Thanks for that info Norm. I had to have it up on wooden blocks with rears off the ground to see if the engine would start. It worked at first (with wheels turning at the same time) and then the motor made a popping sound and stalled. It wouldn't fire again.
My theory, a seal had hardened/ perished from prolonged lack of use.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!