Well, I think you have managed to provide answers to all the questions I have posed, Max. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
After considering all the provided information and the space I have (physically and mentally) I think I will have to pass on these pieces to someone who can do something with them. Given that, you should be the first person I offer them to. If you have any interest in acquiring any or all of what we have discussed, let me know (I'm in Jamberoo, you're in Sydney- we are coming to the Sydney CBD on Wednesday). I was thinking of putting them on Gumtree, but will wait for you to let me know if you have any interest (or space- physical or mental) for them in your life. I'd be happy to get what I paid for them if you wanted them for your collection ($80- but would accept less if you thought fair). I imagine you have as many Victas as you can fit (or maybe even more), but wanted to make the offer. Failing that, I thought I'd chance my arm with Gumtree. An opening price of around $150 might be about right, but I really have no idea. Feel free to disavow me of this notion. If I were a rich man, I would donate, but I'm trying to raise some cash by passing on some of the random pieces I've collected (everything from cedar furniture to a 1958 Coca Cola yoyo!). Being a flea market and tip shop frequenter, it's hard to say no to these things when they present.
Just so you know, hidden by the chute is a chip out of the chassis, a triangle about 20-30mm(?) in size. I think I've got a photo to attach.
In case you do have an interest, the motor attached to mower fired up easily with a squirt of fuel mix down the carbie throat. Other motor turns over freely by hand but has sat without plug in it for some time. No scratchy sounds when turning over. I was told that one of the motors had been rebuilt, but this was second hand information from the tip shop man, so.......
I've got to say what a pleasure it is to be able to learn about these machines. And making connections with like minded people. Thank you Max. I salute you. I really hope my intention to find a new home for the pieces doesn't make you feel like you have wasted your time, sullied our discussion or broken any forum etiquette. The learning journey has been the highlight of ownership.
Hope to find another reason to keep chatting.
Oh, and there a couple of other spares that made it into my collection. See photos.
