Absolutely over the moon for you Dom, you need to get the BBC to sit down with that guy and get him to tell his story the world needs to know about these people before they have gone... I would love tp know his story, really enjoyed him saying I could do that, legend...
I couldn’t be more delighted for you Dom, and what a wonderful and heartwarming video. I think you feel the same for that wonderful guy as most of us do for you! So glad it arrived in one piece!
Dom, I honestly think that video should be up for some sort of academy award for the amount of tension and suspense it generated with triumphal celebration and euphoria afterwards when you found it... then even more suspense when you said you had to wait a week 🤦🏼! Couldn’t be more pleased for you! Best video I’ve watched in ages
I’m gobsmacked that you don't have more subscribers. You have everything needed for a channel like this to be 1m+, personality, passion, skills and knowledge. That guy brought a tear to my eye, he and people like him are what put 'Great' in Great Britain. It’s not our imperialist history that I’m most proud of. It's the engineers, inventors, technicians, medical researchers etc that brought something special to the world from this tiny island. Forgot to say I made it that far and I’m looking forward to the paint stripping.
As Colonel Hannibal Smith said, "Don't you just love it when a plan comes together". I'm totally made up for you. Best of luck with the rest of the journey
Fantastic Dom, When i was a a boy i had a job in a small garage that restored old MG's. On at the weekend two old chaps (probably in there 70s) would cumin to work in the back room with there wheeling machines. One day i was putting a MG Y Type back together but still needed a front off side wing. These two wonderful old Guys dutifully dragged a sheet steel past me into the workshop at about 0830 in the morning and at about 1430pm presented me with perfect fitting, hand rolled wing for a 1949 MG Y type Roadster. And that day as a 18 year old boy i realised some old people are cool and that i had a lot to learn. I'm in my 70s now but i still can't roll a bloody wing!
Utterly hooked on this. To see people actually fixing and fabricating stuff in the 21st century is good but to see old machine manufacturer names being reborn is superb.
Dom, tears are streaming down my face. These are the qualities that made this country so innovative and ‘rich’ historically. Everything - everything - you have shown in this film is to be admired. Thank you so much.
Thank you for watching NO THANK YOU for saving and remanufacturing such brilliant engineering I take my hat off to you. I feel privileged to be able to share in your journey.
I've only recently discovered the channel after years of watching Repair Shop. This is such an uplifting and heart-warming video that I am hooked. really looking forward to going through the back catalogue now. Thank you so much for letting us share this journey with you.
Dom, I know I'm ages behind when you posted this but I'm sitting here as if you filmed this yesterday riding the same emotional 'roller coaster' wondering if you were going to find the long lost Ranalah. So many people on The Repair Shop share how they came into possession of their beloved items. Now just imagine the story, the journey, that will be told how you came to own your Ranalah and what it means to you. I'm sitting here grinning ear to ear so happy for you! Well done, Dom!
Truly Wonderful Dom !! Your infectious enthusiasm is a prime example of what made our country and our engineers the standard by which all other nations aspired to. When it comes to men in sheds doing restorations, whatever it be whether automotive, aircraft, steam etc we have one of the most active and talented communities in the world. Incidentally, the AOHE - Association Of Heritage Engineers was set up by your namesake Domanic Taylor-Lane with the aim to draw attention at an industry and a government level to inspire young people to get involved and to promote apprenticeships and careers to keep the old skills alive. Instead of the modern culture of throwing it away and buy a new one, this kind of thinking being promoted by “The Dom’s” highlights a highly rewarding and an exciting new future.
I have been building things for 60 years as I learned to weld at 12 Years. This is an epic build. I have subscribed even though I have reached the tail end of my building years. I completed an airplane in 2003. enjoy!
Dom the detective.🧐 Your perseverance certainly paid off, what an adventure and what a wonderful gentleman you found, truly inspirational. Step one.. ticked. Very best wishes.
That is so wonderful! The search journey was great to follow. Here in Canada the machines that are sought after are called General which were manufactured in Quebec in the 1960’s. They are the machines to find here to restore. They became General International for many years but went under about 4 years ago. I sell tools and tell my customers that if they find a General buy it no matter what. Amazing machines. I’m a woodworker so I look for tablesaws and bandsaws etc. Enjoy the journey of bringing your English Wheel back to life!
