Yes each tester had a set of exhaust pipes and speedo plus trade plate, and any small faults found during testing they did even down to nipped up pistons. they all had worked on assembly before getting the job.
Works Photo
- Thread starter bmetcalf
- Start date
Hi There David, great photo's and information. What did a road test consist of...? That is, how long was each test roughly, considering how many bikes they had to test. Did the test procedure change with time as production numbers increased. And also, what was the failure rate...? Did many bikes need any major repairs before being ready for sale.... Thanks in advance........Greg.
every bike was tested 50 miles, every 10th was extended test 150 miles this bike was given to another tester, major repair went back to engine assembly porous crankcases very rare another engine fitted from assembly. this is where the 1900 number sequence is messed up, Thanks to David Dunfey for cleaning up and putting the pics on for me.
Test route get your UK map out . first stop Hitchin market square, cup of tea at George Rose ( Tester) brothers Cosy Café, Letchworth. Baldock, Royston . Buntingford Ware , back to Stevenage,
Events! spring 1949 we were all told to clean the place up, a few hours later a few BBC trucks came into the area ,this will test the memory's of UK members, out of one climbed Bob Monkhouse, yes we had workers play time stars The Andrew Sisters, the stage was set up in cycle assembly. And in those days it was all live pimple and all,
An interesting photo related to Vincent. David Bowen says this:
"What is the connection with the Churchill tank and Vincents? The tank was designed at Vauxhall GM motors, Luton, near Stevenage. On the design team was Alec Mitchell. Alec was the manager of the Vincent Drawing office 1947-1953."
David
"What is the connection with the Churchill tank and Vincents? The tank was designed at Vauxhall GM motors, Luton, near Stevenage. On the design team was Alec Mitchell. Alec was the manager of the Vincent Drawing office 1947-1953."
David
The other reason Alec Mitchell is also well known in Vincent circles he was the rider of JRO 102 when she was caught fire ?