Rocboni

Construction has begun!

Was that built on the chassis of a tracked barrow?

I'm down early tomorrow as well norm, around 10am if he's back

Well it was all go at 8am this morning, 4 wheelbarrows 2 cube down in about 30min. Neighbours were chuffed Note the temporary barrier to keep the dog out, for some reason he loved lying on the damp proof before the concrete was poured.

Not sure if the rear conveyor will clear the door! Concrete is coming on Saturday so will see more progress in the next few weeks.

A car battery charger will be able to supply a lot more current than a charger for a cordless. As far as I understand the more surface area the more current required? 24v at 10amps would be ideal for a tank that size. I would probably go far a mains variac and a rectifier but not cheap.

Can the charger provide enough current ?

Managed to acquire some hardcore that was piled up in the local carpark so has brought up the centre to 4" but still thicker around the edge. As you can see the new next door neighbor has bought a shed, it will be dwarfed by mine and I paid the same for mine as he did for his 8 X 6 which is built from matchsticks (not that I told home that as I've got to wire it in for him) also going to take the chance to upgrade power cables to the old shed and install cable for the new shed while the patio is up. i have some damp proof membrane to lay before the concrete but not sure if it's required? Stops it drying out to quickly and cracking?

Started ground works, pad is about 5" might reduce the thickness if I can find some hardcore FOC!

As discussed with Jonathan yesterday the machine will never be perfect cosmetically but it will be good just to have a known working example( there may be others) I will make sure it is mechanically sound, then if I want to paint it later it will only be half the battle (still a big job) In the past I have tended to rush through refurbishments/restorations and get them finished quickly mostly due to me doing everything outside and having to make the most of the dry weather, with the new workshop hopefully I can enjoy it more and take my time doing odd jobs now and then, but will probably revert back to my usual speed!

Is mine in better condition to the one local to you James? Have you any pictures yet?

Yes the skimmer was featured in a program called look at the life "will taps run dry" apparently it is very short however I am trying to get a friend to copy the section p, the DVD is still avaialble.

Taken engine off and washed down the engine bay, sand filled a 25L container! Input flange bearing is shot and engine bay floor looks like it has been dropped to accommodate Kohler engine.

Thought I better start my own thread regarding the Skimmer. Skimmer SN is 15200 which makes manufacture around about 1965, traced reg number through DVLA hasent revealed much. Main aim is to get it mechanically operational, needs some new steel welding in, mainly sheet metal parts on the top frame where seat is, and engine changed to original Ransomes 600cc. Good thing is it is all there, front auger and conveyor drive roller is free. Its not done much since it was retired as still full of sand, needs a good power wash to flush it all out of engine bay. First job is to free tracks up, get engine off and free up the controls and gear lever. I will get cracking next week but progress is likely to be slow as its being stored 25 miles away while I get the new workshop up.

It's here complete with years worth of sand! A lot of sheet metal that has rotted away however the most important parts are well intact and functioning

Unfortunately the Transport guy lost a wheel off his beavertail so delivery is been made tonight about 8

I've been informed that the skimmer has been successfully loaded and is on it way to me, unfortunately it was loaded with a telehandler so not sure if it rolls (guessing brake bands are siezed from standing) will get some pictures tomorrow afternoon when it arrives.

I know what you mean, That's just the sides and back.

Well it's down and home. Unfortunately where it is lying is where it's going! Mums going to be chuffed when she hears her washing lines getting shifted. I'm not looking forward to taking this with me when I move out in a few years.

Would that be to top up the water in the boiler?

Bit more done, roof off. hope to get it all away this weekend.

It is, I don't fancy moving it again that's for sure

Well I'm getting there, millions of nails put in with nail gun, managed to save most of the tounge and groove inside and on the roof by punching the nails through, as prying it off just split it. Thankfully the felt was put on with small nails so that came off easy enough and will go back on, about 30 black bags of fibreglass insulation came out of it and countless massive spiders!

Lurking only 20mins from you!

Expecting skimmer to be delivered 13th May, looking forward to getting it.