Photo of the Week: Fordson restoration unites tractor buddies
This week’s photo of the week, of the iconic, Dagenham-built two-wheel drive Fordson Power Major tractor, was sent in by Carolyn Cameron.
The tractor was her grandfather’s (Robert ‘Robin’ Cameron )and he bought it second-hand in the late 1960s. She has great memories of it, working in the field alongside her grandfather.
“This was my grandfather’s pride and joy. She’s been in storage for a long time but now I am slowly restoring her. She’s an absolute workhorse and is used on the croft regularly.”
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© Carolyn Cameron
The family has worked a croft on the west coast of Scotland since the 1800s and currently run a flock of Cheviots and Herdwicks.
Carolyn’s grandfather started restoring the tractor in 2000, but during the project he was sadly diagnosed with cancer.
He died in 2002 on the day the wiring harness arrived, the final item to be fitted.
Carolyn’s grandfather Robert (Robin) Cameron on the Fordson © Carolyn Cameron
It was stored away for 21 years “grubby and oily, tyres flat, foot plates rusted and wouldn’t start,” says Carolyn.
Thanks to the help of a 16-year-old family friend, Alex Cameron, the tractor has been returned to its former glory.
Alex at work on the Fordson © Carolyn Camerson
Carolyn says: “[Alex] is passionate about restoring classic tractors.
“He helped me change out the old oil and diesel, sourced me a new battery, bled the fuel lines, fitted a new spool block and the wiring harness that arrived the day my grandfather passed.
“Once all this was done the tractor started first time! He’s also sprayed the new foot plates and new pto cover.
“Without this young lad’s help I would never have got the tractor going again. I’ve learnt so much from him. We have become tractor buddies!”
Alex has also restored his own tractor, a DB 990. He and Carolyn regularly take the tractors for a run around the croft.
Carolyn and Alex on their vintage tractors © Carolyn Cameron
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