[lewis onions]

Good Morning Martin

There are a number of pictures showing Scott Machine Gun outfits in Imperial Russia here:

https://riders.drivemag.com/news/world-war-i-motorcycles-in-the-russian-empire-iconic-photos

I emailed the site owners some time ago asking permission to reproduce them in Yowl but never received a reply. I would like to obtain further information as it is unclear when the photos were taken – although obviously prior to the 1917 Revolution – and I have little other information concerning the deployment of Scott Machine guns to Russia. I assume that those shown were some of those which were originally sent to France in 1914/15 with the Motor Machine Gun Service. The MMGS was amalgamated into the Machine Gun Corps in October 1915 so my best guess is that the photos are from 1916.

Regards, Lewis.

[lewis onions]

Thanks Brian, that’s settled my ideas. The catalogue refers to petroflex tubing but I am not sure that I have ever seen this used – most examples having the usual copper tubing. I remember that you used braided fuel and oil lines on the bike you brought to the Gathering last Autumn. What’s your view on petroflex? Was it used and then replaced with copper when necessary because it was expensive or not as permanent a fix as copper?

[lewis onions]

Thanks Richard – I had been looking at the photographs of Roger’s machine published in Titch Allen’s Vintage Road Test book and it did appear to me to be pin-striping and gold rather than white. I guess the old adage applies – no two Scott motorcycles were the same!

[lewis onions]

Thanks Paul.

I had forgotten about the pieces in Technicalities. A quick look at the distinguishing features articles by Jack Dodds answered my query – he first stated black with white panels and diamond lined in red but corrected that by saying that they had black tanks with white lining but the black/white tank was an alternative. I guess I can take my pick. The pictures in one of the Scott Selections (can’t remember which one) show the black tank without panels but I couldn’t make out what the lining was from a black and white photograph.

Another thing is the mounting of the pilgrim pump. Jack Dodds suggests that the pump was always on the crankcase door – I seem to remember from somewhere that on early TT Reps the pump was mounted on the magneto. This seems to have been the case on the bike I am dealing with.

Lots to be getting on with !

Thanks again.

[lewis onions]

Despite welcome positive responses from some members we are still a little short of machines for exhibit at the show. If anyone is available to exhibit, please let me know as soon as possible. Parking passes and free admission are available for all those assisting.

Prizes are awarded for machines exhibited.

We also need members to man the stand on Saturday and Sunday and anyone helping in this way will also receive free entry and (subject to priority for exhibitors) may receive a parking pass.

Further details are in Richard’s post below.

[lewis onions]

Next time Nigel, although it looks like we might have to wait sometime for another day like it !

[lewis onions]

Sorry on two counts Mike.

Firstly for my continuing failure to attend Midlands Section meetings – I am afraid that all my Tuesday nights are spent in Nuneaton waiting for my daughter to finish with spear-chucking (javelin) training. Once she has left home, can drive or has retired from competition I will attend, I promise. I used to enjoy negotiating the M42 on my 1947 Flyer (once with failing lights ) or the Birmingham as well as the meetings , once when I was a free person.

Secondly my use of the S-word was not meant to be serious. Nigel is simply the closest Scott owner to me (at least since Dave Thomas sold his flyer) and so far as I am aware there are now no others in the borough. The North Warwickshire section would comprise two members.

On a serious note the question of Sections is intentionally dealt with quite loosely in the Club’s articles:

13. Any group of members of the Club may form a Local Section which may organize meetings and events provided that the Local Section shall at all times further and promote the objects of the Club and does not act in any way in breach if the articles. Any such Local Section shall elect from their number by simple majority a Local Section Secretary who shall announce and report on Local Section activities in the Club Magazine. All members of the Club shall be entitled to participate in the activities of the Local Sections.

It is almost a matter of whenever two or more Scott owners shall be together ….

Thanks for your care of the Midlands Section and please excuse me for appearing to be indifferent.

[lewis onions]

Never had the problem – but then again I’ve never ridden up a gravel path. I think that there used to be a problem with trouser legs getting sucked into the carb mouth on two-speeders and occasionally you see a wire guard added to avoid this but even those guards would not stop anything but a large pebble. As a two-speeder’s carb. inlet is more exposed than the one on your bike (as the two speeder’s carb is mounted to the side of the engine) I think you can assume that gravel in the carb is not a common problem . I cannot recall ever seeing an air filter on a vintage Scott but if you must I suggest that a piece of wire gauze soldered in the bell mouth would be appropriate. Not sure whether it might not affect the performance though.

Good news about the pilgrim pump. Not long until the good weather now and then we can start the North Warwickshire section with an evening ride-out to an appropriate hostelry!!

[lewis onions]

Are you using it off-road or on gravel paths, then ?

[lewis onions]

A timely question, Brian. I received the email from Mortons inviting us to attend yesterday. The show is on 21 and 22 April .

When the Committee met last month we decided to commit to the show and ask members for assistance in running the stand and providing exhibits. Members who can bring a machine to exhibit will need to deliver to Stafford on Friday 20 April or early on the Saturday morning. Exhibits must be collected after 5.00 pm on the Sunday. In some cases we might be able to arrange collection.

Anyone who is able to assist should contact me as soon as possible. Are you able to provide any help Brian?

The event causes me a problem as it clashes with the Coventry to Brighton Run which I have entered. In previous years I have been able to fit in setting up the exhibits on Friday and collection on Sunday evening around the run – we’ll see.

[lewis onions]

Other makes of bike are always welcome, but perhaps this has not been actively promoted previously.

Crich tramway museum is undoubtedly a good venue but does not offer the accommodation, evening entertainment and secure overnight parking for bikes which is preferable for a weekend event.

[lewis onions]

Hi Paul
I intend to try to convert printed copies (PDF Form) into an amalgamated copy for posting on the website which will be searchable to an extent (but not linked to the relevant pages in the copy Yowls themselves – this is a technological/logistical step too far!). Photocopies or PDF versions will suffice.

Regards

[lewis onions]

Just to help with identification, I thought that I would post the accompanying photograph which shows an alternative view of the same bend.

[lewis onions]

Thanks Dave and Barrie and to everyone who attended on Sunday. I regret that the offer of free entry to the museum, great weather and a central location failed to prove sufficiently attractive to prompt more members to attend. Perhaps we need a serious re-consideration of what members really want from the Club.

[lewis onions]

This is the gear change unit I referred to – compared with the usual Scott/Velocette type in one of the pictures. The original lever was broken and repaired as shown.

download/file.php?mode=view&id=516

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