Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Fonzie's motorcycle found!

Because everyone knew that Fonzie rode a CB750! 

In uhmmm... 1958? 


 

Drafting error


 Side elevation of a Baldwin-made 4-6-0 made in 1860. Note the decorative head light and drive counterweights. What this drawing was intended for isn't clear but the draftsman made a mistake. Look where the main rod meets the side rod. It seems to have been installed inside the main rod, which would prevent a full rotation of the wheel. Apparently no one checked the drawing before it was published.

Central Petroleum Co.


At that price, I assume people must still be collecting oil cans. I had to look around on the can to find what product it was! As they say at the bottom, Central Petroleum has been in business since 1911 and are still around today
 They must not make it north of the border but they're located in Cleveland and are proud sponsors of the National Tractor Pullers Association. 



 

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

1950s Olympic Tape Measure


 This is interesting, a linen measuring tape in a nice Bakelite case from the mid 20th century Peoples Republic of China. Looking online, the length  apparently is either 20 or 30 meters. The brand name Tricle, probably doesn't translate well from the Chinese.


Quilting Clamp


 Yet another decorative 2 inch cast clamp. A tag suggested it was an old clamp used in quilting. Not sure, is the slot for a belt somehow?

Monday, March 2, 2026

Monday Mystery, round metal thing

 Displayed at a local antique market, this intriguingly shaped thing wasn't identified. It's all metal and about 3 feet in diameter. My overactive mind pictures it as the outlet portion of a jet engine but what is it really? Ideas?


 

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Powr Kraft V58 anvil


 Just a little anvil from the Montgomery Ward line of hobby level tools. The anvil has the same styling licks as their vises of the time.



 

Sidecar Sunday

Wartime R75 BMW with drive to sidecar wheel . The helmet shaped thing on the tank is an air filter. 18,000 units were made before production ended in 1944.



 

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Excelsior 2 stroke twin


 How do you create two separate airtight crankcase chambers with an inline twin throw crankshaft. Most Japanese engines were simple horizontally split crankcase halves with a drop-in built-up crankshaft.   

 Excelsior did it earlier by bolting three sections together vertically and coupling two crankshafts together. In 1958 the engine was  developed into a 500cc triple that was used in the Berkley sports car.


 

Packard V8


 After WW2 Packard knew they had to develop an engine to replace their straight 8 and by 1949 they had settled on a cast iron V8 of 269 cu in displacement. It soon became apparent that more was required and by it's release in 1955 it had grown to 352 cu. in. and under pressure from Cadillac (331 cu in) and Chrysler (354 cu in) it was bored out to 372 in 1956. With twin four barrel carbs, the 698 lb engine in the Carribean produced 310 hp. But it all came too late, Packard closed up permanently after 539 units were completed.