Written by Jake Jennings on . Posted in Uncategorised.

2011 Shows

FFA Expo VII

EXPO VII - 14th & 15th May 2011 - Anglesey

Arriving on site early morning on Friday to start setting up the FFA stand, we were welcomed by our Wales FFA area rep Gwilyn Jones & Meurig Williams. It looked as if they had all been here a few days working already as the main show areas had all been set out and fenced off ready for the exhibitors to arrive.

At the front of the FFA marquee was a fantastic collection of Fordson tractors owned by Allen Kelly.

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Written by Jake Jennings on . Posted in Uncategorised.

2022 November

F&FT OCT/NOV 2022 - Issue 111

Association chairman, Pat Pawsey, offers another essential selection of news and views from in and around the enthusiastic FFA

Most of us have tools that we have, over the years, made or modifi ed to make repairing machines either easier or indeed possible. I’ve been following Ben Phillips’ Dexta engine rebuild in the last few issues, as I’ve rebuilt several of Perkins’ iconic ‘P’ Series engines (or their derivatives) over the years. I agree that adjusting the tappets on these engines – which have cam followers in the head – requires dexterity.
      Jeffery Giblin, who contributed the piece on Roadless in the Aug/Sep ‘22 issue, ‘phoned me with the solution; as with many things, when suggested it suddenly becomes blindingly obvious!

Take a short section of steel and cut two slots to fit the spanner flats on a pair of followers, which are then used to lock the follower. Job done and now the adjustment becomes standard. I shall make myself one, but the trick is to put it where I can find it when required; putting it ‘somewhere safe’ just doesn’t work anymore!
         DVLA: In the News section of Issue 2 of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club’s magazine, Ian Edmunds reports on ‘Your Vehicle’, published by the DVLA. If you have a ‘Q’ plate, wish to retain a registration mark, import a vehicle or indeed register a vehicle, it explains the DVLA’s position, and will answer many questions.

It may all be found online, and there’s far too much information to cover here. But those affected should read it. For now I’ll just highlight a section about
VIN plates.
      A VIN (Vehicle Identity Number) must be displayed and is mandatory on new vehicles. It is the successor to the old ‘Chassis Plate’ or, as with many early tractors, the chassis number stamped on the machine. It’s important that the original plate isn’t removed – even if it’s been defaced – as it may prevent an age-related registration being assigned to a vehicle. So please be warned!

BRILLIANT TRACTOR WORLD!

Anthony and Ray Stokes with their
superb County 654, which also won
Class 6 – Best Four-Wheel Drive
Tractor.

Tractor World – my favourite show – was held at the Three Counties Showground near Malvern, in Worcestershire, on May 21st-22nd and, due to the later date, it was warm! However, next year’s event will revert to its traditional, earlier date of March 11th-12th (back to warm, FFA clothing – on sale at Newark!).
      Once again, the FFA was allocated a large stand area, which Phil Gibson organised wonderfully. There was something for all enthusiasts of Ford and Fordson tractors – a display of various. Model Fs, by Jonathan Boaz, all in very original condition, showed various types of this model. The rowcrop Fordson F winning the Most Original Tractor award.

Alex Kettlewell’s 3600, with mounted
concrete mixer, was a worthy winner of the
award for the Best Tractor and Implement.

The impressive, public entrance to the FFA’s display area at this year’s Tractor World show.

Jonathan Boaz’s row-crop Fordson F won the Best Unrestored Tractor award; a lovely tractor!

Keith proudly displays his auction purchase. (Suggestions for its use on a postcard, please!)

Paul Broome’s Silver Jubilee was the
winner of the ‘The tractor the judge
would like to take home’ award.

    There were a number of very well renovated machines on show, but the award for the Best Restored exhibit went to Anthony and Ray Stokes, and their superb County 654 (they were also winners of Class 6). Another well-restored tractor, exhibited by Alex Ketttlewell, was a Ford 3600 that was shown complete with a concrete mixer, and won the Best Tractor and Implement Combination award. Finally, the award for the tractor the judges would like to take home, went to Paul Broome’s Ford Silver Jubilee.
      One aspect of the display that particularly caught my eye, was the large tractors poking their noses out of the side of the marquee; anyone approaching the FFA stand couldn’t fail to see them, especially the imposing spectacle of Tim Pearman’s yellow Muir Hills

      Our tea and hospitality section was very busy as usual, and gave members the opportunity to sit and have a chat. Merchandise sold well, too, making Margaret and Derek happy – always helpful that you can try clothing on before you buy! As well as Ford and Fordson, each of the national tractor clubs was well represented, along with many local tractor club stands. The Stradsett NVTEC Club made the long journey from my part of the. world – Norfolk – to exhibit and, as usual, Stuart Bailey’s TVO E27N was immaculate.
       If your passion is commercial vehicles, there was a large display of trucks of all ages, mostly restored to superb condition. That reminds me, my 1988 Ford Cargo needs work! There was also a great array of trade stands, both in the halls and outside, providing the opportunity for visitors to purchase those long-searched-for parts for that on-going restoration.

     Apart from the exhibts, another highlight of this event for me is always the H Pugh & Co auction; I do like a good sale! The tractor section alone had 98 entries, ranging from a concours David Brown Crop Master (which I doubt reached its reserve with a final bid around £4,500) to total basket cases. There were also implements being sold, plus spare parts and an interesting bygone sections, which pushed the overall lot total to 1,305.
    I must confess to making one impulsive purchase – lot number 1017, a bull’s mask. I used to see one on a bull at my school friend’s dairy farm back in the early 1960s, so a little nostalgia. However, it brought a few comments from various people – not to mention my wife! – but only our committee member, Peter Mitchem, knew what it was. I have included a photograph above, if you’re curious!

Keith Broomhall, FFA membership secretary

ALBERTA UPDATE

Here we are again at the start of another farming year, albeit late here in central Alberta. The last of the snow in the yard and laneway was finally cleared by May 1st, but sheltered areas along the north side of the farm’s tree line are still wet and muddy – not conducive for an optimum seedbed. Personally, as of today (May 6th), I haven’t even started spring cultivations!
     There’s only been minimal seeding of peas in Westlock County with points east,

particularly in neighbouring Provinces of Saskatchewan and down into Southern Manitoba, suffering with widespread flooding. The areas around Winnipeg along the Red River valley are particularly prone to flooding due to the meandering nature of the river as it traverses the very flat prairie, and which becomes overburdened from waters from the south in North Dakota.
     There are predictions of late crop seeding running into June in the most

recent issue of The Western Producer farming weekly newspaper. Yet another stressor in the midst of a turbulent economy with record input costs from a scarcity of seed, fertiliser and fuel costs at record highs. Nonetheless, for all of these trials and tribulations, one shouldn’t complain considering what’s happening in Ukraine.
     After almost a 30 month hiatus – at least on the vintage scene – there are signs of likely activity over the coming months with our local Westlock Vintage Club. Also, our Canadian Tractor Museum (located in Westlock town) has

What a treat there is in store for visitors to this museum; it would take a very long time to see all the interesting exhibits.

recently benefitted in three important ways. For a start a donation of more than 130 machinery items was received from one of the museum’s founders. An additional building has been completed, which now houses a number of stationary and small engines and, thirdly, the reconstruction of a vintage sawmill is nearing completion.
     Also in the Edmonton area, Leduc West Vintage Society hosted a Tractor Pull event at the end of May, although there’s still no mention of its major, annual July show. In the Calgary area, Pioneer Acres (located in Irricana) is planning to run its main event on August 5th-7th and, in the meantime, the facilities and artefacts can be viewed via an online virtual tour, minus the crowds!
     Now, back to the Canadian Tractor Museum; I thought readers might be interested in a brief history. In my opinion, it’s a world-class facility that showcases many pristine examples of yesteryears’ tractors and equipment. The facility was officially commissioned in 2002, and has amassed many items since then – typically on loan, donated or purchased by the board of directors.
     In 2006, a unique weathervane was added, consisting of a 60ft steel tube with a 1942 Case Model D tractor sitting on top of a 55ft pointer riding on a huge bearing which allows the vane to swing in the slightest breeze. However, it turns

out that the bearing isn’t maintenancefree, and must be greased periodically. A ladder inside the vertical tube provides access for this job. I suspect the structure is one of a kind. It’s been featured in many travel brochures and certainly provides a landmark in the town.
      Four examples of the Ford and Fordson brand are prominently displayed among the many other exhibits. These include a pair of E27Ns; one gasoline-powered and the other fitted with a P6 Perkins diesel engine. The petrol version was purchased new in 1948 by William Densmore who, with two other family members, drove the tractor upwards of 170km from the Edmonton dealership to their farm in the Innisfree area, east of the city. I can’t imagine making such a trip in 1948, on what were probably mostly dirt or gravel roads. There’s no indication about the time of year, but I suspect it must have been made in spring-summer to make it possible at all.
      The present owner is the grandson of the original purchaser, who acquired and restored the tractor about 17 years ago after rescuing it from an overgrown prairie wilderness where it had stood for decades. It’s in splendid condition now and is run during the annual show each June. The P6 Perkins-powered version was among the 130 items donated to the museum recently, and

had already been fully restored. I was indirectly involved in this restoration by sourcing components from Agriline, Cotswold Vintage Tractors and The Old 20 Parts Company. Ironically, while speaking to Richard Cole of Cotswold Vintage, I discovered that he’d been employed by a machinery dealership at one point in the Edmonton area, but had had to return to the UK due to family circumstances. Small world, eh?
     The collection also features a Ford 8N that has been owned by the same family for over 70 years but, interestingly due to an engine swap, there’s been some controversy over the serial number. Both the 8N and the 1940, 9N exhibited next to it are currently on loan to the museum.
     Finally I should conclude by telling you all that, in the space of a few days, Mother Nature has literally flipped a switch weather-wise, bringing much needed, warmer conditions that are more favourable for farm work. After 50 years of living in this part of the world, the dramatic climate and seasonal changes still never cease to amaze me. Now, as I look around the countryside, it’s all systems go, day and night, until the job is done. So, here’s hoping for an upbeat summer for all, near and far.

Ian West, FFA rep, Canada (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

SHILLINGSTONE
STEAM RALLY

Oli Brown’s Roadless Super Major next to a Dupal-cabbed MF 35.

The Shillingstone Steam Rally returned after a three-year absence on May 20th-21st, hosted by the Three Okefords Preservation Society in Dorset. The event attracted well over 5,000 visitors who enjoyed the spectacle of more than 130 tractors on display.
     Oli Brown was among the prizes, with his Fordson NP Super Major Roadless bagging the ‘Best Tractor’ award, and the Tractor Pull event provedto be as popular as  ever with the large crowd. Every tractor in the line-up of 30 was a blue machine, but don’t mention the overall carbon footprint; it was a good thing that Extinction Rebellion wasn’t present!
     Mike Welch, chairman of the Three Okefords society was delighted to have the Ford & Fordson Association represented at the rally; so much so that he joined the club there and then! Although this wasn’t a great surprise as he’d loaned us his Fordson Power Major to display on our stand.
     This event will be a tough act to follow for tractor enthusiasts in Dorset, but bring on the forthcoming rallies at West Bay, Chickerell in Weymouth and Pilford, Wimborne!

John Maiden, FFA Dorset rep

The FFA’s stand at Shillingstone, with Mike Welch’s Power Major on show.

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2022 September

In The Chair Issue 110 - Aug 2022-Sept 2022

Red Diesel:
I have received more questions about this than any other subject in recent years, mostly from members just wanting to know if they are allowed to use rebated fuel or not.  In the last issue I said that a reply was awaited from the government about the use of rebated fuels for road runs, ploughing matches and the like.  Below is the unabridged reply to that enquiry from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
Many thanks for your query about the use of rebated fuel in tractor runs.
 
Under the existing rules, agricultural vehicles, such as tractors, are entitled to run on rebated fuel when using public roads only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture and forestry, as well as cutting verges and hedges that border public roads, clearing snow and gritting.  Agricultural tractors will remain entitled to run on rebated fuel on public roads after April 2022 for these specific purposes only, as well as for purposes relating to fish farming and for clearing or otherwise dealing with flooding.
 
The activities accepted as purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture and forestry are defined in HMRC Excise Notice 75. The Government considers that running or participating in events which provide information and education that benefit agriculture are purposes relating to agriculture, and this includes taking part in charitable activities that promote these industries. Examples of such events are agricultural shows, ploughing matches and charity tractor runs.  HMRC will be updating Excise Notice 75 accordingly.  Rebated fuel can also be used to travel to and from where the vehicles or machines are to be used for these activities.
 
This is certainly good news and a valuable concession.  However, HMRC Excise Notice 75 has not yet been updated and, with all government regulations, the devil is always in the detail.  In my view this is not a general relaxation of the rules but a very specific one and applies solely to tractors genuinely used for agriculture, or another qualifying use.  In other words, and this again is my interpretation, is that a farmer can drive the farm tractor to a 'Charitable' road run and take part using rebated fuel, but that a member whose tractor whether taxed as either an historic vehicle or an agricultural machine and not genuinely used for agriculture cannot.
 
Most members vehicles were made as agricultural tractors but, whether taxed as either an historic vehicle or an agricultural machine are not genuinely used for agriculture as defined, they are therefore not entitled to use rebated fuel.  The guidance also states that even if the DVLA's taxation class is 'agricultural machine' this in itself does not entitle the use of rebated fuel.
 
I do wonder why people get so obsessed by this, if it is your business, as to some of it is or was, with fuel tankers a regular visitor to the yard, the lower tax rate on rebated fuel was a very valuable concession but for the majority owners of vintage and classic tractors now in preservation the potential savings achieved by using rebated fuel for most add up to very little over a year.  This is a hobby to be enjoyed, is it really worth the risk of a court appearance, possible fine and seizure of your pride and joy?
 
DVLA:
Proof of Identity: Guidance from Government agencies is from time to time updated and these updates are not always well publicised.  I have to put my hands up and admit that I have been telling registration applicants to send more evidence of identity than is actually required.  When applying for an age-related registration mark, the only evidence of identity required is a photocopy of your photo card driving licence you do not need to send proof of your address.  I can only apologise for my mistake.
 
