OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Scott Bonnar - 'The Queen' Lawnmowers

Evening All,

I've seen A few SB ' Queens' for sale here in Perth lately and have been thinking one might make a really nice restoration. Just wondering if anyone has gone down this path?

Also, does anyone have any info on the history of this machine, and is it standard with a Villiers 25RG?

Cheers,

Craig

Hello Craig,

There is a shortage of anyone wishing to restore these machines.
I'm doubtful anyone will come forward who has undertaken a resto.

I have just started a History Record on the Model 16 Queens.
I will upload a parts list in the next day or so.

Yes, the 25RG was a standard fitment (I think).
It would appear that these petrol Queens were 'killed off' with
the introduction of the larger 30" Queens electrics.

I guess the non-bowling green use of the petrol Queens was
replaced by the Model 65.

I hope someone - perhaps your good self - will preserve one of
these machines for future generations. Engineered to last our
lifetimes, these would be rewarding restoration machines.

All the best.
---------------------
Jack

Hello Craig and Mod CJ,

Sadly I'll add my two cents worth in here and say that "The Queens" are just not in the restoreable category as they are a very heavy and an expensive mower to do work on. They are seen as nothing more than a work horse and as such have served many bowling and cricket clubs very well over the years.

You honestly couldn't see yourself running one of these around your average front garden.

But, as Jack suggests it would be nice to see one restored back to original factory condition.

My question there is, ...............where would one display it ??

I'd really love to see someone have the passion and money to open a Mower Museum here in Australia somewhere.

I guess one can dream.............................


Cheers,
BB

True Mod BB and all

... to an extent ... but ...

I point out that the petrol machines are smaller - before
the 30" turned the Queens into an exclusive bowling green mower, the Queen
was also speced as a general purpose machine in smaller sizes.

A 20" Queens would be quite manageable on a large domestic lawn.
A 24" would be ambitious.

As a general rule - I guess - the bigger the mower the less likely
it will survive (for the main reason, as BB has said].

I would like to turn that view around.
Here is a great example from a minor UK celebrity - Stan Hardwick of the OLC.
Sure, he's made a few sacrifices ... [Note the wife's body language!]
The article is a great read that encourages the 'special' collector.

The mower the merrier; the bigger the better!
[BB, clean out that garage and you'd find some space!]

Thanks BB and CJ, I really appreciate your feedback.

I'm definately going to get myself one or two of these old girls and give them some TLC. If the Villiers is spent it's not such a big deal because everything is still available on-line, I also have a 25RG in bits in the shed which will help the cause. Anyway, I just try to buy all this old SB stuff (not 45) when it comes up just to look after it.

I Love the idea of the mower museum.....

Craig

MODEL 16 QUEEN


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