While on his weekly fix to John's today, Chris and I decided to start up the Kobota digger which had not been used since the last time it was used to see if we could unearth the 3 furrow Ransome plough which had sunk itself a couple of inches into the ground.
John, when asked, didn't want to drive, so I did the pushing and pulling while Chris placed lumps of wood under the now uncovered lower sections which, apart from a bit of rust, were not as bad as we had expected.
As the digger usually lived outside, and as there was now space available in the barn, we thought it would be nice to offer it a new home.
After hearing the cogs clanking in Chris's cranium, and guessing what he was thinking, he was asked if he wanted a play. Silly question. He was like a little kid at Christmas with a new toy. To cut a short story long, he managed to get the digger through the barn doors without scraping the paint. A tank would have gone through with room to spare but I didn't want to upset Chris by mentioning this. He said he used to drive mini diggers BIG brothers years ago.
A few action photo's. As can be seen while on his way to the barn, Chris is trying to decide what new project he can use the digger for. A few thoughts spring to mind. First, will it fit into the Sprinter. How about a half track Wheel Horse. The engine would look good in a Wheel Horse RJ.
In the third photo it is difficult to decide if Chris is dreaming of his new project or if he is nodding off.
And finally, Chris wanted to take home a little present for Nigel. Not wanting to splash out on a bunch of roses and with no pansy's in sight, a dead branch of drowned leafy things was spotted in the digger bucket after tipping out a lot of frozen water. With a naughty gleam in his eye's he muttered THAT WILL DO. Only the best for Nigel.
Yet another tool found at John's. About 2.5" x 2.5" Adjustable and lockable plungers.? Marked 0 to 1/4. Can't make out the makers name. Some sort of measuring gauge. ? Someone must know.
Iain was lucky to get it on Friday Andrew, as Chris was helping with the loading. As you know anything red finish's up in a red Sprinter van. Iain's Sprinter was white and was easier to find in the semi darkness which saved the day.
He's loosing his touch Andrew. We kept telling him there was lots of room left. On his previous trips he was measuring the gaps with feeler gauge's and looking for suitable size goodie's to squeeze in.
After weeks of sorting and clearing lots of small stuff, mainly junk for the tip, we had a visitor from Norfolk yesterday. Iain arrived for what he thinks will be his last visit to collect his reserved items.
Luckily it was mainly dry, not like today which is wet and windy. Didn't get many photo's this time, just a few near the end of the loading.
The main items were John's last remaining Bolens tractor which had fun dragging a very heavy 8ft steel bench, a heavy engine hoist and bench drill up to the van. Iain also twisted our arms to let him take numerous other smaller items plus a pair of trailers and peace offerings for his boss at home.
He couldn't though, be persuaded to take a 6ft 3 furrow Ransom plough which had recently been discovered in the undergrowth. John knew it was there but forgot to tell anyone.
Thanks again Iain for making the trip and to the Showman for all his help on the day. It was hard work for the three of us, most likely impossible for two due to the weight involved.
That looks great fun. Who needs a cutting deck, a few laps round your lawn on Why Not and it would save you from having to cut the grass for a while
Yes, looks fun but it would probably be easier to cut the grass the old fashioned way than having to spend hours cleaning up Why Not and a pair of nutters. A pressure wash of all three might help though.
Another item found weeks ago while clearing John's barn. We have picked it up, puzzled over it, scratched our heads and put it down again numerous times.
Someone will hopefully have an answer. 8" long and the only marking is No 2 on the handle. As can be seen on the photo's, I hope, sliding the central bar forward opens out the end of the side arms slightly which are closed again via the spring when the bar is retracted. Hope this is clear.
I know what it's like Alan, same here where really sad unfortunate events affect people and you have to change your direction. Got to lose some of my 'Fold' and downsize this year as well.
1/2 size sounds a good project .
There are times when John looks upset at seeing his years of collecting being disposed of Richard, but he also appears resigned to it. As you and others probably know his aim when he retired 11 years ago was to spend time in his workshop and bring some of his machinery back to life.
The first few years were spent rebuilding parts of his house, still unfinished, then other things got in the way, the main one being his illness which has progressed rapidly over the last three years. I have known him for about 45 years and it is sad to see him like this.
Such a pity that the tractor won't be staying with you Alan, you've put so much work into it...
Yes, it is a shame Paul. Had planned to use it and play on John's land, plus also hoped to take it to shows. But as said, once John has sold up I don't have room at home for it or a trailer to get it around.
The plan now is a 1/2 size semi scale tractor which should fit into my Meriva. Just about big enough to sit on. This is partly built, ( slow job due to helping John ), using mainly bits from the Showman's favourite hunting ground and will be known as LITTLE HORSE. We have a Black horse, a Trac horse and a Shakin horse and maybe others so why not a Little Horse.
to see if we could unearth the 3 furrow Ransome plough which had sunk itself a couple of inches into the ground.
Obvious when pointed out. I hadn't thought of it as max / min. I knew someone on MoM would probably know.
but not forgotten. 
to let him take numerous other smaller items plus a pair of trailers and peace offerings for his boss at home.
A pressure wash of all three might help though. 
The Showman's new Toy
in Off-Topic Discussion
Posted
If you are quick Norm, you can whisk the Kubota away while Chris is still dreaming.