The 1939 AERIAL-MATCH Mk.2
...Well, at long last, the first 'trial' model has been completed, you will be pleased to read!
As per the original, I painted the backplate and lineguard, but with satin black instead of gloss. There was a bit of tweaking and tuning up to do, principally getting the line drum built up and running true..
I was going to put on horn handles, but relented and fitted a pair of genuine, black Ebonite ones instead.
Here are a few pics of our 'trial' reel then. There is no engraving or serial number on this one, but all future reels will have this.
As most anglers today wind with their left hand, this one has been made accordingly. However, both left-and right handed versions will be built.
I am also going to try making one with a rim lever check at a future date.
It will now go off to the Post Office and on to the first of a team of TFFers, who have all very kindly (but rather reluctantly
) agreed to take part in a series of practical field tests under real fishing conditions for different fish.
There may have to be some modifications, depending on their reports, but if all OK, it's all systems go, but this is the story so far...
Click on the pictures if they are not very clear.
Right..Let's make a start on the next lot...