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Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2014 => Topic started by: Iluvatar on October 01, 2013, 02:40:48 PM

Title: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on October 01, 2013, 02:40:48 PM
What is the purpose of that "can"?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 20, 2013, 05:43:59 AM
Experts??
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 20, 2013, 08:15:10 AM
Some sort of cooling/heating - it looks like a big tube coming off it so I am taking a stab at it being fed from the cars HVAC system.
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 20, 2013, 08:29:44 AM
Some sort of cooling/heating - it looks like a big tube coming off it so I am taking a stab at it being fed from the cars HVAC system.
No cooling/heating systems involved...
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 20, 2013, 08:31:39 AM
Hmm speaking tube for talking to the driver then?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: richard cuyler on October 20, 2013, 10:04:03 AM
For long-distance travel on British motorways, where it always seems like a hell of a long way to the next 'rest stop' ;) ;D
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 20, 2013, 12:39:36 PM
Its to throw up in If your chauffeur starts to drive like Popeye Doyle in the French Connection.

Seriously, perhaps to supply oxygen to the passenger in event of a gas attack?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 20, 2013, 03:04:47 PM
Hmm speaking tube for talking to the driver then?
:shakehead:
For long-distance travel on British motorways, where it always seems like a hell of a long way to the next 'rest stop' ;) ;D
:shakehead:
Its to throw up in If your chauffeur starts to drive like Popeye Doyle in the French Connection.
:lmao:
 :shakehead:
Seriously, perhaps to supply oxygen to the passenger in event of a gas attack?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 20, 2013, 03:35:47 PM
Some sort of cigarette /cigar smoke extraction system?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 21, 2013, 06:55:04 AM
Some sort of cigarette /cigar smoke extraction system?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: richard cuyler on October 21, 2013, 09:06:44 AM
This seems to be inside a smallish limosine, as there appears to be a small rearward-facing seat to the right of the photo.
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 21, 2013, 09:38:27 AM
Spittoon?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 21, 2013, 10:26:19 AM
Loudspeaker for a stereo system?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 21, 2013, 05:25:39 PM
This seems to be inside a smallish limosine, as there appears to be a small rearward-facing seat to the right of the photo.
No... it shouldn't be a limousine...
The purpose of this object does not accord with this type of car, even if I don't exclude it could had beeen used on limousines as well... it depends on what use you want to do of a limousine...  ;)
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 21, 2013, 05:26:12 PM
Spittoon?
:shakehead:
Loudspeaker for a stereo system?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 22, 2013, 08:43:51 AM
For refuelling while on the move?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 22, 2013, 12:10:09 PM
For refuelling while on the move?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 22, 2013, 04:10:21 PM
Only other thing I could think of was its a steam inhaler of some sort
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 22, 2013, 05:48:40 PM
Only other thing I could think of was its a steam inhaler of some sort
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 22, 2013, 06:39:05 PM
Did we rule out a mini urinal?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 23, 2013, 07:56:27 AM
Did we rule out a mini urinal?
The position is not the best for this purpose... don't you think?  ;D
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 23, 2013, 09:46:49 AM
A mobile water pipe ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 23, 2013, 01:52:05 PM
As that's a mirror behind, could it be a hair dryer?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 23, 2013, 01:56:10 PM
Mobile shaving equipment ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 23, 2013, 02:49:22 PM
Fire extinguisher
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 23, 2013, 03:20:33 PM
A mobile water pipe ?
Fire extinguisher
Mobile shaving equipment ?
As that's a mirror behind, could it be a hair dryer?
:shakehead: :shakehead: :shakehead: :shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 23, 2013, 03:23:36 PM
A little clue...
You could  find this object (or different objects with the same purpose) on a train or tram too...  ;)
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 23, 2013, 04:15:00 PM
Speedometer for the benefit of back seat drivers  ;)
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 23, 2013, 05:10:59 PM
Speedometer for the benefit of back seat drivers  ;)
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 23, 2013, 06:27:42 PM
An emergency handbrake ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 23, 2013, 09:19:58 PM
Device for accepting cash money for fare?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 24, 2013, 05:40:53 PM
An emergency handbrake ?
:shakehead:
Device for accepting cash money for fare?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 24, 2013, 08:27:47 PM
Drinking water fountain?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 25, 2013, 03:54:03 AM
Drinking water fountain?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: richard cuyler on October 25, 2013, 07:15:03 AM
For folks  on the movewho liked to sniff exhaust gas and get a little buzz going. The electric wire suggests that the device even had a fan booster for a real 'in your face' experience. Poorer motorists had to make do with filling a milk bottle with the gas and taking parsimonious sniffs as they rode along. The rich always get their kicks so much more easily.  ::) ;D ;D
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 25, 2013, 08:47:19 AM
A kind of air conditioning ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 25, 2013, 02:04:44 PM
Nothing to do with air or gases...
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 25, 2013, 03:48:24 PM
 :idea:  a bell?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: WayneB on October 25, 2013, 05:05:24 PM
Some form of auxillery heater?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 25, 2013, 05:36:57 PM
:idea:  a bell?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 25, 2013, 05:37:29 PM
Some form of auxillery heater?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: gilescooperuk on October 25, 2013, 06:20:10 PM
Reading lamp?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 26, 2013, 08:37:27 AM
Reading lamp?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 26, 2013, 08:43:56 AM
Wine cooler ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 26, 2013, 08:47:40 AM
Wine cooler ?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 26, 2013, 08:48:30 AM
 :scratch:
Should I move this one to the pros??
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 26, 2013, 08:58:09 AM
Is the device meant to communicate with the driver / chauffeur ?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: D-type on October 26, 2013, 09:34:23 AM
:scratch:
Should I move this one to the pros??
Yes, they would also enjoy the speculation
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 26, 2013, 10:27:40 AM
Is the device meant to communicate with the driver / chauffeur ?
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 26, 2013, 10:32:32 AM
:scratch:
Should I move this one to the pros??
Yes, they would also enjoy the speculation
Let's see if pros have any idea...  ;)
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Paul Jaray on October 26, 2013, 11:35:28 AM
I remember a pic of a similar deviced used by a famous pilot for the 1st kind of 'interfono' for a rally car.
It was a recent article I'll try to find it back!

