Ford 8N clutch

You might recognize this tractor, it's the 1952 8N that went through the ice last winter. I just replaced the carb on it (Chinese import, sigh) and had yet to make the mixture adjustments. So because I needed a tractor for another task, this seemed like a good time to do it. I stepped on the clutch pedal- which didn't feel right- and started the engine. I let it idle a minute to get the oil where it needs to go, and put it into first gear, Grunch! and I was moving. I hadn't released the clutch, Akk! Had to scramble to shut the engine off before I ran into something. Crisis averted, I had to figure out what was going on. 

 The pedal kind of mushes to the floorboard without releasing, but pretty much everything is hidden inside the bellhousing, the tractor has to be split to see inside. May as well do it!

First support the front half on blocks, the rear on a trolley jack. Battery out and remove seven bell housing bolts. 

Tip up and prop up the hood, remove one end of the radius rods and tie rods. 

Remove the exhaust pipe clamp, coil wire,  throttle and governor rods, hour meter cable and an oil line.

Pry the two halves apart about 6-8 inches and a look inside shows the throwout bearing is OK. The clutch comes off the flywheel with six bolts and- about after about an hour of working inefficiently...there's the problem- the rivets have sheared on the disc and the plate comes out in bits.  If it is original, it's lasted 68 years. 

One of the nice things about this model tractor is that most parts are still available, and a new plate has been ordered. 

Raleigh 20 Folder

A friend dropped by, she had just picked up a nice little folding bike. It's in great shape and came complete with a period plaid vinyl zippered bag on the carrier. Even the original dealer sticker is in good shape. Bloor Cycle used to be THE big bicycle dealer in the city. 

The Raleigh 20 was a very popular model built in both folding and non-folding versions from 1968 to 1984.  Easy to mount and dismount, its small size made it an ideal short range.

Architectural Observations

This unusual structure is located near Embrun, Ontario. From a distance I guessed it might be a modern church- modern as in the 1960s or 70s. But no it is a just a barn with additions. I didn't ask anyone but I could guess the conversation that resulted in this unique structure. 

"We need room, have to build a bigger barn."

"Hmmm,  Bob on the next concession has a empty Quonset building , we could buy that and maybe erect it beside the existing barn?"

"I have a better idea.... hold my beer."

Streetview

We used to make things in this country #313, Wagner Electric

This motor was found buried in the mud at a dumpsite in Arizona, cleaned up and plugged in, it ran perfectly. In these days of integrally manufactured devices, motors like this have much less value than they used to. Surplus motors often found their way into home shops as power for grinders, lathes and other tools. 

  Wagner Electric was founded in 1891 at St Louis, where they made motors and electrical equipment. The Canadian branch of the company was acquired by Sangamo in 1910, the factory was located on Adelaide St. W. Toronto, probably at Stafford Ave. Space was soon at a premium and a new building was bought, located at 183 George St, Toronto, During the second World War, with production again running at full speed, more space was required and the company was able to relocate on Laird avenue in Leaside, a new industrial and residential subdivision of Toronto. The company grew, expanding to 180,000 sq. ft. and employing 825 people.

In 1970 the Sangamo motor business was purchased by Prestolite who moved the company to Guelph. 

50 years of Sangamo history book here.

Guelph Museums

Thanks, Gary!

Priestman Bros Ltd Modified Gun Carrier Steam Grab

A fine example of the swords to ploughshares concept, surplus WW1 tanks are fitted with a derrick and are used for cleaning up ruined cities.

Bryant X705 Monoplane

An entry for the 1927 Dole air races, the twin-tail two-120 hp engine tractor/pusher-configuration aircraft crashed on a test flight in August 1927.  The pilot bailed out, made it past the rear propeller but his chute got caught on the tail and he was carried to his death. 

Standard Chart of Axe Patterns

Before modern manufacturing and distribution systems, unique axe head shapes developed in the different regions of the USA. In about 1900 the axe makers association decided to organize the many hundreds of axe heads being manufactured and created a "Standard Chart of Axe Patterns". I wonder how many are left today.

Allan Klenman, Axe Makers of North America, Canada Whistle Punk Books.1990

Machine gun Monday, Nambu Experimental Type 2 Model B

Apparently this odd looking Japanese "rapid fire pistol" was designed prewar by rifle manufacturer Kijiro Nambu, firing the 8 x 22 pistol round. It was originally fitted with a 50 round magazine from the Type 1 but the mag size was reduced to 30 as shown below. It was rejected by the Japanese military, so did not reach production and it seems that only about 50 were built. 
More here.

Sidecar Sunday

Swallow Gadabout with sidecar...

Swallow Gadabout Scooter

The Swallow Sidecar company started business in the twenties, they later expanded into cars under the SS name- changed to Jaguar after the war. For some reason in 1946 they also introduced the Gadabout scooter- about the same time the Vespa was introduced. 
Power was provided by a Villiers 125 cc engine, giving a top speed of about 35 mph. It was not that successful, about 2000 were made in total.