Motive Power

The only failure we experienced amongst the Emett machines when we fired them up in the Gas Hall was the Hot Air Rocking Chair. Somewhat ironic as this is one of the simplest of the machines and would have been the last to be expected to misbehave.

The problem was the electric motor. When the machines came on in sequence, triggered by the controller, the chair sometimes worked, and sometimes didn't, depending on the position it had been in when stopped. We needed a new motor. The motor bolted to the underside of the seat said 'MR Supplies' on the label. Unfortunately MR Supplies no longer exist so we checked to see if Parvalux could help. All of the other machines, including the Nottingham Water Clock use Parvalux motors so they have a history in Emett machines. Looking up their address it turned out that Parvalux were based in Aston, only two or three miles from the Exhibition hall so the motor was removed and taken there, more in hope than expectation.

When the engineer looked at it he said it was actually a re-badged Parvalux unit and reading the serial number walked over to the microfiche. Pulling out a film and sliding it into the viewer he confirmed that it was one of theirs, that it had been bought in November 1967 and that he had the complete specification on file - I was quite impressed.

Unfortunately they don't still make exactly that motor. Unsurprising really as it is over 46 years old! They did however make an equivalent so we ordered one. Today it arrived and putting it side by side with the original motor it can be seen just how equivalent it is.

Side by Side

The fixing points line up exactly and the spindle aligns nicely. Even the form and diameter of the spindle itself appears to match so the pulley wheel should transfer without too many problems. The only slight problem is cosmetic and the temptation is to give it a coat of black paint. Hmm. Decisions, decisions. After that, we just need to get in before the public and fit it...