Thank you for the information that's certainly interesting, sadly a little lost on me as though I appreciate the history I don't know anything about engines or machinery in general I can't even drive a car ! I have no ide the worth either but have now listed it on eBay, there was only one other hawk major on eBay listed which is a non runner at £45 so I've put £50 on it but obviously postage would be high so hoping someone local will be interested, I feel a little sad to part with it but I really don't have much use for it - now if only my landlord would let me get my hands on the bolens ride on mower that's been wasting away in a locked shed for more than a year that would be much more useful - thanks ever so much again for the info