Hi BB,

Yes it is strange how many model 17 versions there are.

1707445 is not listed in the archives but 1707448 is. Mine is 20" Villiers 412 H/2RG Eng with 10 Blade Cutter. Not sure about the Low Cut Blade?

I was initially baffled by the mounting of the engine 180 degrees different opposed to the 45s. I wanted to replace the engine with something more modern but the anti clockwise direction is a problem. When I was pulling it apart to see why it was not a goer, I noticed the reduction gearbox and hence the reverse direction. There is no idler. Mine is Fig 7. Why Scott Bonnar did this, I can only guess. Maybe shifting the drive closer the the right hand side evened up the load on the two outer bearing?
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Would you have a spare reel with more meat?