Surpassed even yourself, what a trip what a find! Incredible story, I knew the ending but my heart was in my mouth on this vlog Dom. Greatest yet, just ✨brilliant✨
Great video. I remember reading about English Wheels 40 years ago. Nice to see one saved. To think of all the skills that have been lost as everything is automated and computerized. Very sad. I'm starting the restoration of my 1973 Jensen Interceptor, and finding the marks of the builders on the trim panels reminds me that it was a car built by hand.
Dom, I’m a retired engineer and only subscribed to your channel about a month ago but that was probably one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on UA-cam.... and a happy ending too !! Good luck.
The dream begins my man. So much knowledge has been lost. And crafts died. We need more like you and the repair shop, to keep our heritage alive. All the very best sir. I’ll be watching every part of your journey. All the very best. Paul . Wimbledon.
Good grief I was holding my breath watching that. So pleased you got it. Of all the people to meet too someone as enthusiastic as you. His cars are an absolute dream. ☺
My gosh, I stopped the video at 3:12 to scratch out this good luck scribble. Sure hope it pans out. What a needle in a ocean of hay this is.... OK, I've seen the rest, fantastic and your spot on in that Old Guy is simply amazing. "If they can make it, so can I", is a fabulous attitude that in his case is spot on. Footnote: I saw it to the end. This project is the cats meow. I wish I was not thousands of miles away in the States because this old retired guy would love to help and will definitely be watching with anticipation. Good continued luck....
Wow Dom - watched this with eyes like saucers and when the camera picked out the name on the Ranalah I genuinely smiled. Really pleased for you mate, well done.
A project started for all the right reasons,with genuine enthusiasm.And if you come out on the right side financially,so much the better good luck with it Dom
I like the way that this is "Episode One". congratulations, and really looking forward to seeing you revive your Ranalah machine and then the Ranalah company. Well worth that wet walk in the woods eh !
Not really a reply... just myself again wanting to add ; Great job on the editing, building up the tension and getting the suspense across to us muggles. Here's hoping that this project turns out to be all that you want it to be.
That is fantastic! Well done Dom you deserved that win, you are so dedicated and determined. Looking forward to watching the next one and seeing how you get on.
I think this is so great..been wanting a proper English wheel for a long while. And wantching your enthusiasm and passion for this is really inspiring..
This should be a BBC commissioned series.. amazing story, so well told.. what a privilege that you are allowing us to come on this journey, Dom. What a true gent, nice to have some real entertainment for a change, no politics, no covid, no BS.. keep up the amazing work !
Hi Dom, I have never seen you so excited like this before. Like a child in a toy shop, and better still with your determination and focus you found it. On top of that what a pedigree behind the story, well done you. Best regards see you at the barn soon . Mark.S
Well done Dom. You deserve it. The old previous owner being a fan of the Repair shop is probably secretly glad you have aquired his wheel machine. Next time you are on a mission of discovery load up the old school Google Earth. It's a great tool for 'hovering' above an area and panning in close. Always thought you come across as a genuine up beat guy. So glad you eventually found it. 👍
Aargh... holy chuffing bananas man, “my anxiety levels are through the roof”, now mine are on the way to the moon. that is amazing. and I thought I found some crazy s**t in the woods...
I just found your channel late last night, I am moving the contents of a renown repair shop that is closing down and trying to save as much of the contents and tooling as posable. I love what you are doing, and that old man is one of those unknown artisan geniuses that live amongst us that we know little or nothing about. I hope someone can document that man's work put it up here on UA-cam. keep up the great work!
Just discovered your channel Dom , what a wonderful and heartwarming story !.Back in the mid 70s , a close and now late friend bought a 1926 Rolls Phantom I chassis, and with the assistance of a very skilled local engineer Brian , from a very big enterprise, built a replica aluminium touring body for the chassis , based on a Hooper coachbuilt car, which was particularly handsome .The firm were selling off a number of English wheels ( £100 each ! ) , and with Brian's skills, he taught myself and my friend to manipulate the sheets of aluminium into the most beautiful shapes and with patience and his fine welding skills, the car became a reality.45 years on , that car is currently for sale for in excess of £100,000, it cost in total , including the chassis and paying Brian for his knowledge and efforts £1500 !.
This reminds me of a trip I once took to the Belgian Ardennes to find a 1947 Marshall plan willy's on a deserted farm. Came there fully prepared with wd40 and everything, even had found the number of the mayor of the village. But when we finally got there, there were fresh dragging marks in the mud. Probably max 5 days old something, whilst it had been there for at least 30 years with trees growing through it. This was so exciting to watch, and one can only hope to obtain as much knowledge and skill as the gentleman does who sold it to you! Sometimes things are just meant to be.
