Hi, Bruce.
I just retired for medical reasons and now find the time to catch up on longtime interests. I can't do much mowing yet, but love tinkering. You're right, never too old to learn. As an ex teacher I understand how the mind atrophies and dies unless it is constantly stimulated. A Victa 18 is one way to do that!
So.. I've just bought a Victa 18 which has been long neglected. First job, a carb recondition. I've got the new needle, O-ring, etc from the "experts", but it bears no corellation to the original. Ah, such is life. That's what these forums are for, I guess.
Terry.