Application Delays: It appears that the delays experienced when renewing driving licences or registering vehicles were not primarily caused by staff, on full pay, being told to stay at home and not work as politicians and the press have led us to believe.   But, because the new computer system is unable to handle attachments, thereby making working from home impossible.  Surely, if true, this is a failure to manage and both politicians and managers are guilty of conniving to lay the blame, for which they are responsible, at someone else's door?
 
 
Your News:
 
Andrew Green from Devon writes:
It is great to be able to report that at long last there does seem to be a much greater air of confidence in our lives and dare I say some normality. I guess this is mainly due to the fact that the upcoming show season is largely based outside, and the sun is shining which makes all the difference for a feel-good factor. It's interesting to note that quite a high number of farm dispersal and collective sales remain as online auctions which I think will continue but I also think that this is a pity as a large part of country life will be lost. Yes, it is where livestock or machinery is bought and sold but as importantly it is where friends and neighbours get together to put the world to rights!
 
It is indeed good to be able to give you a long line of dates for your diaries. I will begin with a plug for my own village of Coldridge, here in Mid- Devon which is holding their first Fete, Vintage Rally, Dog Show and Flower Festival on 25thJune at midday. This is normally a biennial event but is back with a vengeance after a 4-year absence! You would be very welcome to come along and bring the family with you as there is something for everyone. It has been described as one of the most quintessentially English fete fields in the country but then I'm not biased of course! Moving on, our County Show is being held on Thursday 30th June through to Saturday 2nd July at Westpoint arena. I understand there is already a useful show of entries with the theme being Ford and Fordsons and their derivatives. I am planning to be there so I hope I might catch up with some of you. The Mid Devon Show is being held on Saturday 23rd July just outside Tiverton in the grounds of Knightshayes. A nice one day show and I do plan to be there as well.
 
Moving on into August, there is the North Devon Show on the 3rd August, followed next day by the Honiton Show on 4th. The following week it's the Okehampton Show on the 11th, Chagford Show on the 18th and it's good to see it back! I hope to be at both of these Shows. Nick Gilbert has asked me to plug his local Show which is Christow on 20th August and the last one I shall mention is the Honiton Hill Rally which is held over the weekend of 28th and 29th August, a really great 2-day event.
 
Well, that's enough of a list of events but as I said earlier it's great to be able to report these in such a positive manner. I thought I would conclude with an interesting Ford tractor picture taken in 1989 from a rather unusual angle! I imagine the driver had rather a difficult and awkward climb out of his cab! Thank goodness for safety cabs and hopefully the only damage done was to the driver's injured pride!
 
Time to sign off for now, keep safe, look after family and friends, KBO. Please keep in touch:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
East Dorset Trac Pack's Easter Bunny Run 16th April:
 
John Maiden - Dorset Representative reports: 
The sun shone, and the tractors turned up for the Easter Bunny Run. So much so that we nearly ran out of room at the start in the Barley Mow pub car park. The route took us through the crowds waiting in Wimborne Minster to see the Vintage Agricultural Convoy. This was followed by a leisurely trundle through the River Stour and Tarrant valleys.
 
How I like them a Super Major in its working clothes - Helping change a Fergie's wheel
Lunch was at a firm pack favourite, the Witchampton Club, where more spectators came and viewed. After lunch it was over into the East Dorset area taking in many small villages including More Crichel, Horton and Holt before returning to the Barley Mow for some much-needed liquid refreshment.
 
 
Isle of Wight Working Day Saturday 16th April: 
At Chapel Furlong Farm, Hulverstone, Isle of Wight, by kind permission of Todd Carder, by David Leominus.  Following a 2 + year drought of working days we were lucky to be offered a field at short notice to shine up our ploughs and try to hone up our ploughing skills.  We had about 15 tractors turn out on a beautiful spring day in a situation overlooking the English Channel and the Needles area of the Isle of Wight.  Needless to say, there were a few rusty ploughs which struggled to get going in the very dry soil, but eventual success prevailed.
 
We welcomed quite a few Ford and Fordson models - a couple of Standards driven by Glen Draper and David Thompson and a newcomer to the fold Lisa Hurrell with her Super Major. Two other Majors, a Dexta, two 4000s pre-force plus a 5000 Pre-force and a 5000 Force with a NH TS90 completing the line-up.
   
 
Following donations made during the day we were able to send £500 to the local Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
 
 
71st BRITISH NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS
8th and 9th OCTOBER 2022
The Chatsworth Estate, Glapwell, Derbyshire S44 5QE
 
The Ford and Fordson Association has once again been invited to participate in the above Championships.
We have ten plots available on Sunday 9th October and invite experienced ploughmen and women who are members of the Association to apply now.
 
Please contact Jane Broomhall via 
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or telephone 01379 677866/07884 115089
Closing date 23rd June
 
 
 
The Witchampton Club Tractor Rally
 
 John Maiden the FFA Dorset representative: 
For once, it was a good thing that a Tractor rally had to be moved forward a day because of a local marathon. Reason being, we had glorious spring sunshine rather than the rain forecasted for the following day.
 
This brought the numbers, 39 tractors in all, half of them with trailers. The route in the main was on
the private and picturesque Crichel Estate, between the Allen and Tarrant valleys. The beauty of this rally was that there were many woodland tracks, all surrounded by carpets of Bluebells in bloom which made for quite a picture.
A run duration of about four hours had a welcome stop at a mobile bar provided by the club at the halfway point. There were many comfort stops in the woods too!  From the greens and blues of the woods and the yellow of the oilseed rape in the fields this was a colourful run.
     
 
On our return to the Witchampton Club, we were greeted by a well-stocked bar, a barbeque and live music. A great, long and memorable Dorset day with tractors a plenty!
 
 
STRADSETT PARK VINTAGE RALLY - 1st - 2nd May
 
Keith Broomhall reports:
The last time I attended this show must be at least 25 years ago and it wasn't a pleasant experience. It was with our local Norfolk tractor club, and I tried to start Max Knight's Field Marshall with its starting handle and ended up with a huge whack on my thigh, painful - cartridge time. However, back to the show report. This was a pleasant experience.
 
 
The show was well laid out and catered for all types of vintage/classic enthusiasts.  My particular interest, as an FFA member, was the tractor display. The E27N Major 70th anniversary was celebrated, admittedly slightly late due to covid, and there were 26 E27N Majors of all variants on display. Sadly, mine was not there as my Ford Cargo is in need of a little TLC and is out of test. I thought 48 miles on it was a little too far, having driven 34 miles to Marsham last year - never again.  The FFA stand had a display of nine tractors, the highlight was Mike (Dodge) Stevenson's County Hi-Drive based on an E1A Major; Pat Pawsey decided it was 1952, an early one. Dodge had only purchased it a week before at the Cheffins April vintage sale.
 
The other member's tractors exhibited were Ken Bailey's 1969 2000, Michael Garnham's 1962 Super Major, Michael and Chris Platton's 1946 E27N and 1952 E1A, Stuart Eastmead's 1950 Ford N and Mark Coupland's 2000 and 4000 tractors both from 1974. A Sun Mechanical with Ford 10 engine and transmission was exhibited but unfortunately, we didn't have an exhibitor's name.
 
Thank you to everyone for bringing them, often travelling some distance, and supporting the Club. 
 
As a classic car owner, a Reliant Scimitar GTE, I was very impressed with the vintage/classic car display. However, whatever your interest in the classic/vintage movement, there was something for everyone. Also, for the dog lovers, and there were a great many, the gun dog display had the largest ring crowd.
 
This leads me on to the ring display parades. The commentators on the various displays are all very knowledgeable people. However, watching the ringside crowd gradually leave, due to many having little or no understanding of the technical commentary, can we not have a slow continuous parade of the exhibits, a short description and less burnt-out clutches? Right, had my moan.
 
Will we be back next year 'YES' and we will be providing teas for FFA members and my E27N will be there.  So, see you next year at Stradsett or at our next show.
 
 
Finally:
 
Jeffrey Giblin remembers visiting the Roadless Works:
I went to the Roadless Factory on several occasions to get urgently needed parts as I had farmers and land drainage customers that were running Roadless tractors. The factory was in what was once the garden to 717 London Road Hounslow, it was in Bridge Street which is just off Stains Road.  The property that had once been the garden was completely walled round except for the entrance and the factory was right at the back adjoining the house area.  The building was open fronted, and the full width of the site and I don't think it had much in the way of heating or other nice working area comforts.
 
Later RAF Roadless Fordson N Half-track fitted with a winch
 
When you went to the place there were large numbers of four-wheel drive axels heaped up painted in olive green War Department colours and wheel rims of various sizes in heaps.  In the area between Bridge Road entrance and the factory there were also many piles of various sized tyres and wheel weights, also outside was a large diesel oil tank.  There did not appear to be much security other than the entrance gate.
 
I well remember in 1965 -1966 we had an enquiry from London Co-Operative Farms Ltd, Paslow Hall Farm, Blackmore for a demonstration of a tractor with a plough.  This was all arranged, and the demonstration took place at Berners Hall Farm, Berners Roding.  When the lorry arrived, the tractor was all painted red, including the wheels, and it did not have any markings on it.  The engine was a Ford 2704 with a C.A.V. rotary fuel injection pump that, from memory, was very responsive on the governor.
    
 
I have never seen that tractor from that day since. The late Mr Van Dodge was the sales manager and came to support us.  This tractor was to become the Roadless 115 and when it went on the market the salesman for London Co-Op Farm had to quote for two of them and so Ernest Doe & Sons, Fyfield, Ongar depot did get an order for those two.
 
If anyone has a photo of the Roadless Works would they send a copy to me Pat Pawsey please as I can find only one very poor quality one of the inside of the factory

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2022 July

March 2022 - Issue 109 - June-July 2022

The Red Diesel rumour mill is in full swing!  The government announced in the budget in 2020 that it would remove the entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors from April 2022.  A consultation followed entitled, "Reforms to the tax treatment of red diesel and other rebated fuels" and a summary of the responses to this is available online.  The broad headings of the sectors that will be entitled to use red diesel are: Agriculture, forestry, horticulture and fish farming: Rail: Non commercial heating: Boats: Travelling fairs:  Non-commercial power generation: Amateur sports clubs.
 
There are reports of letters or emails purportedly alleging that the use of red diesel, for example, during road runs and ploughing matches is now permissible , but I have yet to see a copy of any such letter.  I have contacted both the Federation of British Vintage Vehicle Clubs and the dedicated government email site for clarification and will report their reply when received.  Meanwhile, my advice is to assume that there are no extra concessions, and just a note of warning please remember your vehicle can be seized if you are caught breaking the law.
 
Vehicle registrations: The number of members registering tractors continues unabated, and I spend much of my time on this.  It would make my life a great deal easier if, when asking for help, I was emailed the name and address the vehicle is to be registered to and their contact number together with the make and model and whether it has previously been registered. Please don't send photos at this stage, I will then reply setting out what I need to satisfy the DVLA's requirements giving a reference number, please do quote this number when replying as I often receive the information from a different email address and sometimes months after the initial enquiry.  It can make life very confusing and I'm easily confused!
 
While talking about registrations, we all make mistakes, and I am no exception to this rule, but neither is the DVLA.  If they reject a dating letter that I have written, please contact me before replying to them.  It is often easy to sort the problem at this stage, which may or not be of my making, but is neigh on impossible if the owner has tried first.  On no account alter a dating letter yourself as it will then be automatically rejected, if in doubt do ask.
 
Your News:
 
The Somerset Tractor Road Runners Road Run:
The Somerset Tractor Road Runners organised a New Year's Day Road run around the lanes of South Somerset. Over 75 tractors took part in the event which started at Thorney Lakes, Muchelney, headed towards Crewkerne; they had a lunch stop at North Down Farm, Haselbury Plucknett, then went to Ham Hill and back towards Martock finishing at Thorney Lakes.
 
The event was well supported by local Young Farmers and there were a few notable Ford classics on the run.
Well done to Nick Gilliam, Zachary Anderson and team for raising £1,568 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Report from Pat Bryne.
 
 
Shepton Mallet Tractor Show, 29th - 30th January - Phil Gibson writes:
I look forward to the season opening show at the Bath & West showground and I was not alone judging by the attendance over the weekend; the event is organised by FFA representative Mike Mitchell and family.
 
This year we were in the large lower hall with tractors and traders all around our club stand; larger walkways had been left due to Covid regulations which made viewing the tractors much easier.
 
Nick Bryne and family brought us four very original Fordsons. For me the E27N P/P was the one I could take home, with 9" rear wheels, rear wings patched years ago and running like the proverbial sewing machine - the amount of people taking photographs of it must have shared my views as a proper tractor.
 
Graham Farmer had been spending time over the Covid period by restoring a Pre force 4 & 5000, very nice.
A tractor you do not see often was a Fordson Major badged as the Ford 5000 Diesel which is an American version of our New Performance Major.
 
 
Local man Mr Sheppard brought his Roadless 75 and New performance Major both older restorations, but immaculate and went home with 2nd prize for the Roadless.
 
Organiser Mike Mitchell a Roadless collector brought various tractors to exhibit. Another Fordson Major on display had been converted with a Perkins V8.540 engine which sounded awesome, but ear defenders would be needed for a day's work, it was also painted bright yellow, not every one's choice but if the owner likes it that is all that matters. Some of the larger Fords i.e 8210, TW30 were outside due to lack of internal space.
 
Club member, Mike Lawrence, exhibited something I had never seen before, not blue but a red Jones
self-propelled baler, only 6-8 were built in 1954 with a price tag of £1125, a high price in its day.
 
Massey Ferguson tractors were the main show theme, some of which also had some interesting implements attached. With a large auction on the Saturday and all types of traders makes it is a good day out.
 
For our club it was an excellent start to the year meeting up with members some not seen for a few years, good merchandise sales and, above all, 13 new members joined who we thank and welcome to our club. We have a large space at Tractor World, Malvern in May, have a think if you can join us with a exhibit, details for booking in are in the magazine. Hope to see you there - Phil Gibson.
 
 
Malvern 4x4, Land Rover & Vintage Spares Day Plus Tractor World
Parts & Spares Day 27th February: 
Pat Pawsey writes, Phil Gibson manned the Club stand in the Avon Hall.  On the way down Sue and I were met with flooded fields; déjà vu of Tractor World two years ago, but the Sunday dawned bright and stayed nice all day.
 
The stand was between Pam of the Nuffield Club (I very tardily renewed my membership) and our president Nick Battelle for Old Twenty, across the hall were Chris Tranter and Edward Price publicising the Old Timer Rally, 6th - 7th August 2022.  It was good to get out and to catch up with friends again.  The Wye halls were full of traders with many outside as well, plenty to browse.
 