You never know what you will discover next. I knocked on a door once, was invited in for a coffee, and then was shown a 1926 supercharged Bentley, some other spectacular cars, and whilst sat over coffee was handed the lens of a Russian Space laser, over 15 inches of pure Ruby. Keep up the good work.
When I saw your post I didn't know what you were talking about with this English wheel, however your excitement and enthusiasm made me stay; I suppose it was like some adventure where you just had to know the final part. Well done and I'm so pleased for you, let's hear more.
Impressive story. I had no idea what a Ranala was at all. Now I do and it is interesting . I had always wanted to learn how to use an English Wheel. I met a man when I ran a metal cutting laser. He was made fenders for Packards. His name was Sid MacDonald. And he was in his 80’s. He died before we could ever get together in his shop. I totally missed my chance to even see his wheel. I am quite envious of you. Thank you for your journey to find your wheel.
I'm elated, they say good things happen to good people, and I think it's true here. Getting the wheel, being able to start your Ranalagh revival and meeting a true craftsman. Amazing. So pleased and looking forward to seeing the story unfold
Well Dom, or should I say Mr Ranalah! First of all congratulations on being the proud owner of a brand name entwined within British manufacturing. There is nothing like a good chase for something, especially if you manage to have a good result in the end. In you video you ask for feed back, is this the type of thing we want to see? Well I'm enjoying your videos, this latest one where you are on the trial of the Ranalah was very good. I liked the clips right at the start where it gives the impression you didn't find it, very smart. I'm glad you did track it down, and I'm looking forward to a closer look in your next video. Take Care Jim
Very cool, thank you! One reason old chaps like that are disappearing is because these days we can't do things like that as easily. At least not here in NZ and as a hobby. I spent the last 10 years or so building a little Austin 7 special, all period correct, aluminium skin hand formed and gas welded. But now trying to get it road legal is a nightmare and quite possibly not worth the cost/effort. My second car is a replica Riley Brooklands, again I am trying to do it all period correct. Built on top of the skills I gained with the Austin. I am a total amateur, this is just a hobby for me, but it is amazing what you can achieve with a little knowledge/practice/perseverance (and good mentors!). The other day I tried building my first radiator shell. It's not great but a good enough first go to know I can do it. Same with all the other parts I need to put together or make myself. But I won't bother building another car if I can't get to drive them on the road. What's the point? I'll stick to restoring something already road legal I think. So those skills of actually building from scratch, those old coachbuilding skills, will be lost. I sometimes wonder what I could achieve if I was doing these things as a job, full time. But that would be a totally different patch to take in life and it's too late for me to do that now. I am just sad it's getting to the point now where it's not worth pursuing as a hobby either. The old car scene is much more vibrant in the UK so hopefully it continues there for some time!
Know you from the repair shop but having known someone who was well versed with this type of tool I jumped on your journey. May all your challenges be bested!
This is one of the best things I've seen in an age. Working for the ambulance service allows me to be privy to people's lives - be that going through their war medals, their life stories, etc - when the situation allows getting to see into people's lives has led me into many garages, sheds and man caves over the last 8 years. An original 1920's ice cream van was probably one of the most interesting! Someone's service issue webley revolver was one of the more worrying ones though lol
One of my favorite youtube videos of all time, I keep coming back to watch this again and again.... the hunt for old cast-iron, the adventure, the up's and downs along the way, the unexpected discoveries - all combined with great storytelling - perfect
Beautiful and iconic. Anyone from an engineering background, will undoubtedly see a work of art. As I am, and do. Bravo for not giving up the search, and ultimately bagging a peice of history.
What a great video and great outcome! I can remember watching my Grandad using one of those Wheels in the 1970's in a Workshop at Elstree Aerodrome. Fond memories. Thanks Dom.
That's fantastic. And what an amazing guy the previous owner is. That's a lucky wheel to have two special owners. I can't wait to see YOUR Maserati...!
Fair play to the gentleman that sold it to you Dom, I think he recognised that you wanted to put the name back up there in lights so to speak. And the fact that you couldn't move on with your quest to make new RanalahEnglish wheels with out his original 1930's one as a pattern for the new ones brought the engineer in him out to the fore again as he recognised you as a kindred spirit.
