Posted 10 years ago
trackside
(1 item)
This is my father's track frame.
Italian frame builder Tom Dell'Amato built it in 1963 for Malvern Star in Northcote, Melbourne.
It's made from Reynolds 531, Nervex/Reynolds lugs/ends.
It has the specific design instruction to be made for flat track racing. ...as opposed to velodrome racing. Changes the frame geometry.
22.5" top bar, 23" seat tube, 39.5" wheel base, 16.5" rear stay.14.25" forks.
Bill said it was the most stable track frame he ever rode...and i guess that's why he kept it.
In 1964 at the Wangaratta ANA Carnival in Victoria my father rode this frame to win the International Grand Prix (match race) up against 5 other riders.
Namely Sid Patterson, Jos DeBaker, Jens Sorenson, Ron Grenda and Joe Siovola. Google those boys.
In 1980 the frame was brought back to life by Rupert Bates. Apparently one of the last he worked on before he died.
As far as Bill was concerned there were only 2 blokes to paint it and Tom Wallace (Brisbane) had stopped because his eyes had gone. Rupert did this one personally because of what it was and his long association with Malvern Star he wanted to " bring it back to its former glory..."
And so it was raced for its last track season and retired.
Thanks for the great story behind this frame.
Reynolds 531 in 1963 was pretty advanced wasn't it?
As an Aussie I love the Malvern Star connection.
Reynolds 531 tubing was introduced in 1938 I think....
It was a team issue. He told told how he wanted it built and Tom did. Here's the R31 stamp on the bottom bracket. Reynolds 531.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/trackside2/Mobile%20Uploads/PSX_20140911_094912_zps9nyy0vn_edit_1410396869701_zpshmhukjza.jpg
and this one is Tom Dell'Amato's stamp
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/trackside2/Mobile%20Uploads/PSX_20140911_102103_zpsewcs0oqs.jpg
These were one off's. ...built to spec with the best available gear for top level professional racing.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/trackside2/20140831_120405-1_zps6846r0xh.jpg
Great history there. Thanks!
Would your Father have raced with / against Eddie Smith? I have a very similar frame with his name on it and I understand he was top racer from the 1950s and rode for Malvern Star. I would love to learn more about that period.
http://www.fixed.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=32495
I'm not sure...to be honest. .. I can't remember any of his stories with that name...there's a thread at fixed.org for some more background.
But I'll ask him next time I've got him on the phone and get back to you.
Patto was riding for them at that time. Although he had no influence over dad, which was a cause for well some friction. Old school style.