| The "WING" GAUGE & INSTRUMENT CO.
were specialists in machine shop and laboratory gauge equipment who also
manufactured a range of single cylinder, air cooled four stroke petrol engines of 2.5 -
3.5 horse power. Engines were manufactured under the model names
of 'Pilot', 'Wing' and 'AGRA' in both speed and throttle governed models. A fluid clutch
was also designed and manufactured to suit these engines.The original design for the
'Pilot' engines were competed in 1937 by S.Whiting, who was described as being "a
keen angler and maker of precision instruments". While engine production reached its
peak in the 1950s the company came under the control of Philips Electrical Industries in
the early 1960s and engine production seems to have ceased at this time.
Sales of 'Pilot' and 'Wing' engines were handled by the firm of "R.
B. CHURCHLEY PTY. LTD., Factory Sales Representatives" of 175 William Street,
Melbourne. Distribution and servicing agreements were established within Victoria,
interstate and overseas with such firms as Finlay Bros (Elizabeth Street, Melbourne),
Queensland Pastoral Supplies Pty. Ltd and McPhersons Limited.
A Brief History of
the Company
The history of the company is complex and the subject of my ongoing
research. Constant name changes in the latter years, charaterised by share dealings have
delayed a clear picture of the company's actual operation being established at this time.
The involvement of Philips Electrical Industries, Pettiford Holdings Group and
Acquisitions Pty. Limited is also still to be accurately defined. As Philips Australia
have not retained any of the "WING" company records there are no production
records available at this time. The following information has been compiled from company
and other records held by the State Government of Victoria.
1894 - 1941
x
1941 - 1947 Wing
Gauge & Instrument Co.
The company first appears in official records in 1941 as the 'Wing Gauge
& Instrument Co.' located at 16 Baker Street, Richmond. This would have been a working
class inner suburban residential area at the time and it is likely that this was the home
of the principals The site is now occupied
by an automatic transmission repair business. Nothing remains of the original building.
1947 - 1960 Wing Gauge & Instrument Co.
The company relocates to 322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn where many
engineering firms had established themselves. Perhaps the best known of these was A.H.
McDonald & Co.. A motor garage operated by J. White was located on the site
previously.
The company is officially registered during this period in 1958 under
the name of Wing Gauge & Instrument Co.
with a share capital of £100,000 comprised of 100,000 £1 shares. The Director of the
company is Cyril James Walters of Camberwell.
Wing Sales and Service
Patents for "WING" engine granted on 1953
Nothing remains of the original building and the site is now occupied by
a costume and academic clothing company.
1960 - 1962 Wing Gauge & Instrument Co.
The company relocates to 277-289 Middleborough Road, Box Hill in
1960.This would have been a middle class inner suburban residential area at the time with
light industry surrounded by orchards and agriculture.
Cyril Walters, now living in Canterbury, resigns from the company on
October 30, 1961 and control passes to Philips Industries and Pettiford Holdings Group.
January 22, 1962 Philips Electrical Industries Pty. Limited and
Pettiford Holdings Ltd. Establishment of Wing Industries Pty. Limited holding company of
which Wing Gauge & Instrument Co. is a subsidiary.
1960 - 1962 Wing Gauge & Instrument Co.
Following Cyril Walter's resignation, Edward Beecham officially takes
over as Manager of the company on August 22, 1962. He operates under a Board of Directors
dominated by Philips Industries and Pettiford Holdings Group representatives.
Although it is to be determined, it seems likely that engine production
had ceased during this time. The assumption is that Philips Electrical Industries acquired
a controlling interest in the company given the common background in the manufacture of
specialist and precision instruments. Quite possibly, Wing's land at the now key cental
Box Hill location would have also attracted interest from Philips.
The company is still located at 277-289 Middleborough Road, Box Hill.
1962 - 1965 Wing Tool Company Pty. Limited
Wing Imports on October 1961 and then to Wing Holdings Pty. Limited on
April 18, 1962. Name changes to Wing Industries Pty. Limited on June 30, 1965.
Share holdings changed from Preferred to Ordinary shares in 1963.
Still located at 277-289 Middleborough Road, Box Hill.
1965 - 1972 Wing Industries Pty. Limited & Acquisitions Pty. Limited
On August 30, 1966 name changes to Wing Tool Pty Limited.
On June 24, 1969 changes to Wing Industries Pty. Limited with listed
subsidiaries as Liberty Tools Pty. Limited, R.F.E Pty. Limited, Sealex Pty. Limited, Wing
Tool Pty. Limited, and Wing Sales Pty. Limited.
Edward Beecham resigns as Manger on December 18, 1969.Philips Electrical
Industries representatives take over full control of the company.
It seems as though
Control of Wing Tool Pty. Limited is transferred to the NSW based
Acquisitions Pty. Limited on January 7, 1970. Acquisitions is an investment firm and the
Wing assets come under the control of Sydney merchant banker Desmond Paul O'Shea. A heady
period financial trading follows where variously Queensland pastoral investors, NSW and
Norfolk Island investors. From 1966 onwards the only link to Victoria remains with the
appointed accountants and solicitors. All other office bearers reside in Sydney.
A series of capital reductions take place under Acquisitions Pty.
Limited with the first beginning on March 25, 1971. Capital is reduced from $200,000 to
$10,000.
The company office is still recorded at 277-289 Middleborough Road, Box
Hill.