These old Engineers and their skills are amazing. Sad thing is that when they are gone they are gone for good, so anything we can learn from them is just priceless. Congrats on the wheel Dom
What a great video! I too, am in awe of people like the old gentleman you bought the Ranalah from; a true craftsman. I love old tools and truly believe that “old doesn’t mean bad.” Darlington, South Carolina USA
As a panel beater/ painter for 30 years, and working on and restoring everything from Healeys, to E types, Bentleys and everything in between, I can really see your passion for all things traditional. So chuffed for you buddy, have fun with it, and all the best.
Awesome Dom! The passion and excitement you have for this project is unreal... So pleased you tracked it down. And the chap who had it is a master craftsman. The likes of which we are unlikely to see in the generations to come as everything goes 'CNC'. I would never have use for a English wheel - restoring old narrowboats doesn't quite need such craftsmanship. BUT if you were to produce such things as branded T shirts I would definitely buy one as my way of supporting English craftsmanship. Good luck with the project....
Made it this far? You are kidding, wouldn't have missed this for the world. Thanks for filming your search Dom What amazed me was that the bearings still seemed good after being left out in the rain for so long. Or have they already been tinkered with?
Sitting here with a big smile on my face Dominic ..glad you got it in the end ..It was me who messaged you and sent you the screen shot through Instagram..watching the vid my emotions were up and down ,hesitant as if you got it.But you did ...im glad to of helped you .. steve
Dom, -- Dude -- I know you through TRS - and now drilling further into your channel and efforts here. Your Ranalah project - brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Your passion for the artistry and engineering of such craft kindles my spirit. Please keep on! I am going to slowly enjoy this journey of what is now your years'-old effort - thank you! Best, Rex
Absolutely over the moon for you Dom, you need to get the BBC to sit down with that guy and get him to tell his story the world needs to know about these people before they have gone... I would love tp know his story, really enjoyed him saying I could do that, legend...
Well that was the best 20 minutes of my week. Over the moon for you mate.
Real life, edge of the seat drama. And there's a documentary waiting to be made, on that fine gent and his cars.
I couldn’t be more delighted for you Dom, and what a wonderful and heartwarming video. I think you feel the same for that wonderful guy as most of us do for you! So glad it arrived in one piece!
What a fantastic thing you are doing Dom. The old gentleman you bought the wheel from is an absolute genius! I am in awe of these great craftsmen.
check out allen millyard another engineering genius
Dom,
I honestly think that video should be up for some sort of academy award for the amount of tension and suspense it generated with triumphal celebration and euphoria afterwards when you found it... then even more suspense when you said you had to wait a week 🤦🏼! Couldn’t be more pleased for you! Best video I’ve watched in ages
Hahah! Thanks so much what a nice message.
I feel a lot calmer now it’s safely resting in my workshop!
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it
I’m gobsmacked that you don't have more subscribers. You have everything needed for a channel like this to be 1m+, personality, passion, skills and knowledge.
That guy brought a tear to my eye, he and people like him are what put 'Great' in Great Britain. It’s not our imperialist history that I’m most proud of. It's the engineers, inventors, technicians, medical researchers etc that brought something special to the world from this tiny island.
Forgot to say I made it that far and I’m looking forward to the paint stripping.
Enjoyed watching that, the guy you got the wheel off, very clever,this is why we need more apprentice schemes for the younger generation
Wow, that guy with the cars = what a talent + so happy for you that you found the Ranalah.
As Colonel Hannibal Smith said, "Don't you just love it when a plan comes together". I'm totally made up for you. Best of luck with the rest of the journey
Dom, the hardest working CEO in the UK. And he’s only just started! 👍🏻
Fantastic Dom, When i was a a boy i had a job in a small garage that restored old MG's. On at the weekend two old chaps (probably in there 70s) would cumin to work in the back room with there wheeling machines. One day i was putting a MG Y Type back together but still needed a front off side wing. These two wonderful old Guys dutifully dragged a sheet steel past me into the workshop at about 0830 in the morning and at about 1430pm presented me with perfect fitting, hand rolled wing for a 1949 MG Y type Roadster. And that day as a 18 year old boy i realised some old people are cool and that i had a lot to learn. I'm in my 70s now but i still can't roll a bloody wing!
Send it into The Repair Shop. There’s a guy on there that would restore this. He’s pretty good…
The beardy one is alright....
@@smartgorilla Yeah. He might need Jay’s help, though…
@@freddieleethompson3536 and the others...looks like a big lump
Backstory, I own the Ranalah Co. and it would be lovely to have a working machine.... etc etc
@@negotiableaffections yes. I tried looking for him
Utterly hooked on this. To see people actually fixing and fabricating stuff in the 21st century is good but to see old machine manufacturer names being reborn is superb.
