'Searching For a Ranalah' | Reviving History (Episode One)

Last week, I broke the exciting news that I had acquired the rights to the 'Ranalah' trademark. Before producing them again, I need to get hold of an original 'Ranalah' wheeling machine to copy. However, this wasn't as easy as I thought...
What on earth is a 'wheeling machine'? • The English Wheel
My big announcement: • BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! | Re...
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchinea​​
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@Giles4me]

Absolutely over the moon for you Dom, you need to get the BBC to sit down with that guy and get him to tell his story the world needs to know about these people before they have gone... I would love tp know his story, really enjoyed him saying I could do that, legend...

[@andyfirthbespoke]

Well that was the best 20 minutes of my week. Over the moon for you mate.

[@PaulKennedy5]

I couldn’t be more delighted for you Dom, and what a wonderful and heartwarming video. I think you feel the same for that wonderful guy as most of us do for you! So glad it arrived in one piece!

[@freddieleethompson3536]

Send it into The Repair Shop. There’s a guy on there that would restore this. He’s pretty good…

[@smartgorilla]

The beardy one is alright....

[@freddieleethompson3536]

@@smartgorilla Yeah. He might need Jay’s help, though…

[@smartgorilla]

@@freddieleethompson3536 and the others...looks like a big lump

[@negotiableaffections]

Backstory, I own the Ranalah Co. and it would be lovely to have a working machine.... etc etc

[@smartgorilla]

@@negotiableaffections yes. I tried looking for him

[@iainnash6580]

Dom, I honestly think that video should be up for some sort of academy award for the amount of tension and suspense it generated with triumphal celebration and euphoria afterwards when you found it... then even more suspense when you said you had to wait a week 🤦🏼! Couldn’t be more pleased for you! Best video I’ve watched in ages

[@DominicChineas]

Hahah! Thanks so much what a nice message. I feel a lot calmer now it’s safely resting in my workshop! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@gav2759]

Real life, edge of the seat drama. And there's a documentary waiting to be made, on that fine gent and his cars.

[@robertallardice8119]

What a fantastic thing you are doing Dom. The old gentleman you bought the wheel from is an absolute genius! I am in awe of these great craftsmen.

[@howardatkinson8126]

check out allen millyard another engineering genius

[@stevedane787]

As Colonel Hannibal Smith said, "Don't you just love it when a plan comes together". I'm totally made up for you. Best of luck with the rest of the journey

[@DustyKorpse]

Dom, the hardest working CEO in the UK. And he’s only just started! 👍🏻

[@alanninebelowzero3894]

Enjoyed watching that, the guy you got the wheel off, very clever,this is why we need more apprentice schemes for the younger generation

[@markharrisllb]

I’m gobsmacked that you don't have more subscribers. You have everything needed for a channel like this to be 1m+, personality, passion, skills and knowledge. That guy brought a tear to my eye, he and people like him are what put 'Great' in Great Britain. It’s not our imperialist history that I’m most proud of. It's the engineers, inventors, technicians, medical researchers etc that brought something special to the world from this tiny island. Forgot to say I made it that far and I’m looking forward to the paint stripping.

[@whu58]

Wow, that guy with the cars = what a talent + so happy for you that you found the Ranalah.

[@consideredwhisper]

Dom, tears are streaming down my face. These are the qualities that made this country so innovative and ‘rich’ historically. Everything - everything - you have shown in this film is to be admired. Thank you so much.

[@tomlee812]

I've only recently discovered the channel after years of watching Repair Shop. This is such an uplifting and heart-warming video that I am hooked. really looking forward to going through the back catalogue now. Thank you so much for letting us share this journey with you.

[@lesleysmith5623]

Dom, I’m a retired engineer and only subscribed to your channel about a month ago but that was probably one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin.... and a happy ending too !! Good luck.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much!

[@fionahaughey7454]

My stepfather (who died in 1985) was an engineer patternmaker - so pre-computers. Everything done with pencil/ruler/graph paper!! He made toy dolls houses and garages for his grandchildren - all utilitarian but very solid!

[@DominicChineas]

What a clever guy! I’m quickly learning this pattern making is not easy!

[@gilbert7794]

Great to see another small part of our engineering history saved.

[@kevinell6605]

I'm in awe off people like that old boy ....I'd love to spend a few months in their company learning and watching. Good luck with the wheel Dom !

[@michaelgibson4705]

A project started for all the right reasons,with genuine enthusiasm.And if you come out on the right side financially,so much the better good luck with it Dom

[@martysmilt]

I have been building things for 60 years as I learned to weld at 12 Years. This is an epic build. I have subscribed even though I have reached the tail end of my building years. I completed an airplane in 2003. enjoy!

[@kevinball2517]

Probably the best thing I've seen on KZbin in ages your passion is so contagious well done Dom 👍🏼

[@simontassano5992]

We were on the edge of our seat, watching this in Austin Texas. SO SO SO glad that you've located your "baby". Many congrats!

