The three-column slab press was introduced around 1967, this press being one of the earliest manufactured. A number of unique features were included. The triangular column configuration provided extra rigidity to enable duplex pressing of smaller slabs. The table was lifted hydraulically engaging a three-position dog mechanism (photos 1 & 2) prior to rotation via a chain/hydraulic cylinder/air-oil reservoir return mechanism, replacing the Fielding slewing cylinder and gearbox unit. This feature also reduced table wear. Vickers Sperry Rand pumps and some hydraulic components of proprietary manufacture were used replacing the Fielding A2 radial pump. Fielding air-operated control valves and interlock valves were retained and the air circuitry was simplified.
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Hi Chippy! I am very pleased that someone has identified the ‘operator’ as I also remember him as the crane driver/slinger in Hydraulic 2. I do recall people used to compete to wear the ‘white coat’. I think it was Brian’s way of rewarding unsung heroes! John B
‘Operating’ the press is Jim Beard, one of the crane drivers in Hydraulic 2 at the time this photo was taken. He had a brother John who also worked at F&P in those days, I think as a labourer. How come Jim was in the photo I don’t recall, maybe Brian Mince grabbed him, gave him a white coat and said ‘stand there and look technical’! We’ll never know!
There were two other drivers in the workshops then and they were Hughie and Paddy, can’t remember their surnames I’m afraid, but I do remember Paddy being quite tall.
I seem to remember going to Stockton Stone with Dave Jones in about 1970/71 and we may have done some work on this very press, but I don’t recall any details of what we did. We had come down from Glasgow having done a lot of work on a 3 column press at Hulland Products so maybe the visit was connected with the kind of work we had carried out at Hullands, repairing cracked welds.
Chippy Aston
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