Dom, tears are streaming down my face. These are the qualities that made this country so innovative and ‘rich’ historically. Everything - everything - you have shown in this film is to be admired. Thank you so much.
Very Happy for you Dom !
Ra Ra Ranalah ! A beautiful synthesis of " form and function ! "
Enjoy !
Great to see another small part of our engineering history saved.
Thank you for watching NO THANK YOU for saving and remanufacturing such brilliant engineering I take my hat off to you. I feel privileged to be able to share in your journey.
I've only recently discovered the channel after years of watching Repair Shop. This is such an uplifting and heart-warming video that I am hooked. really looking forward to going through the back catalogue now. Thank you so much for letting us share this journey with you.
Dom, I know I'm ages behind when you posted this but I'm sitting here as if you filmed this yesterday riding the same emotional 'roller coaster' wondering if you were going to find the long lost Ranalah. So many people on The Repair Shop share how they came into possession of their beloved items. Now just imagine the story, the journey, that will be told how you came to own your Ranalah and what it means to you. I'm sitting here grinning ear to ear so happy for you! Well done, Dom!
Thank you so much, I’m glad the journey I’m going on is interesting for so many people
Thank you
I'm in awe off people like that old boy ....I'd love to spend a few months in their company learning and watching. Good luck with the wheel Dom !
Happy for you Dom. Watching these videos with great interest. Thank you Dom
Thanks, there’s many more in the ranalah series
Probably the best thing I've seen on UA-cam in ages your passion is so contagious well done Dom 👍🏼
Truly Wonderful Dom !! Your infectious enthusiasm is a prime example of what made our country and our engineers the standard by which all other nations aspired to. When it comes to men in sheds doing restorations, whatever it be whether automotive, aircraft, steam etc we have one of the most active and talented communities in the world.
Incidentally, the AOHE - Association Of Heritage Engineers was set up by your namesake Domanic Taylor-Lane with the aim to draw attention at an industry and a government level to inspire young people to get involved and to promote apprenticeships and careers to keep the old skills alive. Instead of the modern culture of throwing it away and buy a new one, this kind of thinking being promoted by “The Dom’s” highlights a highly rewarding and an exciting new future.
We were on the edge of our seat, watching this in Austin Texas. SO SO SO glad that you've located your "baby". Many congrats!
I have been building things for 60 years as I learned to weld at 12 Years. This is an epic build. I have subscribed even though I have reached the tail end of my building years. I completed an airplane in 2003. enjoy!
Dom the detective.🧐
Your perseverance certainly paid off, what an adventure and what a wonderful gentleman you found, truly inspirational. Step one.. ticked.
Very best wishes.
That is so wonderful! The search journey was great to follow. Here in Canada the machines that are sought after are called General which were manufactured in Quebec in the 1960’s. They are the machines to find here to restore. They became General International for many years but went under about 4 years ago. I sell tools and tell my customers that if they find a General buy it no matter what. Amazing machines. I’m a woodworker so I look for tablesaws and bandsaws etc. Enjoy the journey of bringing your English Wheel back to life!
Wow,fantastic news and what a legend that old engineer is. Can’t wait to see more in the series. Well done Dom your enthusiasm is infectious.
What a wonderful video - Dom is so enthusiastic - I'm sure he will get it working !!
Surpassed even yourself, what a trip what a find! Incredible story, I knew the ending but my heart was in my mouth on this vlog Dom. Greatest yet, just ✨brilliant✨
Thanks for watching Lucia!
Your never ending support and enthusiasm keeps me going, thank you X
Great video. I remember reading about English Wheels 40 years ago. Nice to see one saved. To think of all the skills that have been lost as everything is automated and computerized. Very sad. I'm starting the restoration of my 1973 Jensen Interceptor, and finding the marks of the builders on the trim panels reminds me that it was a car built by hand.
Wow, best UA-cam video I’ve watched in a long time. Congratulations on finding your dream. Can’t wait for the rest of the videos.
Dom, I’m a retired engineer and only subscribed to your channel about a month ago but that was probably one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on UA-cam.... and a happy ending too !! Good luck.
Thanks so much!
