The MG Foxtrott bought off eBay at Christmas We have her home at last.

[old_salt]

Well it all started when my pal bought this MG Cockler between Christmas and new year.
She had been sunk in the Thames at Oxford for some time and had been lifted out and put on eBay.
First we constructed a trolley to put her on so she could be moved out of their way at the yard also it can be used to launch her down a slip.
Then my 1968 Ford "D" series wagon had to have ramps and steel work worked on to turn it into a transporter.
The deal being with my pal he would pay for the steelwork to make the transporter and I would bring her up to Cheshire for him.
We would then have a wagon that would be able to move both our boats when needed.
Never thinking it would end up taking some 5 months to complete with the phone calls to Swansea and then the re-plating and MOT.
Well thats all done and the MG is now safely ensconced at a friends farm.
Now the work on her really begins, Mast off, Her Engine out and a good jet wash out side.
The the inside still has about 1/2 ton of Tames mud in her.
Then it's set to and repair the bits that need attention.
Here is a pictorial of the events so far.

The steel work for the wagon.

The wagon ready to roll.

Testing the ramps 2.25 tons this was as far as we could get the Horse Box up the ramps as the tow bar was scraping the ground. but we thought it was a fair test.

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Loaded up and ready to leave Oxford.

On our way

Unloading at Home.

Well it's like this you can see all we need to is!!!
Cheers David.

 

[curve]

Can't wait to see a pic of her on the water. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[chrishelen]

What a magical thing an old wooden boat is,she has lovely lines and will do you proud on the water.

 

[burgundyben]

[ QUOTE ]
What a magical thing an old wooden boat is

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said!

 

[MasterofHera]

Fantastic ....keep us up to speed on the work.

 

[Tranona]

So pleased she is in good hands. Keep us posted on progress.

 

[old_salt]

Thanks for the kind words Tranona.
What we would like to find out is some history.
She has had two patches put on her hull quarters by the cockpit.
You can see them in the pics.
I have had a good look at the hull planks inside and all sound as a pound so I can find no reason for them other then to act as rubbing Bord's for the locks on the upper reaches of the navigable Thames and the canal system around Oxford where we believe she has spent some time.
No Name, no manufactures name plate and no carved number have been found as yet.
Any help would with history by any one who recognises her would be most welcome.
Cheers David.

 

[Tranona]

As I think I said before, I suspect she was built at Leigh on Sea in Essex. I remember it as a boy (cycling from Romford to Southend was a rite of passage) as a real seafarers town, but last time I went there it had been ponsified, although you could not hide the "sea" smell at low water.

You might try Dick Durham who is News editor for Yachting Monthly. Not only did he write MGs biography but is a Leigh on Sea resident of long standing.

Stewart

 

[tillergirl]

Seacraft of Leigh on Sea were very active in the 60's building MG designs (and others). They built TG but I haven't been able to find any info about them.

 

[kaysveistrup]

Nice lines.
GL + HF
Going to take a lot of effort, but she'll be worth it.

 

[SmileyGiley]

Bit late to post but...

I have a Cockler based in Liverpool/COnwy. I also have the drawings. If any of this would be useful you can PM me.

SMileyG