Of particular interest to me is the Cec Weatherby machine photo below:



I am not sure when this photo was taken but it appears pre-race given Cec's clothing and the happy demeanour (He did not finish the race!).

There appears to be some anomalies with the photo of this machine compared to the photo posted by Bill above. Firstly there is no number on the rear in Bill's photo and I just cannot makeout the number on the front in Bill's photo but it doesn't look like 31.

Also there appears to be some attachment to the oil tank filler in Jeff's photo that does not appear in Bill's photo and in Bill's photo there is a second rear higher footrest that Cec no doubt used once in top gear that is not visible in Jeff's photo.

Can anyone provide some info on the numbering of these bikes pre-race and after. And could Cec be on another bike for the after race shots.

Perhaps someone with a program may be able to identify the number of Cec's bike in that race.

Again any help appreciated.

Regards,
Peter Shannon
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Hi Peter

The photo of Cec Weatherby was taken as he pushes from the pre-race "Weigh-in" in 1933, when his number was indeed 31 - last Lightweight starter.

As to missing number plates, side plates were not required in practice - a useful point when dating photos as precisely as possible!

There also seems to be the rearward footrests just below the side plate.

The fitting on the oil tank filler would be a "crossover" neck necessary for the race, when all work had to be done from the pit wall which was, of course, on the left. In practice, when Bill's photo was taken, this need did not exist.

Nortons used a similar system, with an extended neck.

Good luck with the hunt.