Great pics Ed, and the stencilling already stands out. PM12 appears to be identification, in Stuart Gibbard's Ford Tractor Story there's a Super Major stencilled SM7 (reg'd 551 WVW) and the Select-O-Speed Super Major has SPM7 (can't see its number plate). In pages 131 and 133, where you also see the Thames Trader drawbar loading car. The NP pre production tractors later en the book have slightly different identification. Very interesting that there was a prototype Dexta plate on there too. The head appears to have been replaced. Lemington heads weren't around till 61, they might have wanted to test one before they used them in production, possibly in conjunction with the minimec, I say this from the red oxide appearing to have been marked Rainham, a possible indication to the lorry driver. The exhaust looks like a factory Super Major one, no idea if it's actually original though. Looks to have a live clutch and self-indexing starter, presumably a Lucas 26185. Could the bonnet have trial American decals? Did it have a loader? I say that from the markings on the side channel and the 7.50-16 tyres (and possibly the PAS too). What kind of minimec is it? Strange that they used non scalloped wheels (if original). I can imagine the cleaning will be hard going, great to see it looking more like its former self. The new paint looks like Ford Tractor blue, completely unsuitable. The dynamo looks to be in an odd position. I suspect the engines (both S155459 and S204932) came straight from the industrial production line, no idea why they changed it. Talking of the possibility of a GM governor experiment, in Germany it seems GM governors were used in production and also 4.375 crown wheels for compliance with German regulations (I was hoping to post about it where someone had come across one but can't find it). German Dexta's seemed to be fitted with a different governor spring too.
Been doing more ploughing today, and just seen yet again how everything is better when proper work is being done! Two Major's in a field do a lot very quickly! Saw another Major in the distance yesterday, a very good looking NP. Hoping to get a better look at it soon.
Sandy
