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Aviation History
1926
1926 - 0553.PDF
AUGUST 5, Ia2ti SMITH'S THE world-wide reputation for efficiency and reliability enjoyed by the aeronautical instruments manufactured by S. Smith and Sons (M.A.), Ltd., of Cricklewood, is known, we think, to most readers of FLIGHT. In practically every country where there are aircraft, the majority of the latter will be found to be equipped with Smith's aero instruments, either completely or with one or more individual member of the Smith species. Then, at aviation competitions and flying meetings, or in attempts at records, " raids," etc., the name of Smith frequently occurs amongst " firsts " or notable achievements. Therefore, it must be obvious to all, to have achieved such a position has necessitated years of hard work and research, thorough organisation and large output ; and, of course, an extensive plant, especially when it is remembered that this firm does not handle aero instruments alone, being even more •well known—and over a much longer period of years—as makers of various motor-car accessories. Thus, many will realise that the factory at Cricklewood is a large one, and we have, on a previous occasion, referred in FLIGHT to the fact that the various articles produced there are manufactured throughout on the premises, straight from the raw material. In fact, we think we are correct in stating that, with perhaps one or two exceptions, no manufactured or machined com- ponents are imported from outside. All this, as we say, is probably known to our readers, but we think there are few who are aware of the magnitude and range of activity actually prevailing at the Cricklewood factory of Smith's. It must be admitted that we were quite in ignorance as to the state of affairs until a short time ago, when we paid a visit to Cricklewood and made a thorough inspection of the works. First and foremost, in addition to the enormous output of aero instruments and motor accessories (including a wide range of the famous Smith clocks and watches), we found that many other articles were produced there of totally different character, calling for great variety of processes in manufacture —foundry work, pressing and stamping, rolling and all kinds of machining. Amongst these other items may be mentioned component parts for motor-cars and engines of several well- known makes, one-piece metal casings for electric police—• lanterns, and numerous " odd " items outside aviation and motoring. Secondly, the organisation and equipment of the works were about the most complete we have seen in any engineering works. Some very fine machines, of all descriptions, are installed, including batteries of automatic screw machines ; a fine plant of automatic gear cutting for speedometer, clock, etc., movements and even larger work ; they also have very big press shops for light and heavy pressings ; a very well- A PEEP INTO THE WORKS OF S. SMITH & SONS (M.A.), LTD. ; We show above just a few odd corners of the wonderful factory at Cricklewood, where, amongst a host of other things, the Smith Aero Instruments are made. (1) The Automatic Section. (2) The Small Automatic Section. (3) The Capstan and (4) Bench- Capstan Sections. (5) The Milling Section. (6) The Press Section. 483
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