1975 Turner Ranger BL parts bin 'tractor' - now with bonus NEC 2023 Classic Motor Show content

[Blake's Den]

On 5/31/2022 at 9:55 AM, Neil clark said:

Hard to tell from that mate

I found a better photo whilst looking for something completely different. The company was Aiton in Derby, looks like they were a pipe manufacturer.

[Neil clark]

1 hour ago, Blake's Den said:

I found a better photo whilst looking for something completely different. The company was Aiton in Derby, looks like they were a pipe manufacturer.

2 of my mates worked there, closed now and factory has gone. Was on stores road in Derby

[Blake's Den]

1 hour ago, Neil clark said:

2 of my mates worked there, closed now and factory has gone. Was on stores road in Derby

Small world!

I've done a bit of a Google image search to see if I could see the ranger lurking in the background but alas no look as of yet.

[Neil clark]

1 hour ago, Blake's Den said:

Small world!

I've done a bit of a Google image search to see if I could see the ranger lurking in the background but alas no look as of yet.

Fairly big place in its day

[Blake's Den]

Interesting article about the Turner Ranger and also the Elswick Envoy in the August 2022 edition of Classic Tractor. The article is a chat with Tony Turner formerly of Turner Engineering Ltd. I've learnt some things that I didn't know!

What's the Elswick Envoy connection? Elswick Group took over Turner Engineering Ltd and built the Envoys in the same factory as where the Rangers were built.

 

[Blake's Den]

I decided to do some work on the Turner Ranger this weekend. 

The first job was to try and get it running! It keeps fouling the plugs but it will run, just not very well. I rebuilt the carburetor a couple of years ago and fitted an electronic ingtion kit. I suspect that it is over fueling as it will start without the need to use the choke. But before I start messing around with the carb I want to make sure that the ignition system and timing is all good first.

There are no external timing marks on the egine. They are hidden behind a plate and can only be seen with a mirror. I've yet to see them! A bit more investigation required to see if I can get it running smoothly and reliably.

[Blake's Den]

Video of my recent exploits with the Turner Ranger

I've got her running quite sweet now. I even tried a cold start this morning and she fires up straight away. I think that I will try swapping the spark plugs to a hotter runing type. Due to the low gearing  the engine is never really under a hard load, particularly when I'm just bombing around the garden. I think that this is one of the reasons that the plugs keep fouling up.

All being well and if the moon and stars align then my Turner Ranger should be making an appearance at NEC classic in a months time.......

[Blake's Den]

A bit of an update on the Ranger. I was invited by the Minikits group to display it on their stand at the NEC classic motor show. When I was prepping it I thought that I would tighten the hand brake up a little as it would help me with loading it onto my trailer. Long stroy short - the transmission brake caliper was half missing! Therefore I had to instigate a bodge to get it ready in time for the show. You can still get a replacement caliper, it is actually off a go kart. However I didn't want to pay the £80 postage from the USA....

Luckily, we made it to the show and I got to meet some great people. I event met someone who used to make these on the production line in the factory! The ranger had lots of interest and I was pleased to show it off.

At the end of the show I filmed this video. Warning - it contains about 2 minutes of horns being sounded to mark the end of the event. I then captured my drive across the NEC site back to my car and trailer. I saw some great cars along the way - it is not every day that you see a Ferrari 348, a maestro camper, a SD1, a Fiat Coupe and and MG Xpower SV in a line of traffic.

 

[holbeck]

On 04/06/2022 at 14:23, Blake's Den said:

I found a better photo whilst looking for something completely different. The company was Aiton in Derby, looks like they were a pipe manufacturer.

The curved high pressure steam pipes on a locomotive are known as aiton pipes.  I didn't realise it was the name of a manufacturer. 

[Blake's Den]

So, I am officially famous! I was interviewed by a fellow youtuber at the show and here is the video

It is a bit odd to be in front of the camera but I think it went well. Not too cringe worthy.

