Cool Pic Archive Pages
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These images have been chosen for their uniqueness. Subject matter ranges from
historic events, to really cool phenomena in science and engineering, to relevant
place, to ingenious contraptions, to interesting products (which now has its own
dedicated Featured Product
category).
 In the last few years, many color photos
from the WWII era have been appearing, being a stark contrast to the B&W photos
we have been used to seeing. The Smithsonian Institute's Air & Space
magazine published this photo of what appears to be an
electrical cable production station (3rd photo down on the page). Obviously
it was a staged public relations shot, but its color content, snaking arrays of
cables, and excellent lighting effect could easily win it a prize.
At first glance I though it might be steel control cables for the massive
Consolidated
PB2Y "Coronado" flying boats into which they were installed. A close look at
the ends of the cables inside the work station assembly area reveals ring lugs on
the ends of the cables, as might be found on control lines between cockpit elevator
and aileron control yokes (or joy sticks), rudder pedals, wing flaps, trim tabs,
etc. However, notice that the cables are being terminated inside a rather small
junction box, which suggests the cables are actually electric power lines for distribution
between motors, lights, radios, and other electrical devices and systems, and therefore
the lugs are for binding to threaded posts.
As always, these kinds of photos showing mass production facilities leave me
in awe of the engineers, technicians, and planners who devised and implemented all
the work stations, instructions, and training to optimize efficiency. Minimizing
assembly time, tools, material, required operator skill, and opportunity for errors
is a combination of science, art, and psychology.
You will probably enjoy the full article in which this photo appeared.
Posted April 1, 2021
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