My latest shed ornament -answers to "Allen"
Well, I've finally extracted it from my Mum's shed, and transferred it a hundred miles to mine! Much fun was had getting it into the car - I had removed a seat in preparation - when I discovered that it wouldn't go up the ramp forwards, so had to go in handles-first. I'm not sure it will be going to many rallies as I don't think SWMBO will be very happy sitting with a handlebar either side of her bonce.
It's an Allen Scythe TS (I think - I have to say that I'm not convinced that the forestry guards are the correct item, given the rivets), and it's a non runner. I had it running a shade over 20 years ago, and actually cut an acre or so of grass with it (the stupidity of youth!) before I ran out of weekend. One of lessons I learnt was that they are indeed ****ing lethal if you do not have your wits about you - gave myself a coupe of scares, not being used to finger bars hiding in long grass.
I suspect from the absence of compression that the No 1 issue is the one I had back then, which is that the exhaust valve kept sticking - easily fixable by removing the valve stem cover and glaring at it! Whether I get to it any time soon will depend on house... garden... allotment... Atco Standard... but I will have to remove the cowling whatever as it seems to have picked up a great deal of old straw and the last thing I want to do is set it on fire.
Incidentally, yes that is a spare cutter bar I've propped it up with (it wouldn't fit through the shed door, or in my car, with the blades on) - would you believe it is twisted? What on earth did the thing hit to do that?
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Thanks, Peter, appreciate
Thanks, Peter, appreciate that information! I think rallying it may need a larger vehicle... and I thought a Berlingo was big! - but yes, would definitely make up a guard of some kind if showing it - maybe a perspex top panel so the action can be seen... no, I am getting ahead of myself!
It seems that I could have done with a T rather than a TS (and as opposed to a Tea, which I never refuse), as it's too wide to fit three-abreast in the shed with the Atco Standard and the manky Mountfield. Ah well!
I think I might pass on the suggested straightening method, with my talents I'd end up catapulted over the hedge or somesuch misadventure.
I'd forgotten it came from Thompson & Stammers - Mum actually worked with one of the Stammers side, if I ever do it properly I will have to get that sticker copied.
I was impressed 25 years ago I could get parts from Meetens and the like, so I'm more impressed that more seem to be available now (George in Rayne, where I had a holiday job back when God was a lad, supplies tyres for the things, for example).
I see reference has been made
I see reference has been made to Meetens above, I have received a letter confirming they ceased trading mid-August. Paul Child has been diagnosed with Parkinsons, probably best not to trouble him, Meetens website will be updated with details of who is acquiring the stock in due course.
I understand from talking
I understand from talking with Paul that the business has been acquired by L&S Engineers.
Tony
Meetens website will be
Meetens website will be updated with details of who is acquiring the stock in due course.
Seems to be “general knowledge” that it’s L&S Engineers.
I'm extremely sorry to hear
I'm extremely sorry to hear about Meetens - they were one of the advertisers in my Villiers engine book published in 1947 - and even more so to hear about Paul's health.
The L&S website includes a lot of Villiers parts, so they may already be up and running with Meetens old stock.
Definitely a TS model with
Definitely a TS model with the Mk25 Villiers 4 stroke engine, looking at the fuel tank & exhaust type probably mid 1960s, there are folks that can date them from the machine number on the oval disc, usually fixed to the engine cowling. I know from looking at it because I have seen hundreds of them.
A simple way to tell the models are. Model T types had a clutch handle that you dropped to engage drive. Model TS types had a clutch handle that you pull up to drive. Model T types were usually on a narrower wheel base, but you would need to be familiar with both types to tell that at a glance.
The blade assembly appears to be banana shaped, this is common on these & can easily be fixed by placing a block of wood or similar under the middle of the blade assembly & jumping on both ends at once. I accept no responsibility if you hurt yourself doing this. A word of advice, DO NOT DO THIS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, IT IS DANGEROUS.
Great fun to play with but stay behind it at all times & if you show it, make sure that the public are protected from walking into the teeth.
Engine spares & advice are available from www.meetens.co.uk, good luck with it.
Peter Hampton