[RichieP]

Hi, I have a Calor Ranger. Found it in a field, it had been outside for quite a few years and is showing it - British Leyland metal doesn’t last well outside! However the mechanicals have kind of survived so I’m picking my way through a few jobs to get her back to a working state. So far got the brakes working, engine (I’ve put and petrol carb on it for the time being)/clutch/gears working. Not got the hydraulics working yet or the PTO. Next big job is the steering - I think the steering box needs an overhaul.  It has the full cab and doors with all the glass. The chassis no is 0040 if anyone is interested. Anyone got any opinions on whether I should restore her back to original or get her working and throw a flatbed on the back and use her around the small holding? I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. 

[Blake's Den]

11 minutes ago, RichieP said:

Hi, I have a Calor Ranger. Found it in a field, it had been outside for quite a few years and is showing it - British Leyland metal doesn’t last well outside! However the mechanicals have kind of survived so I’m picking my way through a few jobs to get her back to a working state. So far got the brakes working, engine (I’ve put and petrol carb on it for the time being)/clutch/gears working. Not got the hydraulics working yet or the PTO. Next big job is the steering - I think the steering box needs an overhaul.  It has the full cab and doors with all the glass. The chassis no is 0040 if anyone is interested. Anyone got any opinions on whether I should restore her back to original or get her working and throw a flatbed on the back and use her around the small holding? I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. 

Fantastic! Welcome to the club

Chassis number 0040 is not one which I am aware of. I've got a list of known survivors, if you PM me your email address then I can give you access. I've also got a comprehensive photo library of them and I've also got copies of the sales brochures and technical manuals from the time. I'm more than happy to share.

I'd love to see yours, feel free to send me some pictures too.

They are rare machines. What you decided to do with it depends upon what you want to do with it. If you want a useable machine then just focus on the mechanicals. If you want something that you want to take to shows then you can do a full resto on it. Personally, I liked to see vehicles wearing their 'working clothes'.

[yes oui si]

This is a fantastic old thing. 

Would a metro turbo lump go in..? 

[Blake's Den]

26 minutes ago, yes oui si said:

This is a fantastic old thing. 

Would a metro turbo lump go in..? 

Easily. There is plenty of room in the engine bay. But the top speed is limited by the gearing, 20mph flat out! With four wheel steering it makes the handling "interesting".

The 1098cc feels like it has plenty of torque. It moved the static caravan with no problems.

[yes oui si]

50 minutes ago, Blake's Den said:

Easily. There is plenty of room in the engine bay. But the top speed is limited by the gearing, 20mph flat out! With four wheel steering it makes the handling "interesting".

The 1098cc feels like it has plenty of torque. It moved the static caravan with no problems.

I suppose that it effectively is going through two sets of final drives so the way to up the top speed would either be revs or different ratios. 

0-20mph very very quickly 😂

[Blake's Den]

30 minutes ago, yes oui si said:

I suppose that it effectively is going through two sets of final drives so the way to up the top speed would either be revs or different ratios. 

0-20mph very very quickly 😂

It uses triumph herald diffs at the front and rear. I believe that these are available in different ratios. You could use a Mini MPI gearbox as these had the longest ratios of a standard mini. Plus 14 inch morris minor wheels fit .

That being said, if you did all of that it would probably only get to 30 mph. That's a scary speed when your legs are the crumple zone 😮🤣

[yes oui si]

What I'm hearing is that it needs 18" wheels and no sense of self-preservation.

[Blake's Den]

On 28/07/2024 at 20:31, RichieP said:

Hi, I have a Calor Ranger. Found it in a field, it had been outside for quite a few years and is showing it - British Leyland metal doesn’t last well outside! However the mechanicals have kind of survived so I’m picking my way through a few jobs to get her back to a working state. So far got the brakes working, engine (I’ve put and petrol carb on it for the time being)/clutch/gears working. Not got the hydraulics working yet or the PTO. Next big job is the steering - I think the steering box needs an overhaul.  It has the full cab and doors with all the glass. The chassis no is 0040 if anyone is interested. Anyone got any opinions on whether I should restore her back to original or get her working and throw a flatbed on the back and use her around the small holding? I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. 

Hi @RichieP, I never heard back from you. I would love to see some pics of your Calor Ranger.