Alan

While at John's today, digging out more of the Bolen Stash, we heard a noise from an old caravan which had been partly crushed by a tree brought down in a storm a few years ago. This caravan had been used to store furniture etc and was almost full and very difficult to see inside due to being covered with undergrowth. After calling and getting no answer I took a few random flash photo's, not being able to see much at all, and managed to get a ( not too clear ) picture of the culprit. The only way we could get this person to emerge, threats to call the police etc had no effect, was to offer him a cup of tea. This did the trick and he was out instantly, covered with cobwebs and probably bugs too. Asked how he got here, guessing he was an illegal immigrant, he said he had stowed away in a red sprinter van which has been seen nearby on a few occasions recently. We eventually sent him on his way, but he threatened to return saying that he liked exploring at John's, even though all of the red stuff has gone.

Happy Birthday Nigel. I expect having a drive on "Why Not" caused you to age rapidly.

R.I.P. Sandy.

A nice conversion project Nigel. How about another "Bendy".

Nothing found for you today Chris, but did find the cowling / fuel tank for the small engine unearthed last week. This turned out to be a 65cc BSA industrial engine. Also found a Villiers kick start engine in the loft, ex mower by the look of it, and a can of RED paint.

It's a heavy lump Neil. I'll let you know the cost tomorrow. Over at John's all day today.

And another two of John's items. The Merry Tiller trailer was VERY reluctant to come out from under the brambles. Wheels and woodwork need replacing but all metal looks good, apart from rust. The ball hitch is welded on. A hand operated winch, base 22 x 15 inch, with ratchet. Turns but needs cleaning. More details and photo's available if required. Alan.

Happy now Chris.

As most members will be aware, all the Bolens and Wheelhorse tractors etc have now gone to new homes. Well almost all. This poor little Bolens mower was left behind, too small for it's big brothers to play with. Also still waiting for a new home is a Cub Cadet 81. Last run about 2 years ago, so shouldn't need much work to bring back to life. Two Westwood's would also like to be rescued. Briggs engines, 8 & 11 HP. Both turn by hand. Electric start. All tires good. Restoration projects or spares for someone. Also two more still tangled in the brambles and most likely very ill. If anyone interested in the above, I have more photo's and details on request. More small items still being uncovered, plus a few mowers, two Lathes and an Atlas Shaper to dig out. Thanks again to all involved. Nearly forgot these. Not garden tractor related, UNLESS, Ian wants to convert "Why Not" into a drag racer. 11 x 65 x 12. Ex farm trailer. ? Regards, Alan.

Like the GLOSSY rust finish Philip. Looks much better than the usual RUSTY rust.

You appear to have a never ending supply of tires and tubes Chris. Where on earth do you get them all from.

Hay feed for the towing horse.

Looks good Richard. What condition were the spindle ends in. ? The one visible looks as if it has been machined.

All tires were inflated before removing from the barn, but when the tubes started protruding through the various splits we thought it best to let most of the air out again. The two rights were really bad. Chris didn't want to hear loud bangs from the rear of the van on his way home.

A few more. John was not feeling too good today but Chris did surprise him with his old horse and he enjoyed driving it again. Thanks again to Chris for helping to find more goodie's and clearing rubbish, including dragging a Merrytiller trailer out of the undergrowth, and a Westwood tractor from it's ( as it thought ) last resting place. Pam also went away happy with more bottles and a large HEAVY object which I thought was going to start divorce proceedings between her and Chris. Problem solved though, as Pam won.

Don't forget to dry it properly after washing. You don't want it to go rusty.

I do. Just trying to remember his name. An over loaded sprinter van rings a bell though.

My thoughts too. Heard that he is changing his forum name to I'VE GOT THEM ALL, SO TO ME.

They went all the way to Norfolk, quashed together in the back of a van, now they are coming back again. First class travel this time I hope.

Didn't want to risk breaking it Chris. Not before you have a test drive anyway.

Don't know if Richard spotted the Allen Scythe Chris, but pulled it out from it's hiding place on Thursday. Looks in fair condition. Engine turns and appears to have good compression. The cutter bar is detached, didn't get a photo. Good for spares if nothing else. A few pics taken in a hurry just as we were packing up for the day. Alan.

Thought that would get your attention Chris. One going spare at John's.

After approximately 40 plus years of captivity, John's Fordson has made a hasty exit from the barn it called home. The front tire was inflated just before the move, but after a few minutes the air inside decided it wanted to escape, and made it's own way out through the tube and sidewall with a loud BANG. What a waste of air. Much to everyone's surprise, all the wheels rotated, the steering was free, and the move from barn to loading was done in about 25 minutes, via a combination of pulling and pushing. It took almost as long strapping it down on the trailer and checking for loose bits that might go awol on the way to it's new home. Thanks Philip and crew. A few photo's which could have been better. The sun is never in the right place.

As you now have a red Bolens Iain, I take it you won't want the other one.

The Bolens does have your name on it Iain, but might have to be changed when Mr Showman has a test drive on his next visit. I think the colour is having an effect on him. His eye's glaze over every time he sees red paint.