Manufactured during the 1970s, the Meng lathes shown here were of the conventional "engine" and workshop type and had a very complete specification. Like most competing machines they featured a pressure lubricated, all-geared headstock with an easily-operated speed-change control using two levers on a concentric pivot. All gears were in a Chr. Ni. Mo (Nickel Chromium Molybdenum) alloy Steel, ground finished and held on shafts of the same material. The main spindle ran in expensive, high-precision "Gamet" bearings as used on most Colchester lathes.
The patented screwcutting and feeds gearbox was totally enclosed - no sliding lever with an exposed slit to admit dirt - and fed with oil from a pressure pump.
The drive system was enclosed within a cabinet stand, the speed change gearbox holding hardened and ground gears in a Chr. Ni. Mo steel together with a clutch that doubled as a brake. Electrical control of start, stop and reverse was by the expected 'third-rod" system with its control lever pivoting from the right-hand face of the apron..