Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Mike Nash wrote: Mon May 25, 2026 8:50 pmI’d rather focus on the Brassington Modification

Have you found the issue of Cheval de Fer where that modification is described?

Have I “. . .the issue of Cheval de Fer where the modification is described?”
Yes, or rather I’ve the article of interest, for I’ve always filleted magazines to cut the bulk to reasonable level and then filed the kept bits in various folders. Alas, in those days CdF didn’t date each page as it does now so I don’t know the publication date for the Brassington article. However, other related articles I’ve dated and in the January 1995 there’s a mention of a variation of it (by John Bateman), so Brassington was published pre that date.
To expedite things, I’ve written to the current editor suggesting that he republish the article but, of course, I’ve assumed that he has copies of these early CdFs. And I see that in the April 2004 issue, one Peter Wragg was doing it commercially, recommended by one David Jones (“the Square Four expert”) to a Huw Parsons, an owner of a 1931 ohc Four.
I’d like to get it published again ‘cos I expect there’ll be improvements in the coil and condenser/capacitor in the intervening 30 years. I eagerly await the opinion of your alter ego “Magnetoman”. MikeN.