expeatfarmer 591 #1 Posted August 24, 2015 I have been down to Dorset this weekend to collect what must be the ultimate in Ransomes barn finds. After some brilliant detective work by my friend Anthony I visited a farm early in the year and discovered not one but three rare Ransomes MG machines. The elderly owner was not really wanting to sell but eventually a deal was made for me to buy two machines and leave him with one that was up and running. The three machines were an MG6 fitted with a Demon loader and petrol TVO engine, the second was a 1957 ITW wheeled tractor fitted with an inboard Boughton winch. This machine was used at Brighton railway station for shunting trucks. Originally fitted with a Drayton diesel engine, the tractor now has a later petrol engine. Fortunately I managed to obtain the original diesel engine which has been very cleverly fitted with a flywheel ring gear and electric starter.The third and possibly most rare machine is an ITC Skimmer tractor an amazing machine used for skimming a shallow layer of sand off water treatment filter beds. This machine is ex Bristol Water and was one of a number sold at the Dorset Steam Fair about 25 years ago. Luckily for me it was towed home into an old barn as a project machine for cleaning out a mill stream that never happened. Much of the actual skimming parts have been removed but thankfully the transmission ,tracks and main chassis are untouched and intact. These machines travel incredibly slowly due to an additional final drive reduction gearbox on each track. The original 600cc petrol engine had to drive the machine, operate the skimming auger and power an elevator that loaded the sand into ITC dumpers. Consequently a number were modified to achieve extra power, this one is fitted with a water cooled crossflow Ford engine which is from Mk1 escort ( even has a Weber carb. ) The plan is to fit the original diesel to the ITW and use the petrol engine on the skimmer. ( anyone want an escort engine?) With the 80th anniversary display next year the timing of the find is perfect as I can now guarantee to have at least one of every Ransomes MG machine on display. Hopefully I will have the skimmer mobile under its own power and the ITW driveable pending restoration. Apologies should read ULTIMATE 9 HeadExam, hpearce, pmackellow and 6 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #2 Posted August 24, 2015 Well done Jonathan. Methinks I'm due a visit. Really like the wheeled one. BTW. Getting your collection down for display will be fun. Want a hand? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #3 Posted August 24, 2015 Well done, after many years of searching it must have been a satisfying drive home! I will be down in a fortnight to see them. Maybe a good opportunity to reveal my own project! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #4 Posted August 24, 2015 Bring it with you when you come I have the cheque ready! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #5 Posted August 24, 2015 Hmm stop trying to tempt me! Will i show them Jonathan or keep them waiting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 1,900 #6 Posted August 24, 2015 nice find! it does now read Ultimate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #7 Posted August 24, 2015 Rhys Why not wait until you can add in some action shots or even a video ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #8 Posted August 24, 2015 Can't see your face Jonathan but I bet the grin is several miles wide, top man !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #9 Posted August 24, 2015 certainly is after so many false starts I thought I would never find one. Welcome anytime Norman I have to move everything again now to make room. Does anybody want a truck load of Jeep CJ7 ? 1 nigel reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #10 Posted August 24, 2015 Rhys Why not wait until you can add in some action shots or even a video ! I think I might, might be a while though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #11 Posted August 24, 2015 Does anybody want a truck load of Jeep CJ7 ? The Showman wants a big engine for a project. And he really likes Americana. 1 Alan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 642 #12 Posted August 24, 2015 Very Very Very nice. :D I was only talking to Alastair about skimmers on Sunday at trac fest You will need a low loader to shift them all to Tractor World I must come up & see that when it happens!! 1 Will-Haggle reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #13 Posted August 25, 2015 (edited) A skimmer as new Edited August 25, 2015 by Rocboni 2 diggerjames and S1g reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #14 Posted August 25, 2015 What a beast. It's a shame the skimmer and conveyor are missing off Jonathans. But who knows, parts may turn up somewhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #15 Posted August 25, 2015 Interesting that that machine has oak track pads. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #16 Posted August 25, 2015 A few other pictures, the colour ones seem to have the rubber pads. Also a trencher working, Jonathan you just need to find one of these now 1 S1g reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #17 Posted August 25, 2015 Seen pictures of trencher but never ever heard of one existing, but you never know! These have four roller tracks so maybe they used same chassis to make mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #18 Posted August 25, 2015 One must have existed to take pictures,....The trencher in the pictures only has 3 track rollers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #19 Posted August 25, 2015 Now I have pressure washed off 25 years of chicken poo I can see that track frames have been extended from 3 to 4 rollers may have been done when Ford engine was fitted to help balance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
expeatfarmer 591 #20 Posted August 25, 2015 Discovered today that the ITW was originally British rail Maroon, the skimmer has been yellow,green, maroon and blue which possibly would indicate that it has moved between water boards during it's working life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #21 Posted August 25, 2015 You'll be wanting me to paint it now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #22 Posted August 25, 2015 Interesting photo's Rhys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hpearce 40 #23 Posted August 27, 2015 The colour photos I believe come from a film called Will the taps run dry? from a series called Look at Life made in the 1960s for showing in cinemas. They are still available on DVD Hugh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocboni 257 #24 Posted August 27, 2015 The colour photos I believe come from a film called Will the taps run dry? from a series called Look at Life made in the 1960s for showing in cinemas. They are still available on DVD Hugh You are correct Hugh, was thinking of buying the DVD but was worried there was only a few seconds of footage! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie Smith 192 #25 Posted August 29, 2015 Very nice! Well done! I bet you're pleased. Look forward to seeing more pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
