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Well I got another Large Frame Bolens This one is an HT23. From arround 1980 -83. Turns out its the 1st tractor of the 2nd line of production & made its way to the UK I done a trade with a fellow bolens collector up North for my rusty back hoe which he will restore & has more time than me. I had the tractor & various other bolens items & he delivered it Like the rest of the fleet it will need going through as various probs etc. Its in storage for a while now until I get time

A great service it is too It was good to catch up again, have to make your next visit a bit longer though... I know you was pushed for time Monday.. Cool isn't it... Kinda rolls off the tongue as well Thanks Chris, she does look much better with the decals fitted Ta muchly James A couple of "before and after" photo's, I know which "look" I prefer

Hi all, Managed to get my hands on a Martin Markham, he started to strip it down so it's in pieces, luckily it's only the big bits he's taken off so far. Gearbox seems OK, engine turns and has good compression and the rams for the loader are in good condition. The bonnet has headlights which look factory, were these an option? I only have one picture but will get some more of everything when I unload it all.. Tom

Thanks Max, that gives me hope that the jets won't suddenly turn into a molten puddle Before the flame jets were fitted the exhausts got a good clean up and a coat of red oxide.. Red oxide isn't a "high temperature" paint, but the over spray that had got onto the pipes hadn't burnt or flaked off despite WN getting lots of muddy thrashings about the place, so I thought a coat wouldn't hurt and help keep any possible future rust at bay. One of the jets welded in.. Well, the nut not the jet Speaking of jets, I needed to give the home made jets a smoke test to see how they flow... That should do Nigel dug out his brake pipe flaring tool.. I've no idea on the make but it is very old, very well made and easy to use.. A proper tool in this age of cheap tat! Here it is in action flaring a short section.. Which Nigel then soldered into the jet. A steam Punk exhaust.. The fencing wire won't be staying, once I know the flames work then I will make some weld on clips to stop the brake pipe from moving. That fits well.. Fitting the flame fuel tank took a bit of thinking about.. I could of just welded a couple of bits of box to the tank and bolt them to the frame... But I didn't want to spoil the look of the tank which is a nice shape, so I made up some nice brackets.. Fitted but not fully welded.. I'm happy with how it fits in the small space that's the only place left to fit it The final spark set-up.. This produces very good sparks at both plugs and as Nigel and I found out yesterday it has no problem lighting TVO....... On the bench that is.. With all wiring and plumbing done on the flame set-up there was only one thing left to do...... Yep try it out.... No flames just lots of smoke and TVO pouring out the exhausts!! A bit of over fueling me thinks that just floods the spark plugs! That should be an easy fix tomorrow... The smoke looked good though

Updates, the Pacemaker has a towball fitted and this evening a Cyclone spreader was collected (many thanks to Mr Showman for picking it up for me ) to go on the back of it...

I'd be in serious trouble if I did, Rhys. She still wont let me forget about selling the Spitfire. They're simple to drive, Nigel. Even you could manage.

Hi just bought a G16XL it has a Tecumseh OH16 shaft drive off the flywheel to a 90 degree gearbox that then belt drives the rear transmission like a wheel horse Cheers Nick

Indeed I did turn it down... Here's ours (and its still not for sale )

I would of had it

Sorry, No idea. Paul Mackellow was asked if he wanted it but said no.

In the background is my £140 temporary shelter for some of my crawlers which has withstood 80mph gales all over the winter and only just failed, strangely the sheeting has ripped on the leaward side and is still keeping the machines dry.

This was the one on the vhgmc, it was in East Sussex.

I'm having a guess here, but I think this may be the one in East Sussex last year around May. Was up for grabs. Tom may have got it off whoever got it from there.

In addition to the 33 machines booked in so far ( still time if you hurry ) There will be a display from the MERL Archives, a display of Literature relating to the tractors, another display of literature relating to implements , a display of photos of machine around the World and a stand from Neil Jarrett carrying spare parts and interesting Ransomes items. If you need a particular part, ring Neil and ask him for what you need.

nice work fella!

Wow they look good

Certainly makes a difference having the decals fitted, well done chaps

Love the makers company name.

shame i missed the main man (with little legs ) oh mark it was the white mom stickers i wanted mate not the blue ones,they clash with ians hat

Hehe, loving it. Great to be of service and catch up with you. Shame I missed grumpy