What Was It?

Sir

I am always interested in the V-E-V column in Motor Sport, along with most Vintage and Veteran articles. Re road tests in the Isle of Man: Any car (apart from new) brought from the Mainland and re-registered on the Island has to undergo a form of MoT by the Highway and Transport Board. I have known many cars brought over here, with current MoTs, failing miserably, to the chagrin of the owners. Also all p.s.v. vehicles and taxis have to undergo an annual test.

To go on to another subject. During the early part of the last War, about May 1940, I was Flight Engineer on Civil Aircraft (or what was left of them) and was based at Heston Aerodrome for a short period. One day I had to get an exhaust manifold flange welded for a DH Rapide. As there was no welder available, and the aircraft had to do an important flight to N. France the next day (but that is another story!) I wandered round Heston and Hounslow trying to find a garage to do the job. I eventually located a place in Hounslow (I think)—not being acquainted with the locality. While the job was being done, I wandered about the garage. On a bench in one corner was a model car chassis, chiefly of Meccano and other bits and pieces. In place of the engine was a built-up contraption of gears/ levers/bob-weights and flywheels etc. I gave it a push and it continued along the bench, where I more or less ran to stop it dropping off!

In a nearby corner was a car, I cannot remember the make, covered up with a large dust-sheet. “Nosey” of course had to have a “look-see”. In place of the engine was the identical of the model. ‘Unfinished, but made up of heavy channel-iron with large steel flywheels, etc. etc. By this time the job was done, and I was hustled out, after due payment for the welding, with words to the effect of “Crerroffoutofit and Mindyerownbbusiness”. The question has always puzzled me WHAT WAS IT?

Onchan, loM. S. W. LAYFIELD