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I have been down to Dorset this weekend to collect what must be the ultimate in Ransomes barn finds. After some brilliant detective work by my friend Anthony I visited a farm early in the year and discovered not one but three rare Ransomes MG machines. The elderly owner was not really wanting to sell but eventually a deal was made for me to buy two machines and leave him with one that was up and running. The three machines were an MG6 fitted with a Demon loader and petrol TVO engine, the second was a 1957 ITW wheeled tractor fitted with an inboard Boughton winch. This machine was used at Brighton railway station for shunting trucks. Originally fitted with a Drayton diesel engine, the tractor now has a later petrol engine. Fortunately I managed to obtain the original diesel engine which has been very cleverly fitted with a flywheel ring gear and electric starter.The third and possibly most rare machine is an ITC Skimmer tractor an amazing machine used for skimming a shallow layer of sand off water treatment filter beds. This machine is ex Bristol Water and was one of a number sold at the Dorset Steam Fair about 25 years ago. Luckily for me it was towed home into an old barn as a project machine for cleaning out a mill stream that never happened. Much of the actual skimming parts have been removed but thankfully the transmission ,tracks and main chassis are untouched and intact. These machines travel incredibly slowly due to an additional final drive reduction gearbox on each track. The original 600cc petrol engine had to drive the machine, operate the skimming auger and power an elevator that loaded the sand into ITC dumpers. Consequently a number were modified to achieve extra power, this one is fitted with a water cooled crossflow Ford engine which is from Mk1 escort ( even has a Weber carb. ) The plan is to fit the original diesel to the ITW and use the petrol engine on the skimmer. ( anyone want an escort engine?) With the 80th anniversary display next year the timing of the find is perfect as I can now guarantee to have at least one of every Ransomes MG machine on display. Hopefully I will have the skimmer mobile under its own power and the ITW driveable pending restoration. Apologies should read ULTIMATE

Old Faithfull, my C-125 has just had a change from grass cutting duties. 150 blocks to move ready for building a wall along the back of the house. When I think of it, I've owned it for about 4 years. Cuts the grass verges out on the lane and the green opposite the house, about every two weeks 7 months of the year. Apart from oil changes, greasing and a new air filter, it has not been touched. Not bad for £70. The Saxon trailer cost me £50.

Had a great time at the Tractorfest, arrived on Friday afternoon and set up my display, Saturday was warm and sunny with loads of visitors arena display at 1 30 pm then time to play in the working area and try out my plough, Sunday started of well but started raining at 12 30 ish so we did our arena display in the rain by the time we finished it stopped and it was back to chilling out and drinking tea. Many thanks to Kevin for organising the section and making it all happen, well worth the trip up to kent and it was very enjoyable. Thanks again

A few more photos...

Hii all some pics of walk behinds at local rally

Day 2 of the Tractorfest at Biddenden in Kent today, we took the "new" International Cadet 81 along and had a nice chilled out day despite the rain showers The arena parade was well supported and various folk were trying their hand with various machines and implements in the working area A great day, thanks to Kev and Ethan for all their hard graft, well done chaps !!

And 175 miles in between

More photos of other exhibits... can you tell I like Ford cars ??

The Showman wants a big engine for a project. And he really likes Americana.

certainly is after so many false starts I thought I would never find one. Welcome anytime Norman I have to move everything again now to make room. Does anybody want a truck load of Jeep CJ7 ?

I use Dropbox now. Photo Bucket got to be a pain.

The monster mower is how Americans used to make mowers....

Looks good with those disc's on the back

Hi all some pics of sit on tractors at rally Hope you like

Photos from today on a new post in the show reports section

thanks Kev had a great time, once again a great line up and a good time

Looks like it got a bit damp, Paul. Unless the water on the seat was due to over excitement.

Great pics pmackellow!

Morning chaps, a few photo's of Sunday's fun in the sun.. But first... A very big to Chris for all your time and effort organizing the horti section and making it the great relaxed couple of days it was.. Thanks mate A few photo's for you chaps.. Andrew realizing that the Bolens he was sitting on was actually his Plenty of smiles were seen at RPT A queue of fine machines going into the areana. The man who made it all happen.. Thanks again Chris Simon and Tom.. It was good to see my old Wheel Horse again. Andrew looking like he is posing for a Bolens catalog Nigel spinning a story about the Landy Ben on the blue beasty.. Norm made a new friend at RPT, once the bond had been formed they were inseparable Fergie Dave is such a character I had to get a photo.. The line up.. A line of Wh's. And of course a couple of photo's of WN out and about.. All in all, a great weekend.. Roll on RPT 2016