Phil met Mark Woodward before I arrived and discussed arrangements for Tractor World that this year will be held later than usual on May 21st - 22nd.  The Link Marquee is to be erected by the show ground for the year but without its sides; we have booked half the area for the Club.  Hopefully in late May the weather will be much warmer and drier than for many Malvern's of past years.
 
 
Andrew Green from Devon writes:
By the time this article reaches you, we will be well into next year and hopefully by then the current Covid peak will be receding and it would be great to think that the whole problem could be starting to fade away. I am led to believe that this is what happened with the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918-19 which accounted for between 50 and 100 million lives, on the backend of WW1 - what a humanitarian disaster, far too awful for words. Let's hope that the increasing day length may see a diminishing Covid risk.
 
As there has been little to report of recent activities down here in Devon, I thought that I would chat a little more about my early farming days. In issue 105, I was recounting about the exciting arrival of our first Ford 7600E to which we fitted a Schindler four-wheel drive conversion kit. This transformed this tractor into a most useful workhorse which could cope with the challenges of our newly acquired tenanted farm. However, it wasn't man enough to fulfil all the requirements of the considerably extra acreage which we now had to work. So, in March 1982 we took delivery of a Ford TW20 tractor complete with four-wheel drive.
 
This was an 153hp, six-cylinder engine machine with Dual Power and air conditioning as standard. Well, this really gave us power a plenty and this tractor spent most of its life on soil engagement, either ploughing with a Dowdeswell 5 furrow reversible and pulling a Flexicoil furrow press or subsoiling with a 3-metre-wide McConnell Shakeaerator.
 
This tractor stayed with us for 9 years, was trouble free and only did 4500 hours in that time but the three-point linkage was pretty worn as you can imagine with all that rear mounted equipment. I have included a photo of it at work, ploughing out a grass ley after hay harvest on some very strong ground.
 
As the area of land that we farmed increased, then we needed help to get the work done. To this end, we were very fortunate that we had 3 lads all called John and one called Ian. They were a great team and stayed with us for a very long time and nobody left in 15 years! I have always said that good staff are a business' biggest asset and I think this still applies today, in fact probably even more so! It is so important to look after them and then in return they will be loyal and supportive to you. This is not rocket science!  I have strayed off the story here, so with more people around, we needed extra tractors.
 
We were fortunate to find some low houred good second-hand machines, a Ford 7600 2wd and a Ford 6600 also with 2wd and our first Ten Series arrived in May 1983, a 4wd 7610 with only 700 hours on the clock. The 2-wheel drive machines did most of the on top of land work and they ran on dual wheels nearly all the time. As some of you will know, the only problem with duals was keeping the wretched wheel studs tight! At that time we didn't have a compressor with all the attachments so we had to weld up a special T bar through which we could use scaffold pipes to obtain serious leverage. That did the trick!
 
As we got into the mid 80s, we had our first trial with the concept of a truly low ground pressure machine and we briefly had a second-hand petrol engined Frazier Agribuggy for crop spraying. I think this would deserve inclusion as although this first machine had a 1275cc A series BL engine, the later models all had Ford 1800 diesel engines! It had a box chassis with used Land Rover axles and wide 31/15.5/15 tyres and a pretty basic operator's cab. The sprayer pump was driven by a Honda donkey engine. But for us, on our heavy land farm, on banks as well, it was a huge advantage as we could travel in adverse ground conditions without making a dreadful mess. It also had the added advantage that you could drop off the sprayer and mount a fertiliser spinner in its place. It also had another advantage that later in the season you could replace the wide tyres with 6.00 X 36 rowcrop narrow wheels, great for working in tramlines and which of course gave you extra high lift clearance and an underbody sheet minimised crop damage still further. This early machine was soon traded out to be replaced by a new Frazier 2D in August 1986 with a hydraulically driven PTO unit with variable speed and a decent cab, such a huge improvement and with 16 metre booms.
 
We supported this machine with a back-up water bowser cum spray mixer unit which improved our work rates significantly. I have included a photo of the Buggy being refilled with big bags of fertiliser from a Ford 6600 with a DAB loader. We stayed with the concept of LGP spraying for many years. It was always so good picking up bales with a flat 8 bale grab in the harvest field and being able to drive through tramlines easily without losing bales.
 
Sometimes, things do go wrong and one day our 7610/4 was emerging from our farm drive at about the same time that a chap was travelling down the public road in his 4 X 4 Sierra. Sadly, there was a coming together and as you can imagine neither vehicle came off too well. Our tractor was a pretty sorry sight, and the car wasn't much better!  PC Plod was called and when I first arrived on site, a chap who witnessed it said that our driver Ian didn't stand a chance as the car was travelling far too fast.
    
 
Plod initially had ideas of prosecuting us for driving carelessly or without due care and attention, but I calmly pointed him in the direction of the witness and fortunately that problem went away. However, the tractor had to be hoisted up by our telescopic handler back to the farm. Insurers decided to repair it, but it needed a new engine and some front axle parts. I think it cost nearly as much to repair as it would to have been written off. Sadly, however, that tractor was never the same again, the new engine never seemed as powerful and it was beset with oil leak problems. We ran it for another couple of years and then it was traded out for something much more exciting. But that is a story for another time!
 
Time to sign off now. But I would like to finish off with my usual comments about staying safe, keeping well and looking after your family and friends, using your Common Sense. KBO!  Please do keep in touch: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
Miguel's dexta restoration progresses - he writes:
On the planning side, I have revised my restoration schedule, as I will not be able to finish before the summer. I have fallen behind because I am starting work in the house which will oblige me to spend less time on the Dexta.
 
The goal is to let readers follow the progress of my work even if it takes longer.  At the moment I'm working on the engine and have removed the cylinder head to change the gasket and then plan to lap the valves and will also check the injectors before reassembly. I also plan to change the lower engine seals.
 
Regarding the supply of spare parts, customs costs are excessive which is a shame because the cost of good quality parts at Agriline is much cheaper than in France.
 
I have an English neighbour and have discussed with him the possibilities of bringing back parts by car.  Brexit is really bad for trade with the UK.  I am also researching which decals are correct. Do take care of yourselves in this, a very tormented time....Miguel. 
 
Please Note Martin Carley, who liaises with Miguel who is in Normandy, France has a new email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
 
Paul Kinsley, a Fordson fan, who spent years working on tractors and combines writes:   I'm still repairing and restoring majors in my spare time, I've been at it for fifteen years now.  Sometimes I get the chance of one that isn't a 'bitser'- this one was in a yard being prepared for the beach at Mundesley and had a rotten cab and odd wheels, no link arms or draw bar.  After looking I released that all the casting codes matched, and, as the engine is S coded, it's a Fordson rebuild so this didn't put me off. By the time I had trailered it home the cab had nearly fallen off!  She is a 1963 NP Super Major late October by the production codes, if my book is correct. The last one I did for myself was another a Super I made into an American 5000 diesel replica, it was exhibited at Roger Desborugh's show 2015 on the FFA stand. I do plenty of restorations of other people's majors but not for myself, so the ones that are mine always take forever. 
 
When I go to runs or shows there could be lines of blue and red or grey majors but if something different is in the line people stop and look, that's why I enjoy restoring something that's different.  I hope to get it to a Ford & Fordson show this year and meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
 
 
MEMBER TRACTORS ARE NEEDED FOR LARGE DISPLAY AREAS AT MALVERN IN MAY
AND AT NEWBY HALL IN JUNE
Please contact PHIL GIBSON on 07713 251155
 
         
PRICE INCREASE - please note that our merchandise prices will increase from
1st May to recognise increases being passed to us by suppliers
 
 
Finally:....... Congratulations
Something to celebrate, a pleasant change. The family country wedding of Andrew and Lyn's daughter, Sarah, finally took place in July on a rural Devon farm when she married Zac after a year long delay.
 
The old cattle barn was hosed down and decorated with hessian lining the walls and swede netting adorning the roof trusses.  It made a cosy venue for the wedding breakfast.  The bridesmaids arrived in a restored Martin Markham trailer decorated with flowers and towed by a Fordson Major KFD 52.
The bride arrived in a 1930 Ford Model A accompanied by her father.  Despite the storm the night before, the farm made a perfect setting for such a special day!
    

Read more ...2022 July

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Written by Jake Jennings on . Posted in Uncategorised.

2022 May

January 2022 - Issue 108 April - May 2022

I hope that you enjoyed Christmas and the New Year, as far as we were concerned it was great to be able to celebrate with family again and far better than 2020 when, as like many others, we were on our own.   I have received more pieces for these pages than ever before, unfortunately there is not enough space to include them all in this issue, so some will be carried over for later publication, my apologies to those delayed but they will appear, a marvellous present, thank you!
 
Being an eternal optimist I'm sure things will only get better and, on the positive side, the DVLA are at last catching up after long delays due to staff shortages and changed working practices, according to members who tell me they are receiving their age related and retained registration marks often nearly as quickly as pre covid.
 
Not such good news, I'm afraid, for a member who asked the DVLA for the history of a vehicle he was restoring so he could show its working life.  He had successfully taken this route previously, but they declined stating that the reason he gave did not amount to 'reasonable cause'.  I remembered reading about this in the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, 'News' but could not recall the details or date it appeared.  An email to Ian Edmunds, their DVLA Liaison Manager prompted the response below:
 
"The restriction to the DVLA service of providing vehicle registration history was implemented in September 2017 and the relevant form (V888) modified to suit. We discussed the matter with DVLA at the earliest opportunity and they confirmed to us that this change followed advice from Government lawyers on compliance with GDPR. Tracing the history of a vehicle is not considered 'reasonable cause' (as per Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002) for providing the information. Although it is recognised that the non-availability of this information is a loss to the historic vehicle community it is the Federations opinion that DVLA are correct.
 
I did write briefly about this in editions 6/17 and 1/18 of Federation News.
 
As a result of the UK leaving the EU the Regulations are now properly known as UK GDPR but the content and application remains the same. Thus, unfortunately this useful service is lost to us."
 
Nick Battelle our president raises some interesting points about the government's aim to make vehicles cleaner or become electric to reduce emissions, and asks if our hobby will fall by the wayside if the non-essential use of combustion engines is banned: will vintage and historic tractors, cars, lorries and buses all be consigned permanently to a shed forever?  He points out that steam already seems to be struggling with cheap imported coal so what is the future for us?   Fuels are changing, how many more challenges can we weather and how long can our historical taxation class last.  It may sound all doom and gloom but hopefully it won't be all bad, but you never know.
The FBHVC have been very active on preservationist's behalf publicising and fighting our corner over a wide front.  There are other recent changes apart from those such as fuels and tyres that have already featured here.
 
If you are proposing to drive on the continent new rules now apply, from the requirement to display a UK badge rather than the old GB sticker, to changed insurance, driving licence and MOT regulations not to mention items you must carry in the vehicle.
 
Regulations governing used spare parts, both for sale and for your own use are another minefield.  The Environment Agency has assured the FBHVC that their crackdown on the unauthorised scrapping and sale of parts was not intended to inhibit the use of historic vehicle parts.  Further guidance is expected shortly, however, to dismantle a vehicle you should hold the appropriate licence and the terms for acquiring one are draconian.
 
 

Your News:

 

John Maiden from Dorset reports: 

7th November, the East Dorset Trac Pack decided to put on a rural run for a change, rather than the usual run through towns for the spectators.  The run was planned by local folklore hero Mike Boyt on his Force 3000.
 
The route took in the villages of Colehill, Holt, Horton, Woodlands, Wimborne St Giles and Witchampton, some 18 miles, before a terrific lunch at the Witchampton Club where spectators were in good supply. The afternoon return, a ten-mile trip, was mainly off-road taking in King Down, Barnsley Drove, Furzehill and back to base at the Barley Mow pub at Colehill for moderate liquid refreshment.
The sun shone all day on the twenty tractors, a weather window enjoyed by all despite previous very heavy rain.   Photos are of the convoy on the More Crichel estate before the advance to Witchampton.
 
 
 
Isle of Wight Classic Tractors Charity Road Run - 28th December, from David Lemonius:  After an absence of 24 months the day dawned bright but windy, not unusual for the Isle of Wight and thankfully the rain stayed off until early afternoon. We chose a different venue for the start, The Fighting Cocks Inn at Hale Common, Arreton. They have a large Car Park, which we filled with 68 Tractors of all shapes and sizes, sizes being the operative word.  When we first started these tractor runs about 10 years ago the biggest was probably the Dutra but are now seeing some monsters of 250hp plus. 
 
There was a reasonable fleet of Fordson/Ford/NH derivatives, mostly in the classics. A couple of Super Dextas followed by two 3000's and four Power/Super Majors.  Two 5000's both in good running order, one a Pre-Force and the other a nicely restored Force with cab. A Roadless 118 owned by former ploughing champion John Stallard, a 7610 and 7810, a 7840 and a NH 8360, a TM135 and TM165.
 
 
With the start pub being on a main road we were happy to have the assistance controlling the traffic when we left.  A short run down the road to A.E. Browns farmland where we struck out across country to Merstone then across the fields to Blackwater. Then to Rookley and over towards Loverstone with a short break taken at Cridmore Farm.  At Atherfield Green, on the south coast of the Island, those on cabless tractors started to feel the effects of the 40 knots of southerly wind blowing up the spray from the wet roads!  Our route took us on through the wilder parts of the West Wight out onto Brook and the Military Road - which is the coast road that runs all down the SW coast of the Island. The spectacle of the rough seas formed an amazing sight.  At Compton Farm Campsite we were rewarded with a cup of tea and cake from our host Anna Smith. A total of 24 miles was covered.
A tremendous day for all and so nice to get out and meet up with old friends and talk about things that matter, tractors, not the blessed pandemic!  It was also really good to see a lot of younger drivers taking part and enjoying themselves.
 
Our thanks to our sponsors Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd, to all landowners over whose property we passed, The Fighting Cocks Inn, (who did a great breakfast!) and to all our willing helpers. A Total of £1200 was raised for Charity which will be divided between the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and the Alzheimer's Café, Newport.
 
