Photos of Werk I floor tile

[304065]

Does anyone have old photos of the brown floor tile in the factory, or in the Motorsports department? It's brown, rectangular, installed with either no or very thin grout joints.

[911T1971]

Originally, the floor was made of thick wood blooks.

It has no grout joints, just wood elements laid next to wood elements.
The wood was vertically cut (i.e you would see year-rings) and therefore extremely strong against heavy loads.
Grease and manufacturing process later changed the color from brown-ish to a grey/black.
With time, edges would wear off and the space between wood elements would get bigger.

This floor technique was used in many older factorys where metal work had to be done.
If a manufactured piece would fall down, it would be less damaged then on a concrete or tile floor.
It also was a much more comfortable working area for workers standing all day.

late 60ies, working on 917's:






In the main manufacturing area - where they rolled 911's on dollies around and tiles would vibrate the load -
it seems to be a concrete/cement floor.
Mid 60ies:

[Aron in Toronto]

Interesting info on the use of wood floor tiles.

Here are some examples of ceramic quarry tiles.















here is a link to a manufacture of similar industrial tile, but there are many other sources for quarry tile.
http://www.metroceramics.com/

[304065]

Guys, I was just thinking to myself "Self, what a great resource is the Early 911S Registry! Only thing that would be better would be a link to where I can buy the tiles! Thank you very much!

[HarryD]

When I worked for the Power Company, our Turbine shop has one of those wood floors. It was wonderful to see and felt really good as you walked over it.

Is this what you are thinking of?



http://www.jennisonwright.com/woodblock.html

[Fritter]

The modern day RUF shop has a perfect look with red tile floor and both red and green paint on the door and window moldings.

[mike curnow]

I believe the wooden floor is called a Belgian Block floor.

[911T1971]

When I worked for the Power Company, our Turbine shop has one of those wood floors. It was wonderful to see and felt really good as you walked over it.

http://www.jennisonwright.com/woodblock.html

Thats the floor. Wonderful material and very comfortable to work on.

more pics:
early/mid 50ies (rare America roadster left-hand):
concrete polished


early/mid 50ies, exterior
cobblestones, concrete raw



early 60ies, exterior
pre-fabricated cement tiles
(note the pre-prod. P script on 901 engine lid)

[Schiefer]

Very interesting.
Does anyone know what kind of tree they used at the factory??
The picture above is pine. On the drilling platforms and supply ships they use oak.

[911T1971]

Very interesting.
Does anyone know what kind of tree they used at the factory??

Most likely oak or beech, another hard-wood.
Oak and beech is common in Western Europe, I doubt they used tropical ones even they have similar qualities.
On ships, Oak is extremely resistent against saltwater.