Description

Four famous films celebrating British industry. Men of Iron (c 1947) is an overview of iron propeller manufacture in Ayrshire. A Romance of Engineering (1938) shows the production of steel components at Parkhead Forge. James Watt (1959) celebrates the life of the inventor of steam engines and Story Of A Steel Wire Rope (1946) reveals the processes used.

Full description from the producer:

Four industrial films directed by Stanley L Russell. Men of Iron (c 1947, b/w). An overview of iron propellor manufacture at the Blair Foundry of Andrew Strang & Co, Hurlford in Ayrshire. A Romance of Engineering (1938, b/w). Made for screening at the 1938 Empire Exhibition, this film shows the production of steel components at William Beardmore & Co’s Parkhead Forge. Featuring many scenes of old Glasgow, including Buchanan Street and St Enoch stations. James Watt (1959, b/w). A film about the life and work of the inventor of steam engines, James Watt. It explains the history of the early principles of steam using diagrams and working models. A model of “Old Bess”, Watt’s first steam engine, a model of the steam ship “Comet”, and a beam engine for ships are shown. Also featured are traction engine models, early locomotives, and paddle steamers. Story of a Steel Wire Rope (1946, b/w). An illustration of the manufacture of Martin Black & Company’s wire ropes, highlighting all the various processes involved in production and testing. The film also shows the stranding machine and testing of the finished rope for strength at breaking point.

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