 

Ian West from Canada: 

In the aftermath of the devastating British Columbia flooding in mid-November there's been a remarkable recovery in transportation infrastructure. Tragically the loss of life, while minor by other world events, from mud and landslides along these transportation hubs, could have been much more serious given the mountainous terrain of the province. Meanwhile, clean-up efforts continue in the agricultural breadbasket area centred around Abbotsford, east of Vancouver known collectively as the Fraser Valley. The farming areas immediately around Abbotsford was on land reclaimed from a lakebed during the late 1920's an area of approx.400sq.kms. This area was protected by a series of dykes and huge pumping stations, the system became overwhelmed by the rainfall and overflowing rivers converging into the area from Washington state to the south. Thousands of livestock perished and much of the rescue efforts were documented through YouTube clips.  Interesting also was the new meteorological term which became known as "Atmospheric River Systems" referring to rainfalls in the region of upwards of 150mm daily. In a previous article I'd mentioned the record heat waves, forest fires and widespread drought affecting Western Provinces-so climate change is certainly gaining prominence from our viewpoint.
 
Meanwhile here in Alberta, winter is with us once again with overnight temperatures dropping down to minus 31C earlier this week. We're guaranteed a white Christmas alright, and as a result I've retreated to the warmth of the workshop to work on my current overhaul project on a recently acquired flatbed trailer. You might ask-what's the relevance to Ford & Fordson? Well, I bought the trailer to haul my tractors to the various shows. I would like to focus primarily on the electric braking systems generally used on such trailers here in North America as I'm told the system isn't used back in the British Isles. In the UK only a hydraulic or mechanical systems which become activated once the towing vehicle's brakes are applied, thus causing the trailer's telescoping hitch to apply pressure to the brakes. These systems have a number of significant disadvantages, most notably the fact that the trailer will always tend to "push" the towing vehicle ahead in order to apply its brakes and could potentially cause the vehicle to lose control on icy surfaces or gravel roads for example and when backing the trailer, it's necessary to apply the spacer to prevent the telescoping tongue to apply braking. Then, there's the risk of forgetting to remove this spacer causing a scenario of no brakes should you proceed onwards.  Meanwhile, I'll explain the principles of the electrical system as best I can in lay man's terminology.  Each trailer wheel is equipped with conventional drums and brake shoes.
 
The brakes are applied through an electro-magnet device operating the brake shoes that are controlled from an electronic modulator receiving current from the tow vehicle's brake switch circuitry through the conventional 7 pin trailer connector.
 
The degree of braking must be pre-programmed depending on the weight being towed causing the modulator to deliver a voltage range of between 3-12 volts to the electro-magnets, thus varying the intensity of braking to a level where the trailer could even pull the combination to a stop with the controller programmed to the maximum. Obviously, one would need to re-programme should the trailer be empty, otherwise the tendency would be to have the trailer skid unnecessarily. Additionally, braking is afforded in either forward or reverse. New pick-up trucks here can be equipped with what they term as tow packages which comprise the brake controller already prewired together with a heavy-duty towbar as opposed to a mere bumper hitch. I've also wired after-market controllers which aren't difficult to install and typically cost under $100.
 
Detailed electrical braking systems are explained on the internet, with a number of videos, also for viewing on YouTube for those interested.  Over the years I've noticed smaller vehicles such as Toyota HiLux, Land Rover type vehicles with trailers in tow hauling tractors or equipment in excess of the tow vehicles weights with the aforementioned hydraulic braking systems which I've alluded to and wonder about the overall safety of such combinations versus the perceived benefits of an electrical braking system. What are your thoughts?
 
The subject flat deck trailer under repair is 16ft. in length, 7ft. wide with tandem 16in. tyres with a weight rating of 7 Tonnes being normally towed by an 8cyl.gasoline GMC crew cab pick-up rated at about 370hp. I purchased the trailer at a good price realizing the necessary repairs which will include new mudguards, suspension linkages, a total rewire with all new lighting, a repaint and finally a new set of tyres. As with every item for sale recently a similar new trailer today was just cost prohibitive for the limited anticipated use.
In the meantime, here's hoping for a much more NORMAL year ahead, whatever that means any more. Certainly, an abundance of vintage events to suit every taste would be just what the doctor ordered!
In the meantime, please feel free to email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. with any enquiries.
 
 

Christophe's passion for Ford and Fordson:

Christophe Famelart is a Belgian member of the Ford & Fordson Association and a passionate collector of blue tractors.  Wouter Croquey, the FFA representative for Belgium, went to visit Christophe last Summer and discovered a beautiful collection of tractors, carefully taken care of by a man with a real love for Ford, Fordson and their derivatives that all started with father's E27N P6.
 
He is a 46-year-old farmer's son and lives in the French speaking part of Belgium, ten minutes south of Tournai.  He told me that his passion for Ford and Fordson came from his father and grandfather, who used Fordsons.  His father had a small farm and owned 3 E27N P6's to do field work until the early 80's. He even built a front loader on one of them adding power steering, which Christophe dismantled afterwards.  Christophe started driving E27Ns at the age of eight and admits to having had a lot of trouble as the steering and clutch were hard to operate and mentioned that on an E27N, the clutch pedal is located on the right-hand side and the brake pedals are on the left. 
 
Christophe's brother took over the farming activities, and when the 3 E27N's became too old to be productive, they were carefully preserved by Christophe. He restored one of them about 20 years ago. This is now his favourite tractor and the pride of the collection. It dates from June 15th, 1950 (first registration) and is equipped with a high-speed top gear transmission, while the two other P6's have the standard low ratio gearbox.  But this is only the beginning of the story…
 
The DOE Triple D: Being a mechanic enthusiast, Christophe didn't stop there and started looking for other Fordsons first and Fords later on.  The story of his DOE Triple D started when he was about twenty-two and saw one for the first time on the internet.  He had never seen one before and was immediately impressed but didn't know if it was original or handmade.  Either way he was sure he could never be able to buy one, so he decided to build one himself.  After having bought some parts - tractors, steel, hydraulics etc. - he started the project.  However, problems quickly arose as the only information available to Christophe was the book from Stuart Gibbard 'The Doe Tractor Story' offering pictures and a small schematic of the steering system.  The gear changing system quickly became a real headache, Christophe remembers that he could select the first gear and then neutral, but not second gear.  Getting desperate, he realised that he had to see one in real life to understand how this machine operated.  At the time, one of the few places where he was almost certain to see a DOE, was the Dorset Fair.  So, Christophe took the risk and went over to the UK.  His effort paid off as indeed, he found the tractor he was looking for.  He was able to see the brand of the manufacturer of the small transmitter pumps (Lockheed), which allowed him to finish the tractor.  At the end, it has taken three years and almost 3000 hours of work to reach the result you can admire on the pictures in this article.  Christophe states that his DOE is very close to the original.  The main difference consists of the steering.  He didn't understand how the system worked, and solved the problem by using an orbitrol unit, which was much easier to apply than the valve managed DOE-steering, while the difference couldn't hardly be noticed visually (note: an orbitrol is a hydraulic rotary slide valve commonly used for hydrostatic steering on articulated vehicles).  The construction has been a big job, but at the end, Christophe is very proud to have made it.  "You never pass unnoticed at an event", he tells me, his DOE has even been registered!
 
The E1A Fordson Majors: The Power Major is the latest addition to his collection.  It was not far away from where he lives, and the tractor is in a very good original condition. The Super Major is, as the E27N's, a tractor from the family farm. Its original worn out engine has been replaced with a 6-cylinder Ford 590 E as Christophe had several from Clayson M103 combines.  After the engine transplant, the tractor was used on the farm for a long time.  It was first registered November 14th, 1963, towards the end of production.  
 
The third E1A in the collection, is a 6-cylinder tractor pulling conversion of the Major.  Being a tractor pulling fan, with his two sons, Christophe decided to prepare a Major especially for that.  The basic ingredients were available: a tractor with its standard engine out of order, and a very good Ford Dorset 6-cylinder truck engine.  Everything on the tractor has been worked out perfectly, and the machine now weighs four tons with all added front, middle and rear weights. 
 
The County Super 4 takes a special place in the collection, as it was owned by a friend of his who had asked Christophe to buy it after his death.  Christophe told me he had a moment of doubt as the price was quite substantial, although it was justified but, to honour his friend's memory and as it really was a very nice tractor, he decided to buy it.  As it had already been restored he only had to rebuild the engine.
  
 
The 2N is the smallest tractor of the collection, and the only one operating on petrol.  Christophe likes this tiny tractor as it was one of the last models Henry Ford knew: Henry died in April 1947, while the 2N - a basic version of the 9N built due to war restrictions - was launched in 1942.  The 8N, replacing both the 9N and 2N, was launched in July 1947, so shortly after Henry Ford died.  This 2N has also been restored by Christophe, but he is considering selling it in the near future.
 
The 5000 6X is another tractor from the family farm.  When suffering from a porous block, it received an engine transplant from a 6710 4WD, also on the farm.  The latter was considered to be underpowered with only 82 hp, certainly in comparison to the size of the tractor, and when the 5000 needed an engine replacement, it was decided to move the 6710-engine to the 5000 and to put a stronger engine on the 6710 (about 98 hp, if he remembers correctly).  Christophe has spent a lot of time working with the 5000, and this should be the next one to be restored.  It is an early 6X-version, registered October 15th, 1965.  It's Christophe's favourite, after the restored E27N P6.  The repowered 6710 was sold by his brother a long time ago that, he now deeply regrets as it was a very easy machine to handle.
 
The next one badged as a 7000, is in reality a 6-cylinder conversion of a 5000 6Y.  It was bought from a friend; whose father executed the conversion.  Christophe restored the tractor and has re-badged it as a '7000' to differentiate it from his other tractors.  The power of the 6-cylinder engine is close to that of a 7000, so the new designation is deemed appropriate.  The tractor dates from September 4th, 1975; it has the same age as its current owner, and it is equipped with a dual power. With a 6X from 1965 and a 6Y from 1975, Christophe owns 5000s from the very beginning to the last production year.
 
We've kept the biggest for last. Looking for a convenient transport for his tractors, Christophe decided to buy a large trailer.  In the beginning, he used a big tractor from his brother's farm to pull the trailer, but after a while, he wanted his own tractor for the job, so why not a TW15, 25 or 35?  He placed an advertisement and by luck received the offer for a TW 35.  He went over to see the tractor and bought it instantly: although it had a little more than 10.000 hours on the clock, the tractor was, and still is, in perfect shape.  Christophe is especially proud of the immaculate condition of the interior, as illustrated by one of the pictures of this article.  He is sure never to find such a beautiful TW35 for sale again.
    
 
Christophe is a Ford-enthusiast with excellent mechanical skills, that he has successfully handed on to both his sons.  During my visit, I met a very pleasant and cheerful guy, and was greeted in the 'unstressed' way typical for the Belgians from the south: we started with a drink and a chat.  What a wonderful day, a beautiful collection of blue tractors, honestly, tell me what else you could wish for?  
 
During my visit, we had a video made using a drone to put Christophe's fleet in the spotlights.  The video is available on YouTube following the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDaWq_dWDhI or simply search for 'La passion de Christophe'

Read more ...2022 May

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Written by Jake Jennings on . Posted in Uncategorised.

2022 March

December 2021 - Issue 107 - Feb - March 2022

Buying a tractor is usually fairly straight forward as long as you know what to look for or, if you don't, take a pal who does. The decision of whether to buy or walk away usually boils down to, condition, asking price and , to use an old auctioneers expression "If it fills the eye",  but not in every case.  Registering a tractor that has a number plate but no V5C, should be fairly painless, first look on the DVLA web site to see if they have the record for it and if they do, complete a V62 and submit it with £25, simple?  
 
Apparently not for the owner of a very nice looking 4610 who took this route; but it did not end well, "Caveat emptor", a well-known Latin phrase meaning "Let the buyer beware" suddenly took on a very sinister twist.
 
Produced below are three extracts from the DVLA's response to his application:
 
According to our records an insurance company has notified us that it's been 'accident damaged' and classed as either category A or B.  This means that the vehicle is only suitable for scrap or spare parts.  It must not be driven on the road again.
 
The vehicle should have gone to an Authorised Treatment Facility (AFT) and destroyed, not sold to you.
 
You should take the vehicle to your nearest AFT for them to destroy it legitimately.
 
The prime reason for legislation regarding insurance "write offs" is to keep unroadworthy vehicles off the road, by preventing what the press often described as 'cut & shut' repairs re-entering service. One may question if this should be rigorously applied to tractors.  The owner subsequently found out that it had been fire damaged, and as the tractor looked the part and drove well wondered, despite the DVLA's letter if he could legitimise its use.
 
I contacted Ian Edmunds, DVLA Liaison Manager for the FBHVC for guidance and as usual received a quick and very comprehensive reply, the bones of which were that short of the Insurance Company concerned being prepared to revise their assessment, that he thought unlikely, there was little chance of the DVLA changing their position.  I passed this on to the owner, a salutary lesson to us all.
 
 
The 11th of July saw Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Clubs Charity Road. 
 
It took in thirteen villages on its thirty-three-mile tour around South Cambs.  Report from Ray Parcell, organiser of the Cambridgeshire Steam Rally, a good friend to the FFA.  Leaving the start 10.30 sharp with the village of Caldecott 10 mins away, I arrived leading the pack of 112 tractors and was met with a sea of people lining the pavements all the way through. This gave our street collectors a challenge from the word go and this was the case in all the villages we travelled through. I must make a special mention of Barrington which has the second largest village green in England, I estimate there were close to 700 people waiting for us whichmade it a carnival atmosphere, many were picnicing on the green.
 
I decided to make an unscheduled stop so many could get close to the tractors.  We duly arrived late at our lunch stop where everybody enjoyed their picnics. After lunch we drove to the top of Croydon Hill, the highest point in South Cambs, then took a three mile off road section to the villages of Longstowe and Bourn arriving at the finish just before 4 pm.
 
Our charity was Addenbrookes Charitable Trust, for those of you who do not know Addenbrookes Hospital is the largest one in East Anglia, the trust provides equipment that the NHS is unable to provide. The result of the run was beyond the clubs wildest dreams a total of £6,100 was collected.  Thanks to everybody who made the generous donations and to the drivers who took part. Fordsons were well represented with a good mix of models on show.
 
 
Dutch Ploughing Match:  11th September
Jans Stevens reports: 
 
We had our first Ford and Fordson team competition for two years in Nieuwe Pekela in the north of the Netherlands.
 
