Back in Blighty again after another US trip. LM's head is in the UK with me and a nice little piece of history was waiting for me when I got home.
Ray Weissbrot lent me this early CB72 oil-pump drive gear to have a look at. It is actually bronze and, Ray tells me, they were not very successful. His own 1961 CB72 which was used for racing, actually threw a rod, as a result of this gear failing. Honda had second thoughts and used a steel gear subsequently.
This one is NOS from George Leigh's shop and came with a set of NOS pump gears.
It came with the original parts label with an 18 shilling (about $1.50) price tag.
I have spent most of this weekend preparing a new assembly area for this and other engines. I have a sturdy bench with a wipe-clean top, great lighting and plenty of white paint on the walls for good visibility.
It's great for taking photos, too. I am pleased with the result and can concentrate on assembling this 1961 motor in the best of environments.
G