PART THREE � The 30 Inch Model 16
It was only recently that we realised that the Model 16 was enlarged in
cutting size to 30 inch, probably in the mid-1960s. I feel I have a credible
explanation for how this came about �

In the 1950s there was a clear demand for wider cut machines from the
bowling club fraternity, with many clubs having multiple rinks, as the
popularity of lawn bowls increased post war. And after all, Scott Bonnar
had offered Queen City electric models up to 30 inch from the early days.
Scott Bonnar�s answer (in this vital market) was not to enlarge the existing
Model 16 electric, but to introduce a whole new model Queen � their most
famous Model 30 � designed just for electric power, and just for bowling
green application.

However, there was also a gap in the large cut petrol-powered range for
other applications. After all, Scott Bonnar had offered a 30� petrol
machine in its Ajax model, introduced in the mid-1930s. With Ajax
production ending in the early 1950s, it seemed logical (to me anyway)
to enlarge the Model 16 petrol to a 30 inch cut.

Thus, the Model 16 was again offered in two sizes: this time 24� and 30�.
Powered again by a Mark 25 Villiers 4-stroke (with reduction gear) this
machine had an 8-blade reel, and a three-piece roller (24�) or 4-piece (30�).
It was over-engineered to last a lifetime.

A big thank you to Scott Bonnar Historian Grant Simpson for supplying
these scanned images.

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