There were 23 participants, in 4 different classes. The atmosphere was very good, although the weather was a bit less kind.
 
Here are the results of the ploughing competition:
 
Trailed Plough
1st Menno De Graaf:Fordson F Ransomes Plough
2nd Roel Mennega:Fordson Dexta Dreesman Plough
 
3 Furrow Class
1st Jurrie Potze: Fordson Major 4 wieldrive with Dreesman plough
 
2nd Foppe Drent: Ford 3055 Lien Plough
3rd Jarich Hibma: Fordson Major FR Ransomes
 
Normal class
1st Co Looyenstein: Fordson Dexta with Ransomes ts 59
2nd Roelof Moed: Fordson Dexta with Platex
3rd Rienko Coburg: Fordson Dexta with Dreesman
 
Parallel Ploughing
1st Markus Wenning: Ford 5000 SOS with Krone plough
     2nd Cor Dam: Ford 3000 with Goudland
 
Wentelploegen
1st Jans Stevens: Power Major with Rumptstad TW30 Plough
 
2nd Jaap Dam: Ford 4000 with Kverneland
 
 
 
Kent Heritage Show: 10th October at the Kent County Showground.
 Rodney Gibson reports: 
 
An early start, Ernie and I arrived at show ground at seven o'clock.
 
A stewards meeting started the day and as we arrived back at the stand the sun was just appearing over the trees.  Throughout the day Bob Baseby and his brother Paul helped on the stand and escorting tractors into place. 
 
There was an excellent turn out of members tractors including, Peter Mitcham's 1958 Dexta, and his tea tent, most people know him as teapot Pete for this very reason!  James Chandler's 1969 4-wheel drive Ford 5000, Tim Fitches 1964 Super Major, Luke Burgess 1957 Power Major, Oliver Collier's 1964 Super Major, an early Dexta belonging to Dave Driver. Also, from Essex Ken Bailey's 2000 and the Princes' Pool Ferry Power Major.
 
I thank you all for your support and for helping to bring our stand to life & see you all again in 2022
 
 
 
British Ploughing Championships held 9th - 10th October.
Phil Gibson reports:
 
Nestled in a bowl surrounded by the picturesque hills of Northumberland and the borders of Scotland, I attended the 70th British Ploughing Championships at Mindrum Mill, this was hosted by farmer Ian Harvey and family. Not knowing what to expect after all the rain the previous weekend I was able to drive on the land with van and caravan as it was well drained soil.
 
Ian Harvey this year’s National host, the first time the host has competed!
 
The trade stand area was well set out in an oval with Horse and High Cut ploughing surrounded by, I thought more than normal and very varied trade stands.  We had a large area for our club stand, just as well as members were joining us all weekend with their tractors and ploughs.
 
An interesting selection of tractors at the Nationals
 
Exhibits were very varied from two County's owned by our host and club member Ian Harvey, Roy Cowgill who was helping me with the stand brought his Ford 5610 narrow, a local member Peter Park drove his unusual yellow Major Industrial to display, Billy Marley brought two very interesting tractors, a County 1474 and a reverse drive articulated Ford Versatile 276 with this one attracting a lot of interest.
 
Robert Ingham and Darren Easter – fierce but friendly rivalry as it should be.
 
The Nairn family from Kelso supported us very well with brothers Thomas and Robert bringing along a E27N with hydraulic plough and a diesel conversion Fordson N with trailed plough; they were also going to plough in our FFA class at the match on the Sunday, this was good to see as we desperately need to encourage youngsters in our sport.
 
Thomas Nairn with his E27N Major and mounted plough.
 
What surprised me was the distances some members and public had driven to the event from Sussex, Somerset, all over Scotland and the Shetland Isles, obviously we have been shut up at home for too long.
 
The main ploughing commenced a few fields away from us on the Saturday but with frequent trailer transport if needed. After lunch and just as the ploughmen were coming to the end of their plots the heavens opened making it very sticky to finish off.  Sunday was bright and dry with the ploughing all around us and on a hillside which was good for us to see from the stand with ever changing patchwork of yellow stubble to soil in a few hours.
 
Our club match had eight entrants, but on the Saturday morning I was told of the sad death a few days earlier of member Geoffrey Dibb who would have been ploughing in our class, our condolences go out to his family.
Our ploughmen were up to the task of good work at a National competition with some close scores at the end, but what a grand sight to see the Nairn brothers ploughing with vintage equipment, although not placed their time will come.
 
Our champion for this year was Darren Easter
with 266 points.......Well Done Darren.
 
2nd place went to Peter Gilson with 238 points and 3rd place went to John Lewis with 236 points, very close.
 
Our thanks must go to member Peter Park who offered to Steward our class, and to all the new members that joined our club and to various people who helped over the weekend, but the main thanks must go to Ian Harvey; it is a massive commitment to make land available for this event and he now has 200 acres of rigs and furrows to contend with! An interesting fact that came from the Society of Ploughmen was that Ian was the first host to plough at a Championship.  Roll on next year when the championships come a bit nearer to me at Chatsworth Park on 8th and 9th October.
 
 
Ian West from Canada.
For the last issue Ian sent a fascinating wide-ranging piece on the Canadian scene.
 
I always look forward to his contributions as I know many of you do and was particularly interested in the crop insurance aspects he mentioned as for the average arable farmer that option, at a sensible cost, has never, to my knowledge, been available in the UK, but we do not suffer from the same Canadian weather extremes.
 
Ian's reply:  Happy to share some insights into our way of life out here.  Yes, in a year of turmoil weather wise, we're fortunate to have the Government's backing in a limited form through our Crop Insurance programme. Essentially how it works, is based on an individual farmer's production history, individually indexed over a minimum of seven years. Thereafter one can elect coverage from 60 to 80% of your established yield histories. During one's phase in period, up to the 7-year benchmark, Township Area averages are used with an increasing emphasis of the producer's production numbers as the years pass. To all intents, the programme is self-policing in that premium discounts or penalties apply based on claims history.  With today's land, machinery and building costs all financial institutions DEMAND farmers are enrolled to protect their (Banks!) interests. The main insurer here is partly subsidized by both our Provincial and Federal Governments as I mentioned previously. More seasoned producers sometimes opt for private insurers, but coverage through this avenue is limited to hailstorms without a production shortfall otherwise. During the years between 2009 and '14 I worked as a Crop Insurance assessor in addition to running the farm which I thoroughly enjoyed apart from the final year when an increasing emphasis was placed on modern technology with a diminishing level of good old fashioned common sense approach. (Sound familiar??)  I'm sure I'm right in saying that here in Canada we're certainly nowhere close to the European level of Agricultural subsidies or the USA for that matter. I know at one point a number of years ago, some 80% of the total EEC Budget was directed towards agriculture which over time may have been reduced. Here our token Government support for a limited amount of last resort lending and some insurance programmes-that's our level of support.
Anyway, just another titbit for your interest!
 
 
Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show
13th - 14th November. Phil Gibson liaised with the showground and directed our return to the show he reports:
 
A splendid area welcomes visitors outside the marquee at Newark
 
  What a spectacular weekend to be back at the Newark tractor show with visitors and exhibits from all around the UK . Our club was asked to exhibit in the feature marquee with the carry-over of the E27N anniversary, the Ford and Fordson derivatives as well as the 50 years of the Ford 7000. Our members did the club proud with the variety of exhibits from those in 'working clothes' up to concours condition, from a 1933 Fordson N to a New Holland T7 Blue power, a Ford 1210 to the massive Ford FW60 with 10 furrow reversible plough, an industrial section with a New Holland Tele handler to Fordson Major cranes and winches, a Whitlock digger and a rare 1940 Muir Hill dumper. Commercials were represented with a restoration of a Ford D series lorry, a Ford Cargo living van and two very rare County 4WD Transit conversions. One member turned up with a trailer that had been converted to a people carrier for road runs with proper coach type seats and seat belts and the sides being closed or open and it was painted in the colours of the Fordson Dexta towing it.
 
On both days I think I can safely say we have never been so busy, at times struggling to keep hot water coming for the refreshments and with up to four people on the merchandise stand; the membership table was also extremely busy with 41 new members joining our club and many renewals. Thanks to all of you and I hope we can meet up at a few more events next year in your areas.
 
Taking a closer look at some of the exhibits for the smaller unusual things that I found interesting were a power steering set up on David Thomas's E27N with the oil pump driven from the dynamo, not original but certainly looked it.
 
Arthur Musk had an extra lever on the left of the rear axle casing of his E27N, this turned out to be the Darlington diff lock engagement lever a very rare attachment.
 
John Haywood had carried out a few modifications to his E27N with the fitment of a Ford Powerstar engine and different parts from I thought 58 other machines, but a very professional job. If you drive a double clutch Dexta the pedal operation can be awkward to operate, on this one Paul Thundercliffe had made and fitted a much more driver friendly pedal arrangement.
 
The Yellow Fordson Major crane tractor had been made by old Ford dealer Friskneys of Lincolnshire for duties around their yard. New Holland dealer Burdens had supported us with a New Holland T4, a T6, a T7 and a Tele handler these tractors certainly showed where tractors have progressed to. The massive FW60 and plough is not just a show tractor but is used, what a job cleaning and greasing after working. It was good to see six of the iconic Ford 7000's with some still in use.
 
Congratulations must go to Peter Bainbridge who brought his restored yellow Ford 3000 Highway and his County 754 and won a trophy for the best Derivative with the County.
 
I apologise to those of you that have not had a direct mention or photo but many thanks for supporting your club.
 
Pat's view: 
This year's Newark was a very different show, there were far fewer traders' stalls of all types and large areas of green to be seen in the centre, as grass areas normally covered by exhibits were left exposed.  Saturday's auction and the Sort Out held on Sunday were on the hard standing where the "Features marquee" usually sits; that had been moved to alongside the road that runs between the blue and red gates. However, the George Stevenson and other permanent buildings were much as usual.
 
One has to wonder if this is the new 'normality' but I was surprised by the level of pessimism expressed by the 'prophets of doom'. Of course, there are many unanswered questions, will the missing traders reappear or have many gone for good, what effect are the increased fuel costs having and is the understandable nervousness about Covid just a temporary blip, or here to stay?  All will be revealed next year but, being an optimist, I agree with the majority who think that life will adapt and continue, as it always has, perhaps a bit differently but there's nothing new in that.
 
For the first time at the show and certainly from where I was standing, all movement and talking ceased during the two-minute silence at eleven, a refreshing mark of respect and as it should be.
 
The Club had an excellent show with fifty-seven members joining, forty-one for the first time and very good merchandise sales: the tea and coffee stall was busy throughout the show.  The Annual General Meeting that should have taken place at Spring Tractor World was held on the Saturday evening after the show closed. Reports and accounts for 2021 will be posted on the website for approval at the next AGM. The meeting decided that as it is only six months away the next AGM would be held in 2023.
 
Spring Tractor World will be later in 2022 on 21st and 22nd May and mostly outside more details later.

Read more ...2022 March

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Written by Jake Jennings on . Posted in Uncategorised.

2022 January

September 2021 Issue 106 - Dec 2021/Jan 2022

For those with petrol tractors the new E10 petrol is now on garage forecourts, an increase of 10%
ethanol content as opposed to the previous E5 grade.  As this proposed increase has already been
covered those affected should look at the comprehensive recommendations and advice on the Federation
of British Vehicle Clubs web site.  In brief the FBHVC recommend the use of premium grade fuel and preservatives, but contrary to popular opinion they do not recommend draining the system. Their
reasoning for which is reprinted below:
 
"Ethanol is a good solvent and can remove historic fuel system deposits from fuel tanks and lines and
it is advisable to check fuel filters regularly after the switch to E10 petrol as they may become blocked
or restricted. If your vehicle is to be laid up for an extended period of time, it is recommended that
the E10 petrol be replaced with ethanol free petrol which is available from some fuel suppliers. Do not
leave fuel systems dry when storing, as this can result in corrosion and the shrinking and cracking of elastomers and gaskets as they dry out."
 
 

Presidents Thoughts:

 
Welcome to the current edition of the magazine and here is a first "Presidents Thoughts", a position
I am honoured to hold and have held since our very beginning, which means I am either good enough
or nobody else wants or has been found for the job. I am sticking with the first one till I am told anything else.
 
Recently I went to the Old Timer Rally near Ludlow in Shropshire. My interest was caught by the fact
they didn't want anything newer than 1945 and no modified, proper vintage only, and there was 6 first
world war models on display. I have nothing against modified as V8 perkins in E27N and V12 Jaguar in
T20 I do find interesting, but they do need a class of their own, otherwise the general public think they
are vintage restorations. As many of you know, I would put all 2 pack paint jobs in the same class as restoration, I think, is about restoring a tractor back to its original standard and if it was grey or red at
a factory in Coventry or blue or green in a Ford factory that's all it needed to be. I suspect differences would occur between suppliers, and what was available that particular week. That's my moan for now anyway.
 
There have not been any visits to club nights for 18 months so if any of our area reps want to put
something together in their area, talk to me as I have plenty of dates available for a film night with Old
Ford tractor films and a talk about each one. No charge and I travel to most places - been as far as
Australia for one visit - so most of the UK is not a problem. All you have to do is ask, my e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or phone is 01332 792698. It gives everyone a chance to keep in touch and have a
chat and any pub with a function room would welcome anyone after these current times. Locally we
are looking at tying in a road run from a pub with a chat a pint and a talk afterwards.
 
Another interesting project recently involved a magazine talking to Dad (Arthur Battelle) about his times
with Ford and Roadless and Farm Tractor Drives and Schindler 4wd conversions. Such a lot of what
they talked about I can remember as well as things like sitting in the front of Dad's Thames van at a
show while he drove the radio controlled Dexta round the ring. I also recall the first public showing of
the Roadless 115 1968ish, no cab and ploughing burnt stubble land. At the end of the day Dad, me and
a very shiny white/grey tractor were all very black and sooty, I don't recall mother's reaction when we
got home.
 
Finally, we have two more shows to visit this year. First will be the British Ploughing Championships at Mindrum in Northumberland, very close to the Scottish border.  A good run for us, never mind Wales,
Devon and Essex, but looking forward to seeing folks there in October and then, of course, in November
we can all meet up at Newark at which we will have the latest Old 20 shopping bag, so come and get
your hands on the 4th version and it will soon be Christmas all over again.
 
So please continue to stay safe and well and we can meet again soon: Nick.
 