Fantastic! Well done chap. Your tenacity has paid off and you are well deserving of your reward. 👏
The dream begins my man. So much knowledge has been lost. And crafts died. We need more like you and the repair shop, to keep our heritage alive. All the very best sir. I’ll be watching every part of your journey. All the very best. Paul . Wimbledon.
One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on UA-cam. So pleased for you mate!
Good grief I was holding my breath watching that. So pleased you got it. Of all the people to meet too someone as enthusiastic as you. His cars are an absolute dream. ☺
Fantastic dom. men like him are what makes this country great
check out allen millyard another genius
@@howardatkinson8126 thanks
My gosh, I stopped the video at 3:12 to scratch out this good luck scribble. Sure hope it pans out. What a needle in a ocean of hay this is....
OK, I've seen the rest, fantastic and your spot on in that Old Guy is simply amazing. "If they can make it, so can I", is a fabulous attitude that in his case is spot on.
Footnote:
I saw it to the end. This project is the cats meow. I wish I was not thousands of miles away in the States because this old retired guy would love to help and will definitely be watching with anticipation. Good continued luck....
Wow Dom - watched this with eyes like saucers and when the camera picked out the name on the Ranalah I genuinely smiled. Really pleased for you mate, well done.
What a pleasure to watch. Great work Dom. Maybe ask the old Gent if you can make a video of him? That would be something.
Dom that is fantastic to follow through and now to restore your English-Wheel. Amazing how many old chaps and what they create in home workshops.
Wonderful video Dom- was right there with you as you searched for the wheel!
What a find and such an epic story of your journey to find a Ranalah. So many twist and turns and a stroke of luck. Thanks for sharing it with us Dom!
Really chuffed for you Dom.....now the work starts!...👏👏👍👍.
So happy for you Dom that you managed to get a Ranalah Wheel - Sheer determination - What a super find - looking forward to your next week's update 👌😊
A project started for all the right reasons,with genuine enthusiasm.And if you come out on the right side financially,so much the better good luck with it Dom
I like the way that this is "Episode One". congratulations, and really looking forward to seeing you revive your Ranalah machine and then the Ranalah company. Well worth that wet walk in the woods eh !
Not really a reply... just myself again wanting to add ; Great job on the editing, building up the tension and getting the suspense across to us muggles. Here's hoping that this project turns out to be all that you want it to be.
Brilliant !!! Well done Dom for show casing proper engineering craftmanship.
That is fantastic! Well done Dom you deserved that win, you are so dedicated and determined. Looking forward to watching the next one and seeing how you get on.
I think this is so great..been wanting a proper English wheel for a long while. And wantching your enthusiasm and passion for this is really inspiring..
Yes we made it this far!! Fantastic week you’ve had!! What an amazing bloke, he reminds me of my dad, and grandad (both engineers, like I am).
This should be a BBC commissioned series.. amazing story, so well told.. what a privilege that you are allowing us to come on this journey, Dom. What a true gent, nice to have some real entertainment for a change, no politics, no covid, no BS.. keep up the amazing work !
Absolutely! They had that “trouble at the top” series, years ago, they could do “Starting from the bottom : re-discovering British Engineering”
What an amazing story, I love it, and what a wonderful guy too. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
Hi Dom, I have never seen you so excited like this before. Like a child in a toy shop, and better still with your determination and focus you found it. On top of that what a pedigree behind the story, well done you. Best regards see you at the barn soon . Mark.S
Chuffed for you sir. Looking forward to following the rest of this journey.
So glad it worked out ! Your doggedness paid off - looking forward to the restoration now.
Good things come to those that wait and may I add deserve it!
Well done Dom.
You deserve it. The old previous owner being a fan of the Repair shop is probably secretly glad you have aquired his wheel machine.
Next time you are on a mission of discovery load up the old school Google Earth. It's a great tool for 'hovering' above an area and panning in close.
Always thought you come across as a genuine up beat guy. So glad you eventually found it. 👍
Aargh... holy chuffing bananas man, “my anxiety levels are through the roof”, now mine are on the way to the moon. that is amazing. and I thought I found some crazy s**t in the woods...
I just found your channel late last night, I am moving the contents of a renown repair shop that is closing down and trying to save as much of the contents and tooling as posable. I love what you are doing, and that old man is one of those unknown artisan geniuses that live amongst us that we know little or nothing about. I hope someone can document that man's work put it up here on UA-cam. keep up the great work!
Well done Dom, You must be buzzing right now, Did you get the extra wheels with it or can you use the ones from your existing machine?