[@peterhopkins7505]

You never know what you will discover next. I knocked on a door once, was invited in for a coffee, and then was shown a 1926 supercharged Bentley, some other spectacular cars, and whilst sat over coffee was handed the lens of a Russian Space laser, over 15 inches of pure Ruby. Keep up the good work.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Just discovered your channel Dom , what a wonderful and heartwarming story !.Back in the mid 70s , a close and now late friend bought a 1926 Rolls Phantom I chassis, and with the assistance of a very skilled local engineer Brian , from a very big enterprise, built a replica aluminium touring body for the chassis , based on a Hooper coachbuilt car, which was particularly handsome .The firm were selling off a number of English wheels ( £100 each ! ) , and with Brian's skills, he taught myself and my friend to manipulate the sheets of aluminium into the most beautiful shapes and with patience and his fine welding skills, the car became a reality.45 years on , that car is currently for sale for in excess of £100,000, it cost in total , including the chassis and paying Brian for his knowledge and efforts £1500 !.

[@neilwilliams7957]

Dom the detective.🧐 Your perseverance certainly paid off, what an adventure and what a wonderful gentleman you found, truly inspirational. Step one.. ticked. Very best wishes.

[@Lucia-rr4lw]

Surpassed even yourself, what a trip what a find! Incredible story, I knew the ending but my heart was in my mouth on this vlog Dom. Greatest yet, just ✨brilliant✨

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks for watching Lucia! Your never ending support and enthusiasm keeps me going, thank you X

[@roydavies260]

Happy for you Dom. Watching these videos with great interest. Thank you Dom

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks, there’s many more in the ranalah series

[@stevemumford6983]

Well done Dom. You deserve it. The old previous owner being a fan of the Repair shop is probably secretly glad you have aquired his wheel machine. Next time you are on a mission of discovery load up the old school Google Earth. It's a great tool for 'hovering' above an area and panning in close. Always thought you come across as a genuine up beat guy. So glad you eventually found it. 👍

[@jtucker7209]

what an incredible story-nerve wracking just to watch so you must have felt bad! But great outcome. Well done!

[@bruceblackerby3742]

Great video. I remember reading about English Wheels 40 years ago. Nice to see one saved. To think of all the skills that have been lost as everything is automated and computerized. Very sad. I'm starting the restoration of my 1973 Jensen Interceptor, and finding the marks of the builders on the trim panels reminds me that it was a car built by hand.

[@iandownie9848]

When I think of the pieces that have been sold as scrap metal for cash, it breaks my heart. As a teen ager, we got things from the scrap yard at a Power station for 25 shillings a hundredweight. taps, dies, tools, castings, shafts, bearings, it didn't matter what it was, all the same price.

[@ronaldkent1971]

Fantastic dom. men like him are what makes this country great

[@howardatkinson8126]

check out allen millyard another genius

[@ronaldkent1971]

@@howardatkinson8126 thanks

[@christophergallagher9146]

Wow,fantastic news and what a legend that old engineer is. Can’t wait to see more in the series. Well done Dom your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Very Happy for you Dom ! Ra Ra Ranalah ! A beautiful synthesis of " form and function ! " Enjoy !

[@mikefaulkner3163]

This should be a BBC commissioned series.. amazing story, so well told.. what a privilege that you are allowing us to come on this journey, Dom. What a true gent, nice to have some real entertainment for a change, no politics, no covid, no BS.. keep up the amazing work !

[@tommoxjr]

Absolutely! They had that “trouble at the top” series, years ago, they could do “Starting from the bottom : re-discovering British Engineering”

[@chrismcdonnell8297]

Wow Dom - watched this with eyes like saucers and when the camera picked out the name on the Ranalah I genuinely smiled. Really pleased for you mate, well done.

[@mwills2178]

One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin. So pleased for you mate!

[@irfisher]

The harder you work, the luckier you get - it so much more gratifying when you put in the effort and it all works out in the end. Keep it up big man!

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you! That was definitely a hard day!

[@Thudmunky]

As a panel beater/ painter for 30 years, and working on and restoring everything from Healeys, to E types, Bentleys and everything in between, I can really see your passion for all things traditional. So chuffed for you buddy, have fun with it, and all the best.

[@MT_T991]

Check out blacksheepcrossmember on Instagram hes been working on his wheel for couple years. Hes just come back from the foundry with his.

[@JJFaulkner]

What a find and such an epic story of your journey to find a Ranalah. So many twist and turns and a stroke of luck. Thanks for sharing it with us Dom!

[@Ozbert]

I like the way that this is "Episode One". congratulations, and really looking forward to seeing you revive your Ranalah machine and then the Ranalah company. Well worth that wet walk in the woods eh !