 

Your News:

 
The Old Timer Tractor Rally - 31st July & 1st August
 
This show is a rare treat for those fascinated by early tractors with only those dating from the very early years to the mid nineteen hundreds displayed; what an impressive turnout of tractors, stationary engines, commercials, cars and motorcycles.
 
Edward Price and Chris Tranter, the organisers, report that the event went very well with an increase in
gate numbers compared to the first time the event was run in 2019. Despite heavy rainfall at night, the
sun broke through each day resulting in an enjoyable weekend for the exhibitors and public. Financially
they can run the event again next year and have given donations to Macmillan Cancer Support and the
local church. Next year's date is the 6th and 7th of August. 
 
 
The FFA's stand was manned by Club stalwarts Derek and Margaret Badham, well known to you all, it
was really good to see them and so many friends again after such a long time.   FFA stand exhibits
included Nick Bryne's award winning 1927 Fordson F, Margaret Badham's lovely little narrow F and
John Sheppard's 1918 ladder sided model.  Paul Marsden's 1922 model, fitted with an interesting, opposed twin cylinder CLM diesel, unfortunately not running, completed the stands line up of F's.  And then,
for something completely different, Julie Browning's very special Ford Ferguson Moto Tug based on a Ford
2n that spent its working life on Miramar naval base in California; but then Julie always manages to "magic
a rabbit out of the hat!"
    
 
As with the first rally it was marvellous to see and hear vehicles running that one normally only sees in photos or as static display in a museum as they are driven around, providing a non-stop spectacle, a real treat.  I was particularly taken with Jonathan Boaz's 1935 cabbed Fordson N that had spent its working life
in the fens. Unfortunately, his brother, Nick, was absent this time, on harvest duties, but it's always good to catch up with friends.
 
 
 
Marsham Show - 14th and 15th August - Jane Broomhall writes:
 
A first outing for the FFA marquee this year and so good to meet up with friends and club members after
a very quiet 18-months. Congratulations to Bob Parke for his insistence that the show could go ahead
and for a weekend that provided something for the whole family whether interested in motor bikes, cars, commercials, tractors or not - with music, entertainment, a huge range of bygone and craft offerings, together with excellent food options. The event focuses on raising money for local charities, many of
which had a presence at the Show.
 
From the child's New Holland TM190 to the T5.120 (courtesy of Ernest Doe, North Walsham) the FFA
display also included examples of the 2000, Dexta, E27N, 'N', Super Major and Power Major. We
were delighted to be awarded 'Best Club Stand' as was Ian Prince for 'Best Implement' for his rear
mounted loader with sack lifting attachment on his Power Major.
 
Special features at the show were 75 years of the E27N (carried forward from 2020), 75 years of the Ferguson TEA20 (the little grey menace) and 60 years of the Jaguar E-type. The line-up of E27N's was a
true representation of the models, including both diesel and petrol/paraffin engine examples. Keith's E27N
L4, the only one at the show, was exhibited on the FFA stand. As our Ford Cargo truck was out of
action, Keith drove it the 32 miles each way, two and a half hours there and back through Norwich.
On arriving home, the usual comment came back - I am not doing that again!! But he always does.
A most enjoyable weekend with new memberships and merchandise sales at an encouraging level.
 
 
Andrew Green from Devon writes :- 
 
It is so pleasing to be able to report a welcome resumption of some activities down here in the West Country. Yes, we have had a large increase in visitors to our County and Cornwall, but we shouldn't
complain as at least their holiday money is being spent here rather than on some distant shore!! 
However, from what I hear, some of these visitors are not too nice at times and this behaviour is
most definitely not welcome!!  I am currently canvassing opinions about the possibility of holding
winter evening get-togethers at our usual venue of Whiddon Down Village Hall. As I write I have not
been overwhelmed with responses and coupled with a rather worrying spike in Covid cases, perhaps
we will have to review the situation later on in the year but watch this space.
 
We have had the Honiton, Mid Devon and Okehampton Shows being held but unfortunately due to
family commitments I was unable to attend the Honiton Show, but I hear from Edward Underdown that
it was a successful event. Because of Covid requirements, it was held over 2 days in early August with
4000 ticket sales allocated each day. However, Covid relaxation meant that ticket sales were being
allowed at the gate on the day. Despite a damp first day, there were 80 vintage tractors entered and
it was wet and muddy underfoot and sadly without a main ring parade. The second day was however
much better and Melanie Squires the NFU regional director was on hand to present the prizes in a
very professional and fun manner. Edward reports that although it was a lot of hard work, it was
worthwhile running the Show and the organisers were delighted that the Show went ahead and should
return to its one-day format next year. Edward's Ford 8100 and 7000 were 4th and 5th in class, Graham Farmer's pre-force 2000 was 4th in his class, one of his 2 lockdown projects, and not forgetting John Edwards' Fordson Major with mounted hedge cutter, a very interesting exhibit, all FFA members, very well done!
     
 
The Mid Devon Show went ahead on the 24th July, which was held in the grounds of Knightshayes,
the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton. I did enquire some three weeks before the event
to ask if there was still space for another tractor entry only to be informed that they were full up. I
thought that was really encouraging in these uncertain times. The day itself was a tad miserable with intermittent drizzle but in spite of this I understand it was an enjoyable one.
 
I attended the Okehampton Show and thought it was a very successful day which I personally thoroughly enjoyed. The Showground is situated on a hillside above Okehampton and has a splendid view across to
a dominating Dartmoor as a background. Yes, it was different and there were a few gaps amongst the exhibitors and entries were down in some of the livestock sectors. But there was, however, a good attendance and a really positive buzz and attitude about the place and you felt that people were very
glad to be out and enjoying themselves. There was a good display of cars and tractors, but a few gaps
were disappointing and there were only a very few motorbikes. It is always impressive at Okehampton
when the main ring parade features all cars and tractors altogether and it does make a very exciting
and constantly moving visual display for spectators who line several deep around the ring to see it.
 
That's all for now. As I always say when I finish, keep well, take care, look after yourselves and your
families, KBO! Please do keep in touch:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
 
 
Sunday 1st August saw East Dorset Trac Pack's first show known as the "Show at
the Mow"  
So named as it was held in the field of the Barley Mow public house in Colehill, Wimborne, Dorset.'
This event was supported and run by the Ford & Fordson Association with many F & F members
exhibiting.  Although the weather was not kind to us for the whole day, we saw many hundreds of
visitors mostly between 10am and 2pm.   Smiles from youngsters were in good supply with most
owners happy to let the kids climb aboard for a photo shot.
 
This was a free entry event for both visitors and exhibitors and a great time was had by all. A big
thank you to all the exhibitors especially those who, like myself got a little moist on the wet drive home.
Our thanks to our local Friends of Ferguson colleagues who provided the mini marquee which we were grateful for  in the latter part of the day.  John Maiden, Dorset area representative.
 
 
 
Ian West from Canada writes: 
 
As harvest season proper is gaining momentum here in Alberta, it's time to reflect on the year's events
or lack thereof and look forward to some semblance of normality down the road, whatever this entails.
As with the rest of the world, Covid 19 still dominates our lives here in Canada with the Delta variant accounting for the vast majority of cases, seemingly identifying with unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals in the main. Daily reports indicating incidence rates in excess of 900 last week dominate
the news and with schools opening shortly raises the possibility of lock downs once again.
 
Last time writing back in April, Spring was just starting after a very mild Winter with below average
snowfall and a resulting soil moisture deficiency all across Western North America. This situation did
not improve all Summer unfortunately, with total rainfall here in Central Alberta at a fraction of normal conditions resulting in significant reduced crop yield forecasts. However, we are fortunate in that farmers
can self insure against such impacts and also the ravages of hailstorms, underwritten by both Provincial
& Federal Government levels. Record high temperatures across Western Canada and USA have led to extreme fire hazards with British Columbia having at least 270 major fires raging with devastating consequences for forestry, tourism and Agriculture. Call it Climate Change, Global Warming or whatever
- a scientist I'm not, but the effects are certainly real worldwide. Additionally, for upwards of the past
30 years, with milder Winters, an additional contributor to an increase in forest fires through Western
Canada is as a result of Pine Beetle infestations, which over time decimate Pine forests and render wide tracts vulnerable to lightning strikes.
 
While vacationing in Vernon, British Columbia beginning of August, the greater area including Kamloops
was
at the epicentre of the largest fires raging in the Province with visibility down to about 1km., mountains barely visible and the pungent odour of smoke permeating everywhere as far afield as Ontario who were experiencing their own fires also. As of August 30, three significant fires in the greater Kamloops area
alone accounted for in excess of 2600 sq. kms lost.
 
Vintage events have been significantly reduced or non-existent for most of the Summer as a result of
the ongoing Covid pandemic. Surprisingly, the Calgary Stampede was allowed to happen in July, but at
a much reduced level which still included the Tractor Pull event but limited to less than 20 participants
which are selected by invitation only. Locally, a Tractor Pull event held in nearby Neerlandia attracted a
total of 45 participants. This included a petrol and a Power Major owned by well known Ford enthusiast
    
 
Terry Hanlon and also a Ford 800 series owned by Ken Connolly of Spruce Grove, Alberta. These three specimens were meticulously restored, performed admirably in their weight categories and are a credit to
the brand. Also, this month I had occasion to attend a vintage tractor and car show in the small
community of Mallaig, a 2 ½ hour drive North-East of Edmonton. The village of Mallaig, pop. approx..200
is best known for its annual Cancer support fundraiser called "Haying in the Thirties" which in its most
recent` August 2019 weekend event pre Covid, raised in excess of $265,000. This year's vintage show attracted 50 tractors and upwards of 75 cars and pick-up trucks. Unfortunately, only one, 8N Ford represented the brand, proudly shown by its 89-year-old owner, Clarence Smith ---- so a call out to
any Ford enthusiasts, please support your local communities however possible.
 
A few recent auction sale items of note during the Summer; 2 Ransomes crawlers, 1 with dozer attachment, Serial #81852, Sold @ $4700 plus 5% Buyer's premium. The other listed with PTO and adjustable hitch
Serial #5345, Sold @ $3800 plus 5% Buyer's premium. Another Auction sold the following tractors:
Ford 5600, in running condition, off farm (Fair only)-no year listed @ $7100, 1975 Ford 8600 with dozer
blade attachment AND a separate quick attach FEL (Rough Condition) @ $8300, Ford 3000 with seized
petrol engine (suspect parts tractor only) sold @ $1100. In addition, on these three units, a buyer's
premium of 10% was added. Petrol models of the Ford 2000 through 5000 range are quite common
here, particularly as in 1972 when I first came to Alberta, retail petrol prices were in the $0.094 / litre
with bulk farm prices even cheaper I'm sure. No doubt the easier starting feature of petrol versus
diesel during Winter months was a major consideration probably with petrol so cheap back then.
In closing, ironically as the article on my Ford 8600 appeared in the August/September issue I encountered
a cracked head problem on the tractor. Symptoms of what appeared to be a head gasket issue turned
out to be a crack inside #1 intake valve which allowed antifreeze to seep outwards when stationary
through the manifold gasket. This required a used cylinder head machining, complete with all new valves
and springs and thankfully-we're back in business. No apparent cause---perhaps-metal fatigue-porosity, after 12,000hrs.?
Any enquiries-Reach me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
Scampston Rally - 4th and 5th September: Phil Gibson writes:
 
It is very nice to attend some events that are starting up again, I recently attended the Pickering
Steam Rally at Scampston Hall near Malton in Yorkshire. Although billed as a steam rally there were
many tractors and farming type exhibits as well as the cars, commercials, tractor pulling etc in which
two FFA members had travelled all the way from Ayrshire to participate. It was very entertaining especially
in the dark with glowing exhausts, sometimes flames out of the top and as with a lot of Ford tractors
plenty of black smoke. I put my Ford 1210 16hp tractor on the sledge only to achieve the shortest pull,
0 inches!
 
New Holland dealer, Russells, are celebrating their 100 years in business and kindly loaned us a T6.180
which had been painted in the Silver Jubilee colours, this looked spectacular and was flanked on each
side with a Fordson N and a E27N showing the massive changes in tractor technology.
 
We were well supported by member's tractors with 16 on show, one we don't often see was a 1947 Ford Ferguson 2N, this was unusual as it had a step-up conversion fitted transforming the 8mph tractor to one capable of 18mph.
 
Thanks, and welcome to the 13 new members who joined our club and all the members and friends who
came to say hello, all agreeing how good it was to meet up. A local member, Paul Hudson, who was
helping man the stand all weekend has agreed to be the Club's representative around that area in
Yorkshire. Paul comes from Rillingtonn near Malton and can be contacted on 07710 757133, he
recently retired from farming and will be coming to Newark to meet everyone.
 
Thanks are also due to the show organisers, Outdoor Shows, for a well laid out site which was kept litter free, with clean toilets and sensible marshalling, definitely a show to attend next year.
 
 

Finally:

 
An appeal from Mark Dew: Hi everyone, I've recently joined the Club and I'm asking for your help, if
possible. I grew up with Ford tractors on my grandparent's farm which is near Peterborough and I'm still
a big fan today. We had a Ford 3000 registration, LTL190G, on the farm which my grandfather bought in
1968 and it was on the farm until the mid-80's and I've lots of great memories driving it.
 
After the grain harvest each year, the tractor was placed onto a Standen solo sugar beet harvester
so wheels, mudguards etc were removed. This happened for a number of years until an extra tractor
was bought, then it stayed on the harvester for good. Sometime around the mid 1980's the harvester
and tractor were sold along with the wheels and mudguards and since then I have often wondered
where it might be and would like to track it down. I looked up on DVLA and the ownership last changed
in May 2017, I'm very pleased it's still around. If you have it parked in your shed or know of someone
that might have it, please get in touch. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 
Coast -To-Coast and Back: In the last issue there was insufficient space for all the photos illustrating
this mammoth road run. Here are another four pictures Phil Gibson.
    
 
    

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2021 July

April 2021 for Issue 103 - June/July 2021

By now the rally season should be in full swing, our diaries filled with dates of shows and events,
but sadly this is not the case and the remainder of this year's calendar looks to be far from certain.
Although the vaccination programme has been going well there is still over half the population to be vaccinated and, once they have had the first dose, there is up to twelve weeks to the second, followed
by a further twenty-one days before that is effective, so it will quite a while to completion.
 
