Factories

[Bandit Mick]

I wondered if anyone could please answer this question. I am constructing a small scratchbuilt factory and some pictures show a small wooden extension on the front of some factories. This is raised off the ground, clad in timber and usually with two or more windows - think an exterior modern lift and you might get the idea. I know some factories had large doors on the second and third floors from which a winch could protrude in order to receive and dispense loads - I worked in a mill which had such an arrangement. However, what was this extension type building? Enlightenment would be gratefully received.

[Walkingthedog]

I always assumed they contained a winch.

[Bandit Mick]

Thank you WTD. Have now modified the 'extension' and changed two windows to a wooden door in order to include an overhanging winch.

[Walkingthedog]

This one allows goods to be unloaded and winched to another floor in the dry.

[Forfarian]

As WTD says they are winch shafts, there were double trap doors at each level which opened as the goods traveled upwards, this allowed the goods to be off loaded at any level. The winch was driven by an electric motor and a metal clutch, this in turn was operated by a rope that ran down the shaft from top to bottom, this allowed the operator to work it from any level by simply pulling on the rope. The malt hoists on breweries traveled up at a far rate of knots as once the rope was pulled and the clutch engaged up the bags went, operating the hoist was quite a skilled job.

[Bandit Mick]

Thanks Forfarian - I remember now when my father worked in a mill - there were shafts between floors and the doors could be used for both incoming and outgoing goods. The difference was at the mill that there was no 'extension' built out - the wall was flat and the crane stuck out on a jib. Thanks for your help and reminders everyone - it was a long time ago. The model is coming along well and I've included the wooden 'extension' to add some interest/depth to the flat wall.