The Cunard Shell Works in Bootle, in the North West, was established in 1915 in a former furniture factory acquired by the Cunard Steamship Company.
Trench warfare during the First World War demanded huge supplies of artillery shells, so commercial engineering facilities were approached to turn their hand to produce munitions.
The Shell Works fulfilled part of a complex process that made 4 1/2 inch, 6 inch and 8 inch shells, with most of the production done by the factory’s overwhelmingly female workforce.
In this photograph, workers operate belt-driven lathes in one of the workshops in 1917
What you see here is not just any engine, it’s the heart of legendary power – the Packard (Rolls-Royce) Merlin V-1650-7. This V-12 beast fueled the most iconic aircraft of World War II, including the P-51 Mustang. Its precision, performance, and pure innovation helped turn the tide of history. Imagine the roar of 1,500 horses, pushing machines through the sky at speeds unimaginable at the time. This isn’t just an engine, it’s a symbol of engineering excellence and a reminder of how technology can shape the world
Sainty engine. Australian made for top fuel. Billet SOHC, 3 valve.
This image showcases a Pratt & Whitney R8720 (5600 XBSAP), a prototype radial engine with 56 cylinders arranged in a unique, dense configuration. This impressive powerplant was capable of producing around 7,000 horsepower, representing a major step in aircraft engine design. It's an extraordinary piece of engineering, aimed at delivering high performance and reliability for heavy aircraft during its development phase. Engines like these were key contributors to advancements in aviation technology, pushing the limits of what aircraft could achieve in terms of speed and payload.
Wrecked Ferrari Makes Staggering $1.875 million At Auction
A wrecked and long-forgotten 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider made headlines when it was auctioned for nearly $2 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week. This Ferrari, chassis number 0406MD, was one of only 13 Pinin Farina-bodied Spiders ever built, adding significant rarity and historical value to the lot despite its battered state. Originally designed for privateer racing, the car boasted Ferrari’s then-new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and had been driven by renowned drivers like Franco Cortese. Over time, the car suffered multiple crashes on the racetrack, leaving it in a damaged condition that sidelined it for decades.
In 1978, the Mondial Spider was acquired by U.S. collector Walter Medlin, who stored it in its wrecked state for 45 years. Its rediscovery and subsequent auction shocked the classic car world, as its crumpled frame and charred body didn’t diminish its appeal to collectors. The Mondial Spider's provenance—being one of the early cars built for Ferrari’s racing program—and its extreme rarity made it a prime candidate for restoration. Auction experts noted the car’s potential to be restored to its former glory, estimating that while the restoration process could cost millions, the car’s value upon completion could far exceed that.
The Tasmanian King Crab, also known as Pseudocarcinus gigas, is one of the largest crabs in the world. Males can weigh up to 17.6 kg(39lbs) and have a carapace width of up to 46 cm (18inches), while females are smaller not exceeding 7 kg (15 lbs).
These crabs are found off the coast of Southern Australia, living at depths of 20 to 820 meters. They prefer rocky and muddy bottoms and are most abundant at depths of 110 to 180 meters in summer and 190 to 400 meters in winter.
The crabs are mainly whitist- yellow below and red above, with black- tipped claws. Males have one oversized claw, which can be longer than the carapace width. The claws are incredibly powerful, capable of exerting significant force, used to crush and break open the shells of their prey, such as gastropods and other crustaceans.
They feed on carrion and slow-moving species, including gastropods, crustaceans, and starfish. Breeding occurs in June and July, with females carrying up to 2million eggs to about four months.
The Tasmanian King Crab is long-lived and slow-growing, with juveniles molting every three to four years.