Hotel Cutaway Drawing, 1947

This great cutaway originally comes from a July 5, 1947 Saturday Evening Post ad for Armstrong’s Industrial Insulation.  For an extra-sized view, click here and then click a second time on the magnifying glass. The ad says, in part: When you look behind the scenes, a modern hotel is an astounding place.  Few guests appreciate… Continue reading Hotel Cutaway Drawing, 1947

Hiding Space in HVAC Vent? Interesting But Still a Dumb Idea.

Hidden compartments in houses take all shapes and forms:  electrical outlets, hollow books, fake CDs, false cabinet fronts.  But what about the heating system? Any dope dealer or jewel thief will tell you that it’s easy enough to unscrew the heating register (grille) and stow drugs or diamonds in the metal ductwork.  You can improve… Continue reading Hiding Space in HVAC Vent? Interesting But Still a Dumb Idea.

Closeup of Flying Boat (Generic) Cutaway, 1935

Popular Mechanics Flying Boat Sleeping Quarters

Looking inside the Popular Mechanics 1935 “Flying Boat”: Kitchen Welsh rarebit coming right up.  Note the ladder leading up to the wing. Bar The cover is sharp and crystal-clear.  It’s my scanner that blurred the picture.  A real-life bartender whipping up a gin gimlet for a guy in a suit. Sleeping Quarters Except for those… Continue reading Closeup of Flying Boat (Generic) Cutaway, 1935