Thought I'd share one of my first (or at least totally finished) projects that I started and finished last year. A Thwaites Alldig 100. I really love this little machine which incidently wrecked the rear axle recently - They are totally useless on anything wetter than moist tissue paper and there are major criticism's on useability of all aspects of the machine. They never made Thwaites millions and the concept was quickly enhanced and made better by other manufacturers. However as a dinky tool to mess around on and help collect the grass clippings or even dig the odd post hole its the right machine for me. I also love the colour which was very similar to JCB backhoe loaders at the time. The cab asthetics is the thing that gets most people talking - everybody that's seen it thinks the machine is from the 1970s because of the boring squareness of the cab.
The 3 cylinder perkins engine is so underpowererd that to change up into 3rd gear is only possible downhill, The backhoe levers are so short that you are left with the muscles in your hands throbbing after a half hour. The gear shift (clutch drive) is like an old JCB 3C between your knees and is a pain if you have to move it at all. The sideshift is held by 4 large bolts which are something you would never dream of loosening so it's kept in the same position 99% of the time. Using the loader is not pleasent with 3 levers to negotiate.
However I still love the machine as a collectors item just because it's one of those machines you would have loved as a kid - just the right size.
Hope you all enjoy the pictures.
Chris.
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