[kmacaoidh]

Thanks for reaching replying to my call for help and information Hortiman. I’m not sure if I have made it as clear as I could, what I’m really looking for? The rotor drums you mention are for rotavating I take it? I have a set of them. It’s more a set of wheels that would fit on that sane hex bar, as you call it, to drive the machine from place to place that I’m looking for? I’m also toying with the idea, that with the pneumatic wheels I could also pull some small tools on the toolbar? This might not work, but the wheels would definitely be a help going across ground from shed to garden/field. The truth is I don’t use it much for actual rotavating, so I’m trying to give it a new lease of life… and if not maybe move it on, as I have a small Goldoni walking tractor to do the rotavating. But all your thoughts a suggestions welcome. Thanks

[kmacaoidh]

Very interesting piece of garden equipment, but it must be very heavy to do its work? And it would be compacted ground that you would most need to us it on. I’d be interested to know what kind of weight it is, and if you’ve used it, how well it works?

[kmacaoidh]

I’d be tempted by those Greyhound plough stickers Geoff, if I ever get to that degree of finish on the Trusty equipments I have! Is it a set of stickers, one on both sides of the headstock, or just the one? Also, are the stickers set for the tractor still available? It would make sense to get the lot when we’re at it? I’ll keep an eye on progress.

[kmacaoidh]

Just downloaded the VHGMC 2021 calendar, a lovely, almost calming, professionally high standard presentation. My only concern in seeing it was that, to do it justice, I would deserve and need to be printed to an equally high standard. A good quality ink printer using anice heavy paper or card? Looks great on screen, congratulations to all involved in the work that went into putting it together.

[kmacaoidh]

My archaeological dig around the old Trusty keeps revealing old relics, badges, unknown letters and numbers. Keeps me engaged when I can’t really get started on doing any clean-up or work on the the tractor.

Back to the day job today, horticultural work in glasshouses. Preparation for the salad and veg growing season ahead.

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[kmacaoidh]

Even I can see that this is not the best arrangement for a good spark!

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[kmacaoidh]

Following on with the question of Trusty hp over it’s life span, I’ve just picked up on your comment that the tractors would have first been used for ‘rowcrop’ cultivation? This would be light work, straight lines, level ground, minimum soil disturbance? What we’re the documented cultivation equipment, if known? Something like the cultivator you are repairing with your Trusty? And what is the history of crops being cultivated? This would mainly have been in the South of England? The London food belt of that time even? Its a very interesting social history factor, all these added layers of history that go with these many old farm machines!

[kmacaoidh]

These might be a bit better?

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[kmacaoidh]

Sorry, think those files were far too big?!

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[kmacaoidh]

A few pictures of the 1946, I’m told, Trusty Tractor of London that I’ve recently purchased.

[kmacaoidh]

A SIMAR, ah yes, I read and seen them mentioned on the site or in The Cultivator. As well as the interest in original v renewed state of repair, I’m really curious about the crossover points between between, let’s say, British, European, Asian tractor designs and developments? I have a newer Asian-type 8hp tractor, does a lot of work, but when I see it sitting beside a 1946 Trusty I can’t help seeing similarities and differences? But mainly I think to myself, this is a modified copy 70+ years on!?

Where does the history take us? Where did these walking tractor, iron horses, originate? But then that might be a big debate. Either way I love the way they seem to have cross pollinated over the years, a little bit from here, a little bit from there, and a little bit of our own.

Projects like your SIMAR and Geoff’s Early Trusty Rebuild, and others on the Forums, give me hope I might get this old machine I have running again. Some day!

[kmacaoidh]

Happy New Year to you Geoff, and to all the other vhgmc members as well, let’s hope its a good year for all. I think this Trusty will be getting a coat of paint, of which I will gladly receive advice later on, there is very little paint at all on this machine. More a consistent light dusting of surface rust! No real bubbles of penetrating rush, that I can see? But the general texture of dry rust all over. Under the Jap hood has more little flecks and evidence of a green or blueish haze. Just that, not really a coat of paint.

So, when I learn and decide how best to go about cleaning that rust, it will more than likely, eventually, be getting a coat or two for paint.

Maybe I need to delve in deeper to The Trusty Repair forum, has Geoff detailed the preparation and spraying details? Undercoats, best for the job? Colour matching original factory finish?

On the premise that is best to know what’s the right way, before doing it the wrong way. Causing more damage than good!?

[kmacaoidh]

The better than new restorations look wonderful as well, and we can only admire the expertise and attention to detail to get machines back to that atate of repair. I clean up and repaired a Massey Ferguson 35 a few years ago, but the new paint spray was something you do in the hope it keeps things rust free, clean and better for longer? It’s almost a subconscious hope or belief the paint, oxide, will stop the ageing! And I suppose it does help. It’s getting the balance

What’s the tractor in your profile image anyway? An Anzani maybe? In working order?

[kmacaoidh]

Sound advice Charlie, thanks for that. I think it will be more of the later, get it running, get it working with any luck. Geoff has my machine down as a 1946 Trusty, I’ll post photos when I get a chance, but it’s well worn and has seen plenty of work and wear in those years.

I have noted with admiration your profile, tractor, image. Original paint, but weathered. I love the look of those tractors you see in competitions, a bit rustic, but great tick and engine sound of them, and when they get going you can see how well they run, and are up for the ploughing or work in hand

[kmacaoidh]

Information I have tried to find is, the progression in engine Hp from the first JAP5, JAP6 and so on to the Norton that were 14hp or stronger? The Trusty is a heavy machine, compared to modern copies, it needed power to pull itself around let along the heavy and strongly build equipment it carried and pulled behind it?

(ps: think I posted this question previously on Trusty Register Forum, but it was awaiting ‘moderation’)

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