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Calthorpe ad, 1921

Mountain Creek Trestle

Norman R. Ball, Mind, Heart and Soul Professional Engineering in Canada 1887-1987, National Museum of Science and Technology, 1987

This wooden trestle built over Mountain Creek in British Columbia was built by the CPR in 1880 during the initial transcontinental push. The trestle was 164 feet high, over 1000 feet long with a 150 foot steel center section over the water.
 When it needed replacing, the end sections were replaced by fill while the centre portion was replaced by a 600 foot steel bridge. 

Monday Mystery, Mechanical brake department

Here's what looks to be a instructional poster showing a mechanical braking system on what could be a Porsche 356 Hardtop. Take a look at table 3, what car had mechanical 3-shoe brakes? I've never seen the design before.

Monday Mystery Tool

Here's another mystery tool sent in by a reader. Possibly some sort of scraper, though it is heavy enough it might be used as a chopper of some sort?

 The manufacturers name is unfortunately obscured due to corrosion.... B? Something & Sons? 

Any guesses as to this tools use?

1923 Schneider cup French entry

This CAMS 38, powered by a 360 hp Hispano Suiza, was entered by the French for the 1923 race. The slowest of four qualifiers, with Maurice Hurel as pilot, the results state "gave up on second lap". Another source says "retired with engine trouble". 

Sidecar Sunday

Doe tandem conversion

An English farmer, a Mr Prior came up with the concept, the idea was commercialized by Ernest Doe. Two Fordson Major tractors minus front ends were joined together with a pivot, the front tractor became the steering, activated with hydraulic rams. The rest of the controls were activated mechanically, some at first having to be set manually. As the years went by, the layout became more sophisticated till everything was controlled hydraulically from the rear tractor seat. Interesting way to get a 100+ hp tractor for heavy farm duties like plowing. They were built from 1959 to 1973.

Rover Pedal car

 Lucky kid who found this under the Christmas tree. 

thanks, Rolf!

Black & Decker, West Germany

A Black and Decker metric wrench seen in a international pile of wrenches at a flea market.  Apparently they are not uncommon, B&D having factories in several countries. 

More here

Triumph's parallel twin, first attempt

Not the best section drawing... the most important detail, the crankshaft isn't shown!

  There had been other parallel twin motorcycles by other manufacturers but in 1933 Triumph introduced this Val Page designed 650. Bearing the designation 6/1 it was designed as a sidecar hauler and worked well. 

Probably due to the depression it never sold well, it was discontinued in 1936, paving the way for Edward Turner's Speed Twin.