Rocboni

Looking for some advice from you more well traveled folks! What is the best time to leave for Malven on the choosen route so I've got a clear drive down with no congestion? Was debating leaving at midnight Thursday and getting down to Malvern at 6.30/7Am Friday ?

You would think you would have plenty time to correct any mistakes with it going so slow!

Maybe, although I'm not sure my mum would approve of it hanging from the kitchen ceiling!

Seen this that a local guy made, thought it was pretty cool.

Imagine driving it about in an enclosed pit.

I'm saying nothing about me trying to demolish his top garage with the skimmer. You didn't crash it did you Norm?

The other skimmer chassis has had the sides cut away the same so looks as if it may be an original modification.

Was good to see you Jonathan, bacon sarnies were great too! I'd rather be re assembling the brakes on an MG than watch Scotland loose to Wales!

Pity you didn't find it sooner Jonathan... The cable will be be solid is it, I wonder if it's like what outboard motors use to steer? You could maybe cut one down. https://www.mailspeedmarine.com/33c-inboard-outboard-cables.html?499=13853&gclid=CJvUk_iN88oCFXcW0wodaLoMJA Remember the little square raised blocks for the engine mounting, when replacing the floor.

Looks virtually smoke free! Mine steers exactly how you describe it, sluggish on tarmac, not great in 3rd gear unless you have a bit of momentum. Looks better without that big piece of channel welded to the back.

Hard to start and smokey.

Wonder if it would be worth me trying a new governor, trouble is the cost.

I'm dreading trying to start mine at Malvern.

Mine does, I thought it was unburnt fuel from starting but seems to persist spattering out of silencer to pipe joint after I sealed the flange to the engine.

Does it spit a lot of black diesel out? Have you had a test drive?

Similar to what it will cost me, B&B is £120 and £100+ in fuel plus food and whatever I spot at the auction and buy!

I just tested mine with the injector out of the engine and turned it over to make sure it was misting the fuel, the throttle was also clearly adjusting the volume aswell. Do you think this test would be sufficient?

I actually painted it silver, I thought that if I painted it maroon and I actually used the tractor/hook the paint would chip and look awful. It probably should be maroon though.

Hook painted

Thanks Norm. I've not tried it on the tractor yet, I hope it is proportional, I don't fancy making another!

The latch springs shut holding the hook closed. Ready to bolt to the tractor after a quick paint.

Malvern is getting close so I Started to make the rear drawbar hook that was used to clasp the canal barge tow ropes, it's cut from 1" thick plate and 1" bar bent to shape. I need to taper the round bar and mill a slot so they can be pinned together, then make the latch lever.

I would have thought if you were to recognise the derelict polytunnel you would have seen the more interesting skimmer?

There is only that one photo of the sand skimmer, the rest are of various Ransomes at different shows. In one photo the exhibit number has 'Festival of Transport' along the top and a sign in the background reads 'Kent and Sussex Fuel Services'. The way I read this is that there is only one pic of the skimmer. The other pictures are of common Ransomes at the festival of transport, nothing to do with the skimmer therefor the Kent and Sussex fuel services won't lead us to the skimmer?

Think Jonathan's trying to corner the market, is two not enough!