G'day Paul and Max
Many thanks to you for adding to the record.
Paul, I have corrected my post (above) about the chute design.
I struggle with this one, but still am prepared to speculate ...
Max's evidence of the D69 is persuasive.
Turner announced mower making would cease in 1970.
My best guess is that the announcement was made early 1970 -
meaning that there was a clear 1969-70 range ... a 1970 range year,
but no 1970-71 range year. Production would cease late 1970.
The Rocket emblem appeared in brochures in c1967.
My best guess is that this was an advertising metaphor - both for
turner high-arch designs and the 'Jet Age' and the 'Rocket Age', that put
men on the moon in 1969. Turner refers to "Jet Age" in its Valiant brochure.
I would like to speculate on the naming of 'Model A' and its high-arch design.
Why 'Model A'?
My best guess is that this was a design for the 1969-70 year - the last year.
'A' suggests a new design for a new decade - the 1970s. I don't know.
The other thing is the chassis.
A noticeably higher skirt meant a shallower deck for the engine.
Was this designed for various engines and placement options? We know Victa,
as one example, was forced into placing engines laterally on their 18" high arch
lawnmowers. The Model A base seems more obliging to engine make & placement.
---------------------------
Jack
