley
Car type: 1934 Austin Seven RP Deluxe
Thanks Tony, for those like me who haven’t a clue about “cm” measurement, 1921-25 is 5’8” and 1971-75 is 5’10”...once I’d worked that out, I was quite surprised.
At 5’8” myself, apparently I’m the perfect height for a Spitfire pilot or driving an Austin Seven...now all I have to do is save up for the aeroplane....
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,000 Threads: 168
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Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Note the dates in Tony's chart are birth dates, so an average fifty year old would be around 5'6" in the late 1920s.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,337 Threads: 34
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Location: Cheshire
Car type: Race Ulster, 1926 Special, 1927 Chummy, 1930 Box
In 1928 the average 50 year old might well be not around anymore.
Alan Fairless
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,976 Threads: 90
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Location: Ripon
Don't get me started on Primus and Optimus! There was available a clip to go on your crossbar to carry a Primus, a canvas satchel saddlebag with enamel or china cups and saucers, tin boxes with a full tea service and methylated spirit stove, a suitcase-like picnic outfit with kettle,stove, sandwich boxes and china with cutlery from companies like Sirram of Birmingham. The means of producing a cup of the essential "brew which refreshes but does nor inebriate" to go with the sandwiches and buns were almost infinite in their variety.
I've seen many a pine box fitted out to carry the "makings" designed to go under the bonnet or in the boot. It's not surprising that the British have a reputation for the love of tea!