Oops!
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: mekubb on October 26, 2013, 11:47:20 AM
Last guess : a kind of microphone ? Although it is rather big...
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Paul Jaray on October 26, 2013, 12:12:05 PM
Is the 1st kind of USB, let's say USB 0.001?
I mean, is the main purpouse linked to electricity?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 27, 2013, 03:06:27 AM
Is it used to add a carefully-measured amount of a fluid, for testing?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: luisps on October 27, 2013, 04:45:03 AM
Maybe is a kind of ashtray with a vacuum system to eliminate the fumes in order to keep clean the air for the rest of passengers.
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 27, 2013, 06:22:53 AM
I remember a pic of a similar deviced used by a famous pilot for the 1st kind of 'interfono' for a rally car.
It was a recent article I'll try to find it back!

Oops!
Last guess : a kind of microphone ? Although it is rather big...
Is the 1st kind of USB, let's say USB 0.001?
I mean, is the main purpouse linked to electricity?
No electricity involved, not a microphone, not an telephone or similar...
...but...
...Paul Jaray in his first post said something almost right...  ::)
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 27, 2013, 06:23:37 AM
Maybe is a kind of ashtray with a vacuum system to eliminate the fumes in order to keep clean the air for the rest of passengers.
:shakehead:
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 27, 2013, 06:25:21 AM
Is it used to add a carefully-measured amount of a fluid, for testing?
No... but maybe this is the nearer guess to the solution I have seen until now...
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Tom_I on October 27, 2013, 07:03:50 AM
Does it dispense sand or grit on to the ground, so that someone getting out of the car does not slip over in very cold weather?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 27, 2013, 07:32:13 AM
Does it dispense sand or grit on to the ground, so that someone getting out of the car does not slip over in very cold weather?
You are almost there!!!  8)
Locked for you until your next reply to find the solution...
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Tom_I on October 27, 2013, 08:20:26 AM
Well, if similar things could be used in trains or trams, does it dispense sand or grit on to the ground just in front of the driving wheels of the car to improve traction in slippery conditions?
Title: Re: MPC#031
Post by: Iluvatar on October 27, 2013, 09:00:15 AM
Well, if similar things could be used in trains or trams, does it dispense sand or grit on to the ground just in front of the driving wheels of the car to improve traction in slippery conditions?
Yes!!!!!  :applause:
One point for you!
I've found the picture of this special race optional on an article about the 1954 Montecarlo Rally...
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: WayneB on October 28, 2013, 09:39:19 AM
Well Done!

