Varnished Machine--

[oldsledz]

Have been watching this forum for over a year and wishing I had a B-12 and finally i found one in Quebec a week ago.  The machine is a 1948 and was origninally a varnished  one.  It is now painted red and I want to get it back to the original finish.  My question is,  was the plywood birch or maple.  Can't seem to tell.  Great site,  thanks.

Frank Lowell
Newry,  Maine

[the old trucker]

  According to Cam McLean, he says the original frames were made from maple & the plywood used then was 1/4" birch. I'm not sure but I think he used a spar varnish on his machines.
  Do you have any pictures to show what she looks like now ??
   

[oldsledz]

Thanks Old Trucker.  I think it is birch.  I am not too good at getting photos on the site so bear with me.
       

Frank

[Averyman]

Welcome Frank..
My '51 B-12 is constructed with birch veneer over a maple frame. Outer finish is varnish with a deep red pinstriping.
Clarence

[the old trucker]

  Averyman, how thick is the veneer on your machine ? Your machine is original too, isn't it ?

[oldsledz]

Averyman--

Do you have any Photos??


Thanks.

Frank

[the old trucker]

  Old Sledz... if you look under narrow gauge you will find a post called Averyman's bombardier pictures. There's a couple there.

[oldsledz]

Thanks.



Frank

[Averyman]

The veneer on my machine is 1/4 inch - 3 ply. Yes, it is all origional, could use a refinishing job but I am hesitant to tamper with it because it has never been touched and the origional  pinstriping would be lost. What is the general feeling out there, refinish or leave it origional ? It is always shedded when not in use so is protected from the elements.

[oldsledz]

Thanks for the info.  Mine unfortunately was painted red sometime in the late sixties--at least best that I can tell.  I don't know if i can strip it or not.  I know I have to change the sheet that goes from the windshield the the crossmember just behind the driver's seat and most likely the 2 strips on each side of the radiator vent.  I may try some paint stripper instead of sanding it just because it is only 1/4" thick.

Thanks again..

[the old trucker]

Thanks Old Trucker.  I think it is birch.  I am not too good at getting photos on the site so bear with me.
      

Frank

  Frank if you like you can email me your pics & I'll put them on here for you.

[the old trucker]

  Here are a few pics of oldsledz's bomber. Good looking machine !!

   http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/img_0079.jpg

   http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/img_0084.jpg

   http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/img_0026.jpg

   http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/img_0001.jpg

[the old trucker]

Thanks for the info.  Mine unfortunately was painted red sometime in the late sixties--at least best that I can tell.  I don't know if i can strip it or not.  I know I have to change the sheet that goes from the windshield the the crossmember just behind the driver's seat and most likely the 2 strips on each side of the radiator vent.  I may try some paint stripper instead of sanding it just because it is only 1/4" thick.

Thanks again..

  Frank why don't you try sanding or use paint stripper on those pieces that you are planning to change. There's nothing to lose ! At least then you'll have an idea on which is the better way to go !!
                                                                                                            OT.
                                                                                                   

[the old trucker]

  Frank what are your plans for the motor ?? Is it original to the bomber ?

[oldsledz]

I am going to attempt to strip the paint first.  And yes it is the original matching motor to the machine.   My plans are to just change all the gaskets and seals,  re-detail the engine compartment in gray,  re-paint the motor and transmission,  change  the seals in the rear end,  check all the wheel bearings and make sure the bogie suspension is good and free.    Does anyone know if i can still get the motor mounts??  The one under the front pulley is not in the best of shape.

Thanks Old Trucker for posting for me!!  Great site.