Event organisers will understandably question whether either the paying public or exhibitors will wish
to attend in sufficient numbers to justify the costs involved to stage the shows, given the social
distancing and other regulations that will be in force.  Let alone how they are to manage the logistics
needed to meet the enhanced marshalling, nor how to safely provide the basic facilities that new
guidance will require, and should anything go wrong, as someone is always deemed to be at fault these
days, of being sued. Not an easy choice!
 
DfT: (Department for Transport): On 1st February tyres that are over ten years old are banned from
use on steering axles on HGV's and PSV (Heavy Goods and Public Service Vehicles), and, although
the regulations are now in force, the FBHVC are working to further clarify the regulations.  Of most
interest to members is probably how VHIs (Vehicles of historic interest) are affected by this regulation. Frankly, as with many government edicts the regulations are not easy to understand so I asked Lindsey Irvine who is the Legislation Director for the FBHVC for guidance.  The Federation is extremely active
on our behalf and I am indebted to have received this comprehensive and helpful reply from Lindsey
which is reproduced in full below. 
 
 
Vehicles of Historic interest.
 
I am sorry that my articles on the new tyre requirement still left some area for doubt. I have to confess
I still have to consult my crib sheet to ensure the subtleties of the testing legislation and tyre
requirements are distinguished. There is some more updated guidance here on the FBHVC website : https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/commerical-vehicle-tyres-age
 
Tyres first.
 
The decision to ban tyres 10 years or older on the front steering axles of HGVs, buses, coaches, and
trailers has been enacted into law by amendments to the Construction and Use Regulations[1]. Firstly,
they apply to HGVs (i.e. goods vehicle with a maximum gross weight exceeding 3,500 kg) less than
40 years old. Secondly, they do not apply to vehicles of historic interest (VHI) unless that vehicle is
used for commercial purposes.
 
A "vehicle of historical interest" in this context means a vehicle which is considered to be of historical interest to Great Britain and:
 
a.which was manufactured or registered for the first time at least 40 years ago;
 
b.is of a type no longer in production (as defined in EU Regulations); and
 
c.has been historically preserved or maintained in its original state and has not undergone substantial changes in the technical characteristics of its main components.
 
As my column sought to explain, this means that HGVs older than 40 years but registered after 1960
(and not substantially changed) will not have to comply by law with the new tyre date requirements. However, there is no change to the requirement that they are still subject to MOT testing whether
or not used commercially.[2] 
 
Commercial Use
 
"Commercial use" in the context of HGVs (i.e. over 3.5 tonnes) is best defined as carriage for hire or
reward, or in connection with any trade or business carried on as set out in the Goods vehicle
(Licensing of Operators) Act 1995. If the VHI, as defined above, is carrying a tractor for hire or reward
it will be a business or commercial use and have to comply with the tyre regulations; if post 1960,
the HGV will have to be tested in any event. If the post 1960 HGV is not carrying the tractor for
hire or reward (e.g. it is the tractor owner's own vehicle) it will need testing but not have to comply
with the 10 year old tyre rule. (Although as you recognise and as the FBHVC website states, the
tyres need to be regularly checked.)
 
Older VHI and Testing
 
If the transporter is a pre-1960 HGV it is normally exempt from MOT. However, it will be subject to a
test even if undertaking this for free or is the owner's own vehicle.[3] Again it will not be subject to
the tyre rule unless carrying the tractor under a commercial arrangement.
 
 
VED
 
Though you have not referred to Vehicle Excise Duty in the context of your question, I should also set
out a reminder that any commercial use of an historic vehicle affects its nil band historic VED
 
[1] The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
2 HGV Inspection Manual https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/
951705/hgv-inspection-manual-from-1-february-2021.pdf
3 (The Goods Vehicle (Plating and Testing Regulations) 1988 Schedule 2 para 30 requires the vehicle
and trailer to be unladen in order to be exempt from testing))
 
 

FFA AGM

 
Following a 'Zoom' meeting of your Committee and encouraging news of a gradual return to events,
we hope the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show will go ahead in November. If it does, we
plan to hold our delayed AGM at the show; further details will follow as soon as available.
 
Whilst ratification of our accounts is required at the AGM, a summary can be found on our website.
This confirms an increase in membership and an encouraging level of merchandise sales, though the
only show attended during the year was at Malvern in February.
 
With the exception of stationery/postage and insurance costs, all expenditure was reduced considerably
and provided us with a positive excess of income over expenditure of £5,672.
 
Your continued support during lockdown has been wonderful and the influx of new memberships quite surprising - a total of 62 - all of which has provided a solid basis for the future of the Association.
Thank you.
 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - FFA Membership/Subscription Renewal
 
You will only be a member of the Association and receive the Ford and Fordson Tractors magazine,
if you renew your subscription through the Club.  If you subscribe VIA KELSEY PUBLISHING, you will
not be a member of the association, although you will receive the magazine.
We are ambitious to maintain and increase our membership level and will always remind you via email
or letter that your renewal is due, immediately after you have received the last issue of your current subscription.
Your prompt reply is appreciated as we often have 150-200 renewals for an issue of the magazine,
and it is quite a task to ensure we sign everyone up for a further twelve months.
We are delighted to say we now have a card facility for payment purposes, a welcome addition to our payment options. The direct debit arrangement with GoCardless remains popular, as do bank transfers
and cheque payments, but it is entirely your choice
We look forward to your continuing support.  Keith and Jane Broomhall
 
 
Welcome to John Maiden, the FFA's new representative for Dorset
 
John lives in Wimborne and his occupations include signwriting and deer
management; he is also a Dorset magistrate so please make sure your tractors
are roadworthy!
 
  His love of tractors is well known in his local area where he started and helps to
run     the "East Dorset Trac Pack", a group of 160 members with a mixture of
blue, red,
and grey vintage tractors, who would usually meet bi-weekly at a local pub.
The group is popular within the community and, despite lockdown, they were
able
   to arrange three tractor runs in Wimborne and the surrounding villages during
2020.
 
A favourite with the Trac Pack is the annual Christmas parade in favour of Save
the Children and they often attend events organised by other associations.
  John is a big Ford fan, since changing tractors two years ago, and enjoys the
friendly rivalry between the various makes within the Club; he owns a 1966 Ford Pre-force  3000. He says he particularly loves the Ford styling, simple engineering,
and parts     availability.  Also, that if Ford tractor underpants were made, he
would probably wear them! A believer of 'if it's not blue, she'll not do! A new product for
our range of merchandise perhaps?
As with all vintage tractor enthusiasts, John cannot wait for shows and events to recommence.
 
 

Your News:

 
Martin Carley reports on the progress Miguel Davis is making with his Dexta in France: I am gradually
moving on with my Dexta. You will probably realise that 'originality' is not where I am coming from,
but I have made a start on the electrical side and am pleased to say the tractor now starts. I have
added a battery isolator for safety and changed the polarity so that the Dexta now has a negative
earth which is necessary because I will do away with the dynamo and fit a new alternator that is on
order. I shall be starting the wiring for the instruments next weekend and I'm waiting more parts from Agriline; hopefully they will arrive soon.
 
 
Roy Cowgill's Ford 5610 Narrow:
 
  I first laid eyes on this quite rare Ford 5610 narrow tractor when attending the Newark Tractor Show
in November 2019, when it was up for auction on the sale field, but decided against buying it due to
too many other projects which were on the go at that time.
   
 
A few weeks later when speaking to the owner the subject of the 5610 came up and we did a deal
for the tractor to come home to Ayrshire, much to the dismay of my family.  First impressions were
the cab had to come off, it was a bit rough and had no head room and while looking quite sturdy was
only sittting on the wings and the footplates so not very secure. So off it came and after a short
test run the list of tasks required was collated:-
 
         1. Repairing the seized handbrake.
         2. Moving the exhaust outlet from just under the near side footstep (which did a great job of            keeping the midgies away but was not so good for the driver). So I moved this to the more
               usual 5610 position at the front of the left hand bonnet.
         3. Next was to sort the steering which required 8 turns lock to lock and was not helped by the
               very worn track rod ends.
         4. The rear link arms had been broken and rewelded and were rattling about at every 
               connection point with the tractor.
         5. Electrical wiring had been fabricated using domestic electrical cord and was shorting in
               places.
 
So on to the handbrake repair which required the rear wheels to be removed - and a note of caution - always check the rear wheels are not full of water as these were, some 450kg in each so this had
to be removed first so the wheel could be handled safely. Once the wheel was removed the brake
linkage, which is completely different to a normal Ford, was removed and the shafts freed off and
lubricated before refitting.  Moving the exhaust was easier with a manifold change and an additional
hole cut in the bonnet to bring the exhaust to the vertical position in line with standard 5610's.
The steering arm from the steering box had been shortened, so by fitting a s/h arm bought from Neills Tractor Spares the number of turns was back to normal and the replacement of the track rod ends gave
a positive steering once again. When working on the axle the pivot bearings on each king pin were also replaced.
 
The rear link arms were removed and a new pair were bought but the only ones available were straight
so I had to take them to an industrial press to have them bent to match the angles of the originals.
All the pivot points were rebushed, the lift links were freed off and a new bearing fitted to the levelling
box. When I was working on the linkage no drawbar was fitted to the tractor so I decided to fit a
10 series pick up hitch / swinging drawbar which became quite a challenge as the lift arms coming
off the cross shaft are straight and so are closer into the centre of the tractor than a standard  tractor,
this required the cantillver brackets to be changed to allow everything to clear as is shown in the
photgraph. The hydraulic hoses and couplings had to be changed from a horizontal layout to a vertical position again for clearance.
 
The electrical wiring was so bad nothing could be saved so it was easier to start from scratch. The wiring harness is in three bits:-
 
1st  the front section from the multi plug in the front of the tank, forward to the lights, horn, air cleaner
      valve, alternator and starter.
2nd section everything around the instrument panel ;- instruments , switches, indicators, fuses,
       connectors to the front and the rear harnesses.
3rd  rear loom to each wing , trailer socket, brakelight switch , and number plate light.
 
      Section 2  the instrument section I found a brand new original from 3275roberts on Ebay. With
      this in place it was a fairly simple task to joint at the multi plug and fit the 1st.front section to it 
      using a spare ford 5000 loom converted to an alternator lay out.The section 3 the rear loom was
      nearly all there and only required some repairs to get it all working.
 
While I had intended to keep the paintwork original it was not possible due to the damage to the wings
and the instrument /tank cowal because of the cab movements. With the cowlling and the wiring etc removed the opportunity was taken to respray the whole unit. As everyone knows, when undertaking a project like this, the list of tasks continues to grow all the way through. The safety isolator switch failure. The position control lever had a missing knob which, on investigation, was down to the lever being
made out of half a ring spanner!. I still have a couple of jobs to do, one of which the sharp eyed
readers will have seen, the two bars sticking up from the top of the steering arm on each wheel which
I believe were used to fit font mud guards, I have left them on for now and may fit some new ones
later to reduce the spray during road runs.  A new set of tyres is also on the pending list, but not
now as these are in good enough condition.
 
 
 

Martin Carley asks if anyone knows the fate of the Pinewood Dexta's:  

 
As part of my duties as a newly appointed 'Scene man' whilst at the BBC in 1964, I would go to
pinewood studios to collect scenery that BBC designers had ordered to be built into their sets.
My job was to collect and then once the programme was finished, to make sure that the hired scenery
was safely returned.
 
Whilst at the pinewood scene dock I saw several Delta's; they were used to tow trailers around the
various stages. These tractors were very basic, and were as far as I can recollect, without hydraulics.  What I would like to know is, what happened to these tractors? Where did they go and does anyone
know if any of them still exist? 
 
 
 

Graham Farmer's labour of love during lockdown: 

 
Graham, who hails from Somerset, has spent lockdown hard at work transforming his latest projects
and has added five more tractors to his ever-growing collection. The condition of the tractors varied considerably but all were stripped, shot blasted, resprayed and reassembled with new parts, panels and tyres.
 
First a New Performance Super Dexta arrived in December 2019 from Matt Young
in Tavistock. Followed in January by a Pre-Force Ford 5000, purchased unseen on-line from Mid Wales.
Next was a Pre-Force Ford 4000 requiring a lot of TLC. after a phone call from Leonard Bartlett of
Honiton who was selling his ex-yard scraper tractor, seen here as received and transformed.
     
 
 
Graham's search for a Pre-Force Ford 3000 was a brief one, thanks to George French and within a
couple of days a deal was done. Most recently a Pre-Force Ford 2000 followed with its original seat!  Speaking with Jim Farrant, Graham mentioned his quest to find a 2000. Coincidentally his partner Sue had seen one advertised on Facebook at Redditch.  Graham bought it over the phone and two weeks later
they went together to fetch the tractor. His Pre-Force collection is now complete.
 
Lastly, Graham decided to give his 1957 Fordson Major Diesel a birthday treat; the tractor was
purchased from a friend around twenty years ago, the established restoration formula was followed.
All parts were primarily sourced from Colin Perryman of Cornwall and Sparex.
 
 

Possible forthcoming events: 

 
The future is uncertain but the first events being planned to early July include;
 
Whitwell Steam & Country Fair: 26 - 7 July        
 
Flyde Vintage Steam & Farm Show: 3 - 4 July.  Do check with the organisers
 
Pink Ladies Ride Again 4th July
 
 

Finally:

 
Fordson Super Major Combine  D.T.61: from a brochure kindly sent to me by Brian Dye.  I have no idea
how successful it was but it really does look the business.  Translating the brochure with considerable
help from Google, it claims to be well equipped, for its time, the cutter bar had a conventional auger
and hydraulic controls for both the height of cut and for the pickup real.  The drum was fitted with
five rasp bars and had a concave with 'sliding' dehorning plate and stone trap. 
 
Cleaning was by three straw walkers mounted on crank shafts, a frogmouth sieve with an
interchangeable one below and a returns system with rubber flap , roller chain conveyor.  Interestingly
it had full electrics and makes great point of saying that there are no crossed belts,  and that it is a standard tractor. However the claim that two men could mount it on the tractor in a day, given
France's love of long lunch breaks sounds a little farfetched to me. It would be interesting to know
if any survive and how well they performed.