1972 - 197 Philips Electromagnetic Division
Acquisitions Pty. Limited annual reports show no activity throughout the
1970s for Wing Tool Pty. Limited. The Wing company is described in annual reports as being
'dormant' with no dividends paid to shareholders for much of the period. However,
alternating profits and losses are recorded in the vaccinity of $1,200 each year.
Philips Electrical Industries??????????The notice of was received on
formally denoting the end of the company. In the final sheet was listed.
The company office is still recorded at 277-289 Middleborough Road, Box
Hill during this period. However,nothing remains of the original building and the site is
now occupied by a series of warehouse-workshops.Philips Industries have relocated to
Springvale in 19
|
| An
Introduction to Engines Produced by the Company |
The "WING" Gauge & Instrument Co. produced the 'Pilot' and 'Wing' and 'AGRA'
engines. They were four stoke engines, forced draught, air cooled and were an all
alloy/aluminium construction with steel liners on all wearing parts. The company
utilised car components (ie: pistons) as much as possible with the 'Pilot' and 'Wing'
engines being almost identical while the layout of the "AGRA" was markedly
different. The 'Pilot', 'Wing' and 'AGRA' engines used a Lucas RS-1 magneto and featured
original design layouts.
'Pilot' engines were most often used for marine applications and were advertised
widely as a power source for driving boats up to 12-16 feet.The 'Pilot' and 'Wing' engines
differ in the casting on the engine cowl (one shows the word 'Pilot' and the other 'Wing')
and in their internal specifications. |
|
| The 'Pilot' engines were rated at 2.5 hp while the 'Wing'
engines were rated at 3.5 hp. There were two versions of each engine made - a throttle
governed and a speed governed version. Although the engines were made of aluminium,
many surviving examples show signs of having being painted in a light grey-cream colour
similar to that used in many naval applications. (A paint sample is to be analysed and the
contemporary colour match code will be added to this site.).
|
'AGRA' 3.5 hp engine
|
The 'AGRA' engines were of a totally different design layout,
although some features and parts were used in common with the 'Pilot' and 'Wing' engines,
including the fuel tank, carburettor, exhaust system and use of the venerable Lucas RS-1
magneto. 'AGRA' engines were rated at 2.5 hp and 3.5 hp and were marketed as a general
purpose power unit with drive shafts both sides of the engine. In addition to the engine
range, the "WING" Gauge & Instrument Co.also manufactured a fluid clutch,
designed for use with the 'Pilot' and 'Wing' engines. Little is presently known about the
clutch unit except that the company was keen to promote it as Australian made and a cost
effective option for small scale applications. |
An advertising brochure from the company states that 'The 'Pilot' engine makes a fine
marine unit. Its weight and economical running make it an ideal dinghy unit, as as the
engine can be removed from a dinghy in a matter of seconds the comfort and convenience of
an inboard motor with the removability of an outboard motor is thus obtained."
The brochure notes that "Fuel consumption in a 12 ft. sea dinghy is approximately
9 hours per gallon." The company emphasised the versatility of the engines in
their advertising, stating that "For farm, orchard and country,
the 'Pilot' has many applications, pumps, separators, milking plants, grain crushers and
lighting plants to name but a few.".
|
| Amongst other uses, 'Pilot' engines were also fitted to
lightweight dragsaws made by Faneco & Wholers (Ararat,Victoria) in the1950s, TADCO
(Thorn & Deakon Pty. Ltd.) 32VDC lighting plants and McPherson's range of AJAX
centrifugal pumps. As the image opposite shows, 'Pilot' engines had an unique layout
where the magneto was driven by direct coupling from the rear of the crankshaft.
The flywheel was notched for rope starting and fitted with three 3/8" SAE tapped
mounting point and a stub shaft was a factory option.
Consequently, engines were fitted with a variety of pulleys and couplings in order to
drive equipment. |
'Pilot' engine with McPherson AJAX centrifugal pump |
For further information about the products of the "WING" Gauge &
Instrument Co., please visit 'Pilot' Engines, 'Wing' Engines, 'AGRA' Engines and "WING" Fluid Clutches.If you have any
information relating to the "WING" Gauge & Instrument Co., please
contact Mark Kennedy.
|
 The "WING" Register
The "WING" Register has been set up to
record the details and history of all 'Pilot', 'Wing', 'AGRA' engines and "WING"
fluid clutches.
If you would like to add your engine(s) to the
register or have further information about the company and its products, please visit the "WING" Registry.
|
References & Acknowledgments:
A great many people have kindly and voluntarily contributed information
and resources to aid in the creation of this website and the "WING" Registry. In
particular, I would like to thank Dick Hensen (Qld), Jeff Holly (SA), Brad Soward (NSW),
Geoff Morrison (Vic), Scott Benier (Vic), Peter Margetts (Vic),The Old Machinery Magazine and Paul
Pavlinovich for their interest and support.A special mention must be made of
my wife who has assisted me greatly with the research and who has supported me in
compiling this brief history and in establishing the "WING" Registry.
Material for this website has been adapted from "THE 'PILOT'
ENGINE INSTRUCTION MANUAL", "THE 'WING' ENGINE INSTRUCTION MANUAL",
McPherson Limited advertising brochures, Queensland Pastoral Supplies Pty. Ltd.
advertisements, Finlay Bros. advertisements and extracts from the official archives of the
State Government of Victoria.
|
This site was prepared by Mark Kennedy Last
updated on 24/01/2006 |