It all makes perfect sense now :lol:
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: ropat53 on October 28, 2013, 02:21:43 PM
The car the sand dispenser is in would make a great puzzle, what is it?
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 28, 2013, 03:10:15 PM
A Hillman Minx (or not)
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: ropat53 on October 28, 2013, 03:21:56 PM
I didn't mean the two door car on the right, that does look like a Hillman Minx, I meant the four door car of the inside view of the dispenser.
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 28, 2013, 03:44:46 PM
Oops.
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: richard cuyler on October 30, 2013, 12:29:45 PM
I can't figure out what make of car this device is fitted to. I agree the interior sems to be of a Rootes car of 1960's vintage, but I don't remember any of their designs having that little quarterlight to the left of the parcel-shelf.

I can, however, imagine a typical conversation which might have been heard inside this car.

Cold winter's night, lots of ice and snow about, nice and warm in the car. Chauffer stops the car outside a country house where a party is going on.

Husband: "Thank you, Jackson. We'll be finished at about 1-ish. Bring the car around to the front about that time."
Jackson: "Very good, sir." Remains seated at the wheel.
Wife: "Isn't he going to open the door for me?"
Husband: "It's very slippery and we don't want to be without a driver if he breaks his leg, do we? You're so damn spoiled!""
Wife: (snorts) "Well, it's not you who has spoiled me. Remember, It's daddy's money that has bought us everything!"
Husband: "Anyway, darling, we have the wonderful new sand dispenser to hand to make our first few steps safe, won't we?"
Wife: "Oh yes, goody! How clever!"
Husband: "You did bring the sand, didn't you?"
Wife "What? You never said anything about bringing sand. Anyway, where am I supposed to carry it? In my tiny evening bag?"
Husband(getting angry): "No, darling. I left the pack just inside the front door. You were supposed to give it to Jackson to carry! I did tell you, but typically you weren't listening!"
Wife: "It's always my fault, isn't it? Why couldn't you give it to Jackson? Anyway, I've just had my nails done and a great big bag of sand would break them!"
Husband: "God, why can't you get anything right? I suppose we'll just have to risk it!"

 Opens the door and starts to get out, banging his head hard on the sand dispenser.

Husband: "Damn it!" (Blood is starting to drip from his head onto his white dress shirt)  "Who's bloody stupid idea was this anyway?"
Wife: 'Yours, dear."

Webmaster, free feel to delete this post if you wish. I won't be offended at all.


Richard.



Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: WayneB on October 30, 2013, 06:30:07 PM
I think the device in the quiz may be fitted to a Humber Super Snipe.
They did Rally those behemoths in the '50s.
Could have also been a Mercedes Ponton, the small "window" in the C pillar may be a vanity mirror.

 
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 31, 2013, 05:05:27 AM
.....the small "window" in the C pillar may be a vanity mirror.

Or, an access hatch for adding more sand to the canister.
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on October 31, 2013, 06:05:16 AM
But... are you sure what we see in the picture is a window?? I don't see the stairs behind the car...  ???
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Carnut on October 31, 2013, 06:10:36 AM
But... are you sure what we see in the picture is a window?? I don't see the stairs behind the car...  ???

Looks like a mirror.  But it's clearly the rear seat;  when did they ever carry rear-seat passengers in rally cars?!
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on October 31, 2013, 07:42:38 AM
But... are you sure what we see in the picture is a window?? I don't see the stairs behind the car...  ???

Looks like a mirror.  But it's clearly the rear seat;  when did they ever carry rear-seat passengers in rally cars?!
:scratch:
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Tom_I on October 31, 2013, 08:22:20 AM
I'm fairly sure it's a mirror, and from the shape of the door, my current theory is that the car is an Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 4-light saloon, something like this:

[attachimg=1]

Unfortunately I can't find any decent interior shots of the 4-light body. It seems that the 6-light version, which has a small extra window behind the back door, is far more common. But you can just about see the mirror (circled) in this shot of a 4-light car under restoration.

