MikeG41

I thought I might sneak in , unannounced, like the Christmas Party gatecrasher!?

MikeG41

I think I shall do that!

MikeG41

Here's an AMF Hercules I've just spotted on Flickr, supposedly dating from 1963 (N.B. NOT a Hawthorne),
that has a Birmingham badge, like that shown by Frank, in the pic. above!!??


Hercules bicycle by JARM13, on Flickr


Hercules bicycle close ups by JARM13, on Flickr


Hercules bicycle close ups by JARM13, on Flickr


Hercules bicycle close ups by JARM13, on Flickr

And here's a frame on Flickr, which I believe is a (modified) Hercules Maestro?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ricknose/5389937526/

photogravity

That is nearly identical to the 1964 that I got from Frank last weekend. Though it has fenders and a chainguard! Notice also that my cruiser has a Raleigh chainring for some reason. The headbadge on the 1963 looks like it is brass and is considerably different than the one that's affixed to my 1964 which appears to be made from aluminum.


Hercules Cruiser - 1964 - 1 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Cruiser Headbadge - 1964 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr

MikeG41

I think he's put an earlier badge on it, to be honest!?

photogravity

As it turns out, lady fate seems to be smiling on me lately because, with the help of forum members David Newton and rhm who have offered up parts for this project, b dub who offered a nice set of nice English quill pedals in the "Pay it forward..." thread and a swap that has been agreed to with RaleighSport, I have been able to assemble a large number of parts for this project. There is also a set of Chater-Lea style cranks that I scored which may end up as part of the project. Furthermore, upon mentioning to Jon Sharratt of the Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour and All British Cycling Event that I had acquired a Hercules Kestrel frame, he responded:
Needless to say, the word 'available' kept ringing in my ears and I promptly negotiated a deal to acquire the Kestrel saddle. It arrived today and below are pictures of it. While similar to a Brooks B-17, the stampings and the metal plate on the rear differ from that of the Brooks piece. Additionally, it has a splash-guard that is on underside of the saddle, which can be seen in a couple of the pictures.

I had planned to get the frame and fork shipped to Franklin Frames this past Saturday, but it didn't happen since my trip to Baltimore for parts got bumped to Saturday, so it will likely be Thursday or Friday before I can get it packed and shipped. Once it is in Jack's hands, he estimates it will take about 2 months to complete the paint restoration.

In any case, all is moving forward and I'm looking forward to throwing a leg over the bike and riding it some time in March.


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 1 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 2 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 3 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 4 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 5 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr


Hercules Kestrel Saddle - 6 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr