Object number
63/183
Creator
Description
This is a complete working model of a threshing machine to the scale of 1/2 inch:12 inches. It was made by George A. Froud of Weybridge, Surrey, in the 1930s or 1940s. The model was powered by a model traction engine which Mr Froud also made. The model was presented to the Museum by Vickers Armstrong (Aircraft) Ltd. Model Club in 1963. The model is stored in a wooden box.
Physical description
1 model threshing machine [with wooden storage box]
Label Text
Threshing machine working model. This thrasher and the traction engine near it were made by George Froud - it was his hobby. They were built as working models, the engine steam and would power the thrasher. Although the thrasher looks as if it is wood, it is metal (duralunium) made to look like wood. It isn't a copy of a particular make of machine, the design of the internal part of the machine was from Ransomes and Marshall thrashers and the outside was from a Wallis and Steevens machine which he saw standing in a field. The models were thought to be so good that they were described in detail in the Model Engineer magazine in 1960.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: … // Accession number: … // Classification: … // Negative number: … // Acquisition method: … // Acquired from: … // Date: … // Store: … // Condition: … // Recorder: JMB // Date: New sheet 4.10.88 // Description: Model Threshing Machine to be driven by one of the traction engines. It is shown with 63/181 in one of the Photo Library pictures. // The model is complete in every detail including ladder, wheel chocks & sacks for the grain. Stored in a box. // Made by G. A. Froud. // Dimensions: Length: 30.0cm Height: 16.0cm Width: 12.0cm // Associated information: Address labels on box as on box for 63/180. // See also photographs in MERL Library. // References: PB4130 Extracts from “Model Engineer” Vol.122 No 3062 17.3.1960 // Vol.122 No 3064 31.3.1960 // Vol.122 No 3066 14.4.1960', Card inside model's box – ‘Threshing Machine // 1930–40’s, a sophisticated design. // Constructed by George A. Fround [sic] (1905–1963) Weybridge Surrey. // A gift to the Museum from Vickers Armstrong (aircraft) ltd., Model Club, 1963. // Make[r] unknown suggestions welcome. // Scale 1/2in.–1ft. // The design includes a barley awner and patent wheel clocks.’, MERL Miscellaneous note, 1963 – ‘Models, and associated photographs, articles, plans, etc. made by the late Mr G.A. Froud, Amerford, 29 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey. // These have been presented to the Museum by Vickers Armstrong (Aircraft) Ltd., Model Club // The Chairman of the Model Club, W.J.B. Titcombe, Clova Studio, Ripley, Surrey // bought the articles over on August 13th, 1963 and was seen by M.D.F [Margaret D. Fuller]. However an ‘official’ letter of thanks should be sent to the Chairman, Mr. Titcombe. Mr T.C. Parker, General Works Manager of Vickers Armstrong’s would also like to receive a letter from the Museum, as he has had a great interest in these models for many years. // Notes The smallest and comparatively crude example was Mr. Froud’s first attempt at model making, done at the age of 16. (He died this year [1963] at the age of 58, so that would be in 1921.) // Mr. Titcombe is going to try to discover which harvester was copied. It may, after all, be a ‘composite’ one.
Production place
Weybridge
Production date
1930 - 1949
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_12023.tif - High resolution image