[attachimg=2]

And here's the interior of a 6-light version for comparison, showing the same door shape, and other details, including the slight thickening of the chrome trim at the lower rear corner of the window (arrowed) and ivory-coloured bezels round the handles. There's clearly something on the back seat in the puzzle picture which obscures the armrest.

[attachimg=3]
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Carnut on October 31, 2013, 08:55:42 AM
By George, Sherlock, I think you're right!
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on October 31, 2013, 09:03:40 AM
I'm fairly sure it's a mirror, and from the shape of the door, my current theory is that the car is an Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 4-light saloon, something like this:

Unfortunately I can't find any decent interior shots of the 4-light body. It seems that the 6-light version, which has a small extra window behind the back door, is far more common. But you can just about see the mirror (circled) in this shot of a 4-light car under restoration.

And here's the interior of a 6-light version for comparison, showing the same door shape, and other details, including the slight thickening of the chrome trim at the lower rear corner of the window (arrowed) and ivory-coloured bezels round the handles. There's clearly something on the back seat in the puzzle picture which obscures the armrest.
I think I'll give you another point for finding the car... is it fair although it was not a puzzle question??
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Carnut on October 31, 2013, 09:09:00 AM
Of course it is!
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: fyreline on October 31, 2013, 09:46:30 AM
These sand-dispensing devices are still fairly common on over-the-road trucks and emergency vehicles. It looks to me as if the canister for holding the sand in the puzzle car is very, very small . . . The supply of sand it could distribute would seem to have been exhausted before it could do very much good.

But, apparently they used it so it must have worked after a fashion.
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Otto Puzzell on October 31, 2013, 09:48:03 AM
Showoff... ;)
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Allan L on October 31, 2013, 01:34:17 PM
  when did they ever carry rear-seat passengers in rally cars?!
Up until the 1960s it was quite common to have three in the crew. Remember that rallies were proper endurance tests in those days so one could sleep while the other two did the driving and navigating/timekeeping. A-S Sapphires competed in the 1955 Monte but the only one I can find a photo of (c/no 226) was a six-light and it left the road in the snow.
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: ropat53 on October 31, 2013, 02:00:34 PM
Thank you Tom_I this was driving me mad.
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on November 01, 2013, 11:47:47 AM
Of course it is!
Point added!
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Tom_I on November 01, 2013, 12:49:49 PM
Thank you!  :)
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: WayneB on November 01, 2013, 05:19:28 PM
Good call on the Armstrong Siddeley :)
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: richard cuyler on November 10, 2013, 01:57:26 PM
Cheers, Tom! Excellent find. 8)
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on January 10, 2014, 09:59:01 AM
Just to add more info... I've found the same pics on Motor Italia (another italian car magazine) from 1954... the caption says:
Su di un'Armstrong ed una Hillman di concorrenti inglesi era montato un dispositivo con cui dall'interno si poteva far scendere davanti alle ruote posteirori un getto di sabbia in caso di verglas
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Carnut on January 10, 2014, 10:02:39 AM
Just to add more info... I've found the same pics on Motor Italia (another italian car magazine) from 1954... the caption says:
Su di un'Armstrong ed una Hillman di concorrenti inglesi era montato un dispositivo con cui dall'interno si poteva far scendere davanti alle ruote posteirori un getto di sabbia in caso di verglas

Which means?!
Title: Re: MPC#031 - Solved - sand dispenser to improve grip
Post by: Iluvatar on January 10, 2014, 10:05:20 AM
Just to add more info... I've found the same pics on Motor Italia (another italian car magazine) from 1954... the caption says:
Su di un'Armstrong ed una Hillman di concorrenti inglesi era montato un dispositivo con cui dall'interno si poteva far scendere davanti alle ruote posteirori un getto di sabbia in caso di verglas

Which means?!
It describes the object and its purpose... nothing more... but the interesting part is that it talk about what cars fit it... Armstrong and Hillman...