Just discovered your channel Dom , what a wonderful and heartwarming story !.Back in the mid 70s , a close and now late friend bought a 1926 Rolls Phantom I chassis, and with the assistance of a very skilled local engineer Brian , from a very big enterprise, built a replica aluminium touring body for the chassis , based on a Hooper coachbuilt car, which was particularly handsome .The firm were selling off a number of English wheels ( £100 each ! ) , and with Brian's skills, he taught myself and my friend to manipulate the sheets of aluminium into the most beautiful shapes and with patience and his fine welding skills, the car became a reality.45 years on , that car is currently for sale for in excess of £100,000, it cost in total , including the chassis and paying Brian for his knowledge and efforts £1500 !.
Really pleased for you. Are you thinking of crowd funding or similar for the next stage?
This reminds me of a trip I once took to the Belgian Ardennes to find a 1947 Marshall plan willy's on a deserted farm. Came there fully prepared with wd40 and everything, even had found the number of the mayor of the village. But when we finally got there, there were fresh dragging marks in the mud. Probably max 5 days old something, whilst it had been there for at least 30 years with trees growing through it. This was so exciting to watch, and one can only hope to obtain as much knowledge and skill as the gentleman does who sold it to you! Sometimes things are just meant to be.
I met a guy a few years ago who collected "English wheels"
I remember him saying he had no idea how to use them he just liked them !
You never know what you will discover next. I knocked on a door once, was invited in for a coffee, and then was shown a 1926 supercharged Bentley, some other spectacular cars, and whilst sat over coffee was handed the lens of a Russian Space laser, over 15 inches of pure Ruby. Keep up the good work.
Yes, another Dom video! A hunt for a wheel in the woods, blimey. Well done for tracking it down!
Your interview of that gentleman was PRICELESS!!! I am so glad I found your videos!!!
Thank you!! He is an absolute genius
Congratulations Dom,so pleased for you. If you ever get a minute to see another genius look up Allen Millyard on Utube .👍👍
Two geniuses epic!
When I saw your post I didn't know what you were talking about with this English wheel, however your excitement and enthusiasm made me stay; I suppose it was like some adventure where you just had to know the final part. Well done and I'm so pleased for you, let's hear more.
I "made it this far" WHO didn't, what an awesome journey.
Impressive story. I had no idea what a Ranala was at all. Now I do and it is interesting . I had always wanted to learn how to use an English Wheel. I met a man when I ran a metal cutting laser. He was made fenders for Packards. His name was Sid MacDonald. And he was in his 80’s. He died before we could ever get together in his shop. I totally missed my chance to even see his wheel.
I am quite envious of you. Thank you for your journey to find your wheel.
I'm elated, they say good things happen to good people, and I think it's true here. Getting the wheel, being able to start your Ranalagh revival and meeting a true craftsman. Amazing. So pleased and looking forward to seeing the story unfold
Well Dom, or should I say Mr Ranalah!
First of all congratulations on being the proud owner of a brand name entwined within British manufacturing.
There is nothing like a good chase for something, especially if you manage to have a good result in the end.
In you video you ask for feed back, is this the type of thing we want to see?
Well I'm enjoying your videos, this latest one where you are on the trial of the Ranalah was very good. I liked the clips right at the start where it gives the impression you didn't find it, very smart. I'm glad you did track it down, and I'm looking forward to a closer look in your next video. Take Care Jim
Very cool, thank you! One reason old chaps like that are disappearing is because these days we can't do things like that as easily. At least not here in NZ and as a hobby. I spent the last 10 years or so building a little Austin 7 special, all period correct, aluminium skin hand formed and gas welded. But now trying to get it road legal is a nightmare and quite possibly not worth the cost/effort. My second car is a replica Riley Brooklands, again I am trying to do it all period correct. Built on top of the skills I gained with the Austin. I am a total amateur, this is just a hobby for me, but it is amazing what you can achieve with a little knowledge/practice/perseverance (and good mentors!). The other day I tried building my first radiator shell. It's not great but a good enough first go to know I can do it. Same with all the other parts I need to put together or make myself. But I won't bother building another car if I can't get to drive them on the road. What's the point? I'll stick to restoring something already road legal I think. So those skills of actually building from scratch, those old coachbuilding skills, will be lost. I sometimes wonder what I could achieve if I was doing these things as a job, full time. But that would be a totally different patch to take in life and it's too late for me to do that now. I am just sad it's getting to the point now where it's not worth pursuing as a hobby either. The old car scene is much more vibrant in the UK so hopefully it continues there for some time!
