OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Rotary Waltons Celestial Lawnmowers

Hello Gadge and Mowerfreak

There is clear evidence that Big W appeared here, on these shores, in ... 1964.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_W

I think Gadge has the clear argument here.
Woolworths may be the fresh gambling and food people ... but lawnmowers?

This takes nothing away from a marketing possibility - that Mowerfreak raises.
I would love image evidence here - to correct, or better understand, this company.

Hope this helps.
---------------------------------
Jack

G'day CyberJack,
The article you linked to suggests this store that opened in Tamworth was peculiar to that town only, perhaps as some sort of one off experiment by Woolworths at the time.
Woolworths probably later decided to use that name to take over the role of Woolworths Variety stores as a new chain of stores many years later in the 1980s. The article also mentions that Woolworths Variety stores continued to operate concurrently to Big W well into the 1990s as the new concept chain was phased in to take over the old.
The Wikipedia article also says: The Big W chain grew out of Woolworths Limited's original Variety stores, which carried a small range of general merchandise products.. This further backs up my position.
I believe these entry level mowers were indeed sold at Woolworths Variety stores. Quite amazing, the range of store brands Victa released. Betta electrical was another I can think of. Norman Ross, was no doubt another. Oh chandlers too!

Not really Mowerfreak.
Woolworths rapidly rolled out Big W across Australia in the 1960s.
No one-off experiment. Big W was in every major capital city by the
end of that decade. Stores were branded as 'Woolworths BIG W'.

No surprises what the big large 'W' stood for then ...

I have no doubt that mowers were sold at Woolworth's variety stores.
There appears to be some 'cross-over' within the group.
No surprises there.

'Chevron' is certainly a Woolworth's store brand.
In the 1970s, where would one have bought a Woolworths Chevron?
Why none other than Woolworth's Big W stores!




In any case, that's an impressive gallery of store brands that
Gizmo has given us.

Cheers
----------------------------
Jack

Salutations CyberJack.
Well done on digging those up. You have put me straight, well and truly. I had no idea that logo was used for Big W stores. I'm floored.
I have recently been given a store brand style low arch mower with a base just like the Woolworths mower pictured and now I want a reproduction Woolworths Chevron label to put on it! Would make a restoration with a difference.

Salutations Mowerfreak
Many thanks.

It was a rewarding experience in that history is the real winner.

I compliment you on the friendly argument you always present.
I wish some past-members had that understanding ...

New evidence comes to light everyday.
The story of Victa Stencil and Store Brands is far from complete.
Thanks to Gizmo and Yourself for giving a home to the Victa Chevron.

Cheers
---------------------
Jack

p.s. You might find this amusing - the reinvention of the 'Chevron' brand ...
http://www.news.com.au/finance/busi...s-story/86d3039995f6a558e63c4d5840843837

G'day MF,
It would that, as these seem to be a quite rare storebrand.

BTW, that exact 'Mayfair/storebrand mid-arch' base was used from 1971 up to 1980 at least.
The easiest way to pick these models in the Victa 'Quick parts reference 1970-1991' model list is by the catcher - this base used the Model 15.

For reference, here's an excerpt from Victa Tech Bulletin M92 [found HERE] which shows some storebrand models. LA = Low Arch; the asterisks denote trademarked brands;

Hi Gadge,
The illustration depicts a slightly different shape catcher, but with the familiar steel strip attachment arms with integrated hooks on the end.
Is that just creative licence on the part of the illustrator or did a certain series of this catcher type really have that revised shape to mine?
Ihave always found the type 15 catcher the least attractive looking, but after using one for the first time only recently, came away surprised at how easily it empties out compared to others and how deceptively cavernous it is inside, as it looks quite squat from outside. I think buyers who chose these entry level low arch models made a very shrewd purchase indeed, even if the neighbours didn't get as easily impressed by them.

We still have not found out who sold this one
Ian

I think it's safe to say it was a retailer in NSW.

Good morning ODK Members,

Just adding a few pics of a very nice original condition Walton’s Celestial mower, this one has had very little use going by the tread on the wheels. The chrome bars are stunning.

Hi paul_c,
wow you got a pretty rare survivor there. That would make a great patina resto or you could just continue using it as it was designed, as long as it's a good lawn.

i like that they have incorporated that zip start mech into the shroud. this is my favourite of all the zip starters victa produced. they seem to wear very well and not prone to breaking
this was incorporated in many designs

Those zip starters are very good once you modify the cup they never slip

I've started doing that as well Norm, work every time that way and no more metal filings

How many grooves do you put in? I usually do 6 or 8

Sprayed some silicone spray into a stiff starter spring last week, spray tube popped and I accidentally doused the pawls. Had to rip it all down and wipe it all out and leave the washers in the sun for a while before they would work again

Hi Norm K, what’s the mod?

Hi Paul,
I use a half round file and file slots in the cup about every 10mm . The reason I use the half round is so that the slot is slightly veed so the paws can slip in easily and come up against the squarer edge.
Hi Tyler,
did you get a good result with the just 6/8 slots? That is a lot less filing if I can get away with it

Slight slippage with 6, noticeably less with 8. Will be doing my VC sports shortly so will try every 10mm and see if there is a difference

I use a half round file as well - tried with a mill ba*tard (not sure if system would blank it out), but couldn't get the nice shape