Made in Coventry...

A list of local reference sources and other useful information

Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby dutchman » Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:04 pm

Swindon-built Class 42 'Warship' diesel-hydraulic locomotive.

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Peculiar to BR Western Region, the reason it's so hideously ugly is that it's a scaled-down version of a much larger German design. What does it have to do with Coventry you may well ask? Well, the Maybach diesel engines (there are two of them per locomotive) were made under licence by Bristol Siddeley (later Rolls-Royce) at their factory in Ansty.

I only ever saw one of these in real life coming from the direction of Leamington (which was a Western Region station) and possibly headed for the breaker's yard. It's peculiar shape and red livery made it look like a visitor from the planet Mars!
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby Blitzkid » Wed Apr 06, 2022 10:49 am

Blitz-kid
Dutchman
I will be 95 in July, not conversant with computor (I need help)
I do know a lot of Coventry History that should be told. I also had an unusual life of interest, exciting, dangerous times. from specialist parachutist, to gambler, to Guest-house owner, traveller etc.

Dutchman, while not wanting to doubt your post, I am quite surprised by what you say, I worked at Carbodies 1960, (spare parts) and as far as I knew we supplied to only one company Man and Overton in London, I visited many times, at one time I boasted I knew every part.of the car. I only lasted six- months, I wanted to visit Rome Olympics- Graham Symonds being my great friend.
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby rebbonk » Wed Apr 06, 2022 12:52 pm

Blitzkid wrote:Blitz-kid -

I do know a lot of Coventry History that should be told. I also had an unusual life of interest, exciting, dangerous times. from specialist parachutist, to gambler, to Guest-house owner, traveller etc.


Blitzkid, please do tell us your stories. I've recorded a few stories from the older residents of Longford over the years, there are plenty of interesting tales to be told, and if we aren't careful we'll lose this valuable personal look at history and life.

Don't worry about being computer literate, the important thing is that we get the stories recorded for future generations to read.
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby Blitzkid » Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:47 pm

dutchman wrote:Continuing with the Foleshill railway theme, this is a much published postcard of a 15" naval gun leaving the Royal Ordnance Works in Stoney Stanton Road:

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I still remember the level crossing but there's no trace of it left today :(

The above photo of the Gun barrel was taken about 1918 was controversial at the time. Coventry did not know if it was for Navy or Land.

The Germans had a huge gun, in the last six months of the war it shelled Paris from the forest of Couchy a distance of 76 miles, it's sole intention was to breaking the Morale of civilians. The Tommies named it "Big Bertha". It was on a large ramp about 15 ft high to fire above the trees.

It's ironic that Coventry had the first massive air-raid to break the morale of the civilians.

The picture shows no lifting gear, No traction engine in those days, and no sign of Horses, 80 thousand horses went to France, only one returned.
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby dutchman » Sat Apr 16, 2022 10:16 pm

Discussion about Standard-Triumph car factory has been moved here:

http://icserver.no-ip.biz/coventry/viewtopic.php?p=120598#p120598
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby Blitzkid » Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:00 am

Dutchman
I hate to cross you, or say anything different, but that is a very bold statement, I would love know how you come to that statement? can you tell me why you have those thoughts? Please ignore this if you wish.
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby dutchman » Mon Apr 18, 2022 4:46 pm

I'm afraid you've lost me Kaga, which particular statement are you referring to?
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby Blitzkid » Mon May 09, 2022 4:07 pm

Sorry for the delay, but the statement about the London taxi cabs, I just wondered why you made such a bold statement and arguement you spoke of, with someone, what the name was who bought Taxi cabs from ?
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby dutchman » Mon May 09, 2022 5:09 pm

I resume you mean this:

dutchman wrote:Austin FX4:

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One author I know even refused to believe it was used in any city other than London!


He was an author living in New York who normally reviews movies and television shows which if British are invariably set in London. He wasn't a UK dealer, motoring author or anything like that.

Not that the latter are any more knowledgeable. I once had an argument with UK Land Rover dealer who refused to believe that Rover cars had ever been made anywhere except Solihull.
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Re: Made in Coventry...

Postby rebbonk » Tue May 10, 2022 12:45 pm

dutchman wrote: I once had an argument with UK Land Rover dealer who refused to believe that Rover cars had ever been made anywhere except Solihull.


That was actually a common belief amongst the Solihull staff. The number of 'bets' I won! ;)
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