Know you from the repair shop but having known someone who was well versed with this type of tool I jumped on your journey. May all your challenges be bested!
This is one of the best things I've seen in an age.
Working for the ambulance service allows me to be privy to people's lives - be that going through their war medals, their life stories, etc - when the situation allows getting to see into people's lives has led me into many garages, sheds and man caves over the last 8 years.
An original 1920's ice cream van was probably one of the most interesting!
Someone's service issue webley revolver was one of the more worrying ones though lol
One of my favorite youtube videos of all time, I keep coming back to watch this again and again.... the hunt for old cast-iron, the adventure, the up's and downs along the way, the unexpected discoveries - all combined with great storytelling - perfect
The harder you work, the luckier you get - it so much more gratifying when you put in the effort and it all works out in the end. Keep it up big man!
Thank you! That was definitely a hard day!
Can somebody please turn this into a TV programme?! Great vid Dom. Keep us posted and please include the older chap and his beautiful motors.
Beautiful and iconic. Anyone from an engineering background, will undoubtedly see a work of art. As I am, and do.
Bravo for not giving up the search, and ultimately bagging a peice of history.
What a fantastic bit of equipment. I totally understand why you'd undertake this project. Full speed ahead
What a great video and great outcome! I can remember watching my Grandad using one of those Wheels in the 1970's in a Workshop at Elstree Aerodrome. Fond memories. Thanks Dom.
Amazing! Thank you for watching, sounds like your grandad was a talented man!
That's fantastic. And what an amazing guy the previous owner is. That's a lucky wheel to have two special owners. I can't wait to see YOUR Maserati...!
Fair play to the gentleman that sold it to you Dom, I think he recognised that you wanted to put the name back up there in lights so to speak. And the fact that you couldn't move on with your quest to make new RanalahEnglish wheels with out his original 1930's one as a pattern for the new ones brought the engineer in him out to the fore again as he recognised you as a kindred spirit.
These old Engineers and their skills are amazing.
Sad thing is that when they are gone they are gone for good, so anything we can learn from them is just priceless.
Congrats on the wheel Dom
What a great video! I too, am in awe of people like the old gentleman you bought the Ranalah from; a true craftsman. I love old tools and truly believe that “old doesn’t mean bad.” Darlington, South Carolina USA
As a panel beater/ painter for 30 years, and working on and restoring everything from Healeys, to E types, Bentleys and everything in between, I can really see your passion for all things traditional. So chuffed for you buddy, have fun with it, and all the best.
Check out blacksheepcrossmember on Instagram hes been working on his wheel for couple years. Hes just come back from the foundry with his.
Dom your excitement is so contagious, and I am so over the moon for you and this great project.
Wooo hooo!!!! My bro and I are SOOOOO happy for you! And that man who had it, I bet he's happy too :)
Awesome Dom!
The passion and excitement you have for this project is unreal...
So pleased you tracked it down.
And the chap who had it is a master craftsman. The likes of which we are unlikely to see in the generations to come as everything goes 'CNC'.
I would never have use for a English wheel - restoring old narrowboats doesn't quite need such craftsmanship. BUT if you were to produce such things as branded T shirts I would definitely buy one as my way of supporting English craftsmanship.
Good luck with the project....
well i can't explain why but this is so compelling. Please please do see it through. we are all with you Dom.
Made it this far? You are kidding, wouldn't have missed this for the world. Thanks for filming your search Dom
What amazed me was that the bearings still seemed good after being left out in the rain for so long. Or have they already been tinkered with?
Sitting here with a big smile on my face Dominic ..glad you got it in the end ..It was me who messaged you and sent you the screen shot through Instagram..watching the vid my emotions were up and down ,hesitant as if you got it.But you did ...im glad to of helped you .. steve
Thank you for sending that message!! I can’t thank you enough!
Dom, -- Dude -- I know you through TRS - and now drilling further into your channel and efforts here. Your Ranalah project - brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Your passion for the artistry and engineering of such craft kindles my spirit. Please keep on! I am going to slowly enjoy this journey of what is now your years'-old effort - thank you! Best, Rex
What an adventure not only have you gbfound your Ranalah you have also found an engineering hero.. win win!
Just brilliant. Great adventure. I know what you mean about the wait to pick it up, worrying someone else will get in there first.
Great find Dom and congratulations to you, what a great journey you are on and thank you for letting us come on it with you! 🙏 well done mate. 🍾