Read more ...2021 July

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2021 May

FTC February 2021 for Issue 102 (Apr/May 2021)

The vaccination programme has started and appears to be going well, giving us all real hope that life will return to normal. I am very fortunate as I have already had my first inoculation, when the second one will be offered is anyone's guess, but I am very grateful to have had the first.  The organisation at the local centre was faultless, it was largely manned by volunteers who were helpful, friendly and doing a splendid job.  The day I went they were one clinician down and even then, my 'jab' was only about five minutes late; excellent and I suffered absolutely no adverse reaction or any other ill effects!
 
 
DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency): Covid has affected the Agency's operations just as it has all else.
  News about discussions on various matters that the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) of which we are a member, have been holding with the DVLA have consequently been delayed. Full, reports are available in issues of FBHVC's 'News'.
 
 
Registrations:
there are no tractor events but judging by the number of registration enquiries I receive you are busy in your sheds.  I started helping members to register their vehicles some eight years ago and last year received twice as many enquiries as any previous year and so far, this year is running at the same level.
 
Before Covid struck the DVLA's turn round time, if everything was in order, could be as little as five working days from their receiving your application, but it appears to be much longer now.  There have been reports in the national press of serious staff shortages due to illness, I'm afraid we must be patient. 
 
NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals):
 
The FBHVC have highlighted that the requirement to provide one was changed in February last year; they conclude that this was probably to 'close some loophole that was being exploited to avoid the payment of VAT.'  The new regulation includes any registration for a vehicle ….'purchased in the UK which is unregistered or has had a break in registration'…. 
 
The FBHVC's suspected reason for the change is probably correct, as I have had very few members, who have applied for retained or age-related registrations, contact me asking for advice because their application has been refused for this reason.  Perhaps this is not really surprising as most tractors and Fordson vehicles were produced in the UK and there is no VAT issue with these.
 
 
From our Members:
 
Lower Nithsdale Young Farmers Club hosted its first tractor road run on Sunday 1st November:  report from Willie West.  Organised by club chairman Colin McKinnon and Alana McDougall, and with many months of careful planning coming together, 98 tractors, 1 loading shovel and a truck covered the twenty-six-mile route. 
 
 
The event raised over £2000 shared between the YFC and to provide an interactive table to assist dementia patients in the Glencairn ward of Midpark hospital, Dumfries.  A great, albeit wet, day was had by all, with many classic Ford and modern New Hollands taking part.
 
 
Gerard Schoenmakers creates a Roadless 'Ploughmaster 6/2 
 
 
Gerard has supported the Ford & Fordson Association for many years in his native Netherlands often visiting us in the U K with his charming wife Ineke.  He is a keen ploughman, organising matches, and a talented engineer.
 
He writes:
Last year was a year to forget as there was nothing to do with the tractors and I fear that this year is going to be the same. All shows and ploughing matches until June have been postponed, but let's hope the second half will be better; I have my doubts.
 
So, what to do?  Why not build a tractor that was never for sale in the UK or on mainland Europe - the Roadless Ploughmaster 6/2, a 2-wheel drive version of the 6/4.  My information is that there is only one in the UK, the rest, twenty-three tractors, where delivered to Mexico for working at high altitude.
 
There is no internet information about this tractor, so I sent an email to John Bownes owner of Roadless and other people too, but nothing, so I decided to build the tractor according to the 6/4 specification but with 2-wheel drive.
 
The project is coming along well, the engine a Ford E 590, the backend from a 1964 Super Major are ready.  I only need to manufacture a flywheel and undertake a couple of repairs on the sheet metal.  Then comes the best part, putting it all together, I gave her a nice set of 38inch back wheels and 900 x 16 on the front.  Hopefully, it will be finished this summer and I plan to take her to the Dutch FFA ploughing match that is, if they allow us to hold it.
 
 
The Swinging Sixties - Part 2 from Andrew Green: 
As I write this on a late January afternoon, during Lockdown 3, the birds are singing, the snowdrops are out and even a very odd primrose shows itself in a sheltered place in our lane. The harbinger of Spring says he, hopefully. Maybe Mother Nature knows something that the human race doesn't since it will carry on normally where some of our brethren don't seem to want to adopt this philosophy! However, life will go on but, as I write, the dates for Shows, Festivals, Events or Fetes that have been planned in the diary for this year seem to be slipping on forward or cancelled. Not good news for organisers or participants.
 
Last time, I wrote about the 6X pre-force thousand series tractors, but realise that I only skimmed the surface. I deliberately didn't try to get too technical and I talked about our own practical experiences on our family home farm in Oxfordshire. So, this time I will move onto the Force 6Y range which was brought out in April 1968 as a seriously improved, world beating series still based on the 2000 through to the 5000 models. The two smaller tractors had unchanged engines but the 4000 now developed 62hp and the 5000 bored out to produce 75hp. All the models carried simplified bonnets, new nose cones, revamped grilles and new exhaust silencers.
 
 
It was a very successful update and it lifted Ford tractors to be best sellers for many years. Initially these new engines still retained the big canister type oil filters which I quite liked, you had to be good at getting the O ring carefully seated but these were changed soon after to the spin-on type cartridge which made life so much easier.
 
On our farm, the new Force 4000 tractors replaced the earlier models and we also traded out the red ones. Yes, we had 4 of these at one time and, to be fair, they were a very good versatile tractor on which I spent many hours in my younger days with jobs like corn carting, potato planting, fertiliser spreading, spraying and lots of trailer work being carried out.
 
 
One of these MF 135s was kept as it needed to be used as the power unit on our Standen self- propelled sugar beet harvester. Up until late 1970, we were still fitting the Lambourn weather cabs but after that date we were legally bound to fit safety cabs and any new tractor after that date had the Ford Fieco safety cab fitted as standard. Yes, it was a great comfort to operators to feel that they would be saved in the case of an accident but gosh, weren't they noisy!! We just didn't fully appreciate the long-term damage to our hearing that was the side effect of this new working environment. The deluxe cab option provided some sound proofing, but rear glass and metal hinged enclosures seemed to make the problem worse, particularly so when the tractor was working hard on PTO work. Full air conditioning was provided by removing the cab doors, partial by opening the side windows and the rear panels. Ear defenders were worn but they were poor things compared with today's products. These safety cabs came at a cost with a Force 4000 rising in price from a base cost of £1066 in June 1968 to £1450 in September 1970. Our very first 5000 arrived in January 1975 and this was the start of the trend to more powerful tractors arriving on farms, the cost of this being a list price of £3350 including all the extras. One forgets how prices were rising very rapidly during these years and as an example the 4000 doubled in price from £1668 in June 1971 to £3332 in July 1975.
 
The move to more horsepower was answered by the arrival of the Ford 7000 tractor in December 1971 at the Smithfield Show. It was basically a beefed up 5000 engine with a turbocharger fitted to produce 94hp. The tractor was fitted with Load Monitor which was an enhanced hydraulic draft control system, an assistor ram, deluxe cab, and power steering all as standard, priced at £2748. It certainly looks impressive with its' tall air cleaner and a unique exhaust silencer. This model became very successful and has now obtained iconic status, being very popular and highly prized with collectors today.
 
Back to our farm and I would like to include some photos of the Force tractors. They were used in many different roles and I have picked out a few which I hope will be of interest.
 
 
There is a pretty picture of the whole pre cabbed Force range, haymaking using a NH 276 baler and Farmhand accumulator which was fine when it worked properly, Ford DAB loader plus a flat 8 grab, drilling spring barley with a MF29 drill and an interesting front mounted Curlight Industries 30cwt forklift attachment fitted to a standard 4000 but obviously with power steering and oversized front wheels.
 
You had to make sure you kept the oil reservoir topped-up, but it was a radical development to material handling in the early 70s, brilliant for 30 cwt fertiliser pallets, seeds and potatoes. We kept it for many years even after the first JCB telescopic arrived.
 
 
Nostalgia and memories are big business these days and it got me thinking when I came across a TV programme called Bangers and Cash
on the Heritage Channel.
 
It's quite entertaining about a family of Auctioneers in Yorkshire who hold regular auctions selling cars, some tractors and lorries, memorabilia etc.  It makes you wonder why I sold my old Ford Escort or my Ford 7600 tractor when it was time to move them on, why didn't I keep them? For most of us it's a case of needing to trade the old one in to afford the replacement, or put very simply you needed the money, it's called reality! The other problem is shed storage space. 
 
That's all for now and as I usually say, keep well, look after yourselves, your loved ones and each other and use your common sense, KBO!  Keep in touch: - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Devon FFA rep.
 
 
Ian West the FFA's new representative in Canada introduces himself:
 
 
Greetings from here at a balmy minus 23C.  In renewing my Ford & Fordson 2021 subscription this past week I was approached by Membership Secretary Keith Broomhall as to whether I'd be interested in representing the club here in Canada and on reflection, thought why not, so, a bit about myself,
 
My wife Linda and I reside on a 310-acre grain and hay farm in Westlock County, an hour or so Northwest of Edmonton. Our machinery is predominantly Ford New Holland with a token amount of that other brand which is green in colour. I've always had an affinity for the Ford brand from growing up in Ireland and an appreciation for the quality engineering, handling characteristics and overall ownership satisfaction. Currently I own five Ford & Fordson tractors comprising a 1947 E27N Gasoline (unrestored), 1953 Ford NAA Jubilee, 1961 Fordson Super Major, 1975 Ford 8600, 1986 Ford 4610 FWD Low profile, c/w Ford 776 FEL.
In 2011 I purchased a New Holland TM130 equipped with an Alo Q980 FEL primarily to replace the Ford 8600 which at the time had in excess of 10.000hrs.and required a major engine overhaul, more about this in a later article.
 
My Ford story---I'll begin with my newest "Classic"-the 4610.  This is by far my favourite Ford tractor of all the tractors I've owned and operated.
 
Ian's trusty Ford 4610 still in use here on snow clarence duties.
 
It was purchased new in 1986, replacing a Case/David Brown 1490 which qualifies as my worst purchase of all time. At the time we operated a 140 Sow, Farrow to Finish, Irrigation farm near Lethbridge in Southern Alberta, about an hour north of the US border. The 4610 came equipped with a Ford 776F- QA (Quick attach) front loader and was the sole tractor for that first year, 8 speed column shift synchro transmission. It was used in all aspects of the operation exclusive of field cultivation which was handled by a rental unit initially. Its most arduous task was pulling a 2100gal. vacuum tanker, the only deficiencies were a light swinging drawbar which was rectified by the addition of a support off the upper top link bracket, and the overall braking capacity when pulling ten tons.  Road travel was minimal for such loading so overall safety wasn't compromised unduly.  The pig operation was sold in 1997 and after a short hiatus we purchased the present farm in November 1998 with our first crop planted the next Spring of 1999. The 4610 is still a key component in the operation mainly during hay season when it's the favoured power source for a New Holland 499 Mower conditioner.  This is a 12ft. double sickle bar unit and was purchased in preference to a disc mower, which would require much more power and, if needed, can be run with the 8600. Previously the 4610 and loader was used to stack round bales but since the purchase of the TM New Holland has become the tractor of choice for double decking on transport lorries with the 5 x 6 round bales weighing 13 to 18cwt. The 4610 has been literally trouble free with the exception of a head gasket leak during the first year of ownership which was taken care of under warranty and a failed output steering shaft which happened in November. This shaft proved to be difficult to get as it was no longer available through the New Holland dealership network. Fortunately, it was sourced through an Irish recycler.  My late father had a saying …'If it's worth having, it's worth looking after'… a philosophy I believe in as it particularly relates to regular maintenance. Not bad in upwards of 4400 hours with only maintenance items I consider.  I include a couple of photos of the tractor equipped with a John Deere 8ft. rear blade which was the method of snow removal up until recently when a heated cab and an 8ft. loader bucket on the TM New Holland became the preferred choice during temperatures which can range as low as minus 40C.
 
At present I am a member and Secretary of our local Westlock Vintage Tractor & Machinery club, a club entering its 30th year. The club boasts some 55 members and is affiliated with the Canadian Tractor Museum, a world class facility founded in 2002, it can be viewed either on You Tube or Facebook.  As with any organization currently, our meeting and activities are at a standstill due to Covid. I anticipate being able to feature the Ford & Fordson exhibits from the museum at a later date, together with other Provincial shows and my remaining Ford products.  In the meantime, keep appreciating all those marvellous Blue Fords and stay safe.
 
 
Finally:
 
It is with sadness we report that Gianfranco Bisson, the Club's long time Italian representative has died; our sympathies are extended to his wife and family. 
 
The Wonderfull, Freindly, Generous and Loved by All that knew him Mr. Gianfranco Bisson
 
 
Peter Godwin the FFA's former chairman, who knew him well, tells us of the man and their friendship. 
 
I first met Gianfranco Bisson at the Belvoir Castle Ford and Fordson gathering with his son Francesco.  We quickly formed a friendship, his enthusiasm for all things Ford related became obvious.  He later invited Rob Rushen Smith and me to Italy, where we spent a fascinating weekend as his guests, and he showed us his amazing collection of Ford and Fordson Tractors and Cars (over the years Gianfranco imported many second-hand Ford Tractors from Ernest Doe in England).  It became apparent that he had a considerable Ford Car and Tractor franchise in Northern Italy. 
 
The Bisson family's association with Ford went back to the 1920's; Gianfranco took over the business at the age of 24 after his father's untimely death, the youngest main agent for Ford in Italy.  There then began a most successful and fruitful partnership between Bisson Auto and the Ford Motor Company.  He was the biggest Ford Tractor dealer in Italy. With the demise of Ford Tractor operations, the company expanded their car franchises, today being one of the largest Ford car dealers in Italy. 
 
Gianfranco was a wonderfully cultured gentleman with a great appreciation for Italian opera, particularly Puccini who lived in his area.  He leaves behind his wife and three sons all of whom are deeply committed to the Bisson auto business.  As the Ford and Fordson Association's representative he followed the club with great interest and I am delighted to know that his son, Francesco, will continue to represent the Club in Italy.
 
His collection of Ford Tractors included many rare examples including a Russian built Standard Fordson and a Fordson Dexta four cylinder, of which there are known to be less than 50; they were built exclusively in Italy.  One of the finest restored collections it has ever been my pleasure to see. 
 
Ernie says:
 
Below is a link to the 2011 Origiano in Piazza Tractor Show that myself and Hazel together with Peter and his wife Julie, were invited to attend. A Fanstastic yearly event organised by Ginfranco..... Mr. Fordson of Italy
 

Read more ...2021 May

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