[@Ozbert]

Not really a reply... just myself again wanting to add ; Great job on the editing, building up the tension and getting the suspense across to us muggles. Here's hoping that this project turns out to be all that you want it to be.

[@Natureswealthcouk]

What a great video and great outcome! I can remember watching my Grandad using one of those Wheels in the 1970's in a Workshop at Elstree Aerodrome. Fond memories. Thanks Dom.

[@DominicChineas]

Amazing! Thank you for watching, sounds like your grandad was a talented man!

[@wilkybarkid]

This is one of the best things I've seen in an age. Working for the ambulance service allows me to be privy to people's lives - be that going through their war medals, their life stories, etc - when the situation allows getting to see into people's lives has led me into many garages, sheds and man caves over the last 8 years. An original 1920's ice cream van was probably one of the most interesting! Someone's service issue webley revolver was one of the more worrying ones though lol

[@lynnhaswell1690]

So happy for you Dom that you managed to get a Ranalah Wheel - Sheer determination - What a super find - looking forward to your next week's update 👌😊

[@paddrivers]

I met a guy a few years ago who collected "English wheels" I remember him saying he had no idea how to use them he just liked them !

[@ytaakingfisherinaction6205]

What an adventure not only have you gbfound your Ranalah you have also found an engineering hero.. win win!

[@TK42138]

Utterly hooked on this. To see people actually fixing and fabricating stuff in the 21st century is good but to see old machine manufacturer names being reborn is superb.

[@ralphwilmot6351]

Dom that is fantastic to follow through and now to restore your English-Wheel. Amazing how many old chaps and what they create in home workshops.

[@garfusmaximusify]

Aargh... holy chuffing bananas man, “my anxiety levels are through the roof”, now mine are on the way to the moon. that is amazing. and I thought I found some crazy s**t in the woods...

[@chuckthebull]

I think this is so great..been wanting a proper English wheel for a long while. And wantching your enthusiasm and passion for this is really inspiring..

[@danemb3300]

When I saw your post I didn't know what you were talking about with this English wheel, however your excitement and enthusiasm made me stay; I suppose it was like some adventure where you just had to know the final part. Well done and I'm so pleased for you, let's hear more.

[@lcoping]

Fantastic! Well done chap. Your tenacity has paid off and you are well deserving of your reward. 👏

[@pauliboo2]

Yes we made it this far!! Fantastic week you’ve had!! What an amazing bloke, he reminds me of my dad, and grandad (both engineers, like I am).

[@kerrypitt9789]

So they must be pretty rare! When you google "Ranalah Wheel," four of your videos show up right at the top. I read about the use, but I will understand better when I see it working. Great and unusual topic Dom!!!

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks for watching, yes they are very rare!

[@johnsholian4318]

I arrived at your channel a few days back and have been watching your videos so I was aware of your quest to start remaking the wheeling machines but just now got around to watching this video and I have to say that I’ve not witnessed many with the passion and determination that you exhibit. Well done you for your accomplishments thus far. I hope that you’ve kept in touch with that gentleman as he is a treasure and could no doubt teach you a thing or two.

[@DominicChineas]

We have kept in touch, I’d love to film with him again soon! Maybe once it’s finished.. glad your enjoying it thank you

[@nickedney1272]

That is fantastic! Well done Dom you deserved that win, you are so dedicated and determined. Looking forward to watching the next one and seeing how you get on.

[@stevenprice9327]

Good things come to those that wait and may I add deserve it!

[@107248]

Fantastic Dom, When i was a a boy i had a job in a small garage that restored old MG's. On at the weekend two old chaps (probably in there 70s) would cumin to work in the back room with there wheeling machines. One day i was putting a MG Y Type back together but still needed a front off side wing. These two wonderful old Guys dutifully dragged a sheet steel past me into the workshop at about 0830 in the morning and at about 1430pm presented me with perfect fitting, hand rolled wing for a 1949 MG Y type Roadster. And that day as a 18 year old boy i realised some old people are cool and that i had a lot to learn. I'm in my 70s now but i still can't roll a bloody wing!

[@angelolazeroms5900]

This reminds me of a trip I once took to the Belgian Ardennes to find a 1947 Marshall plan willy's on a deserted farm. Came there fully prepared with wd40 and everything, even had found the number of the mayor of the village. But when we finally got there, there were fresh dragging marks in the mud. Probably max 5 days old something, whilst it had been there for at least 30 years with trees growing through it. This was so exciting to watch, and one can only hope to obtain as much knowledge and skill as the gentleman does who sold it to you! Sometimes things are just meant to be.

[@chizzt]

Chuffed for you sir. Looking forward to following the rest of this journey.

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

What an amazing story, I love it, and what a wonderful guy too. Really looking forward to the next instalment.

[@brucewrandol]

Impressive story. I had no idea what a Ranala was at all. Now I do and it is interesting . I had always wanted to learn how to use an English Wheel. I met a man when I ran a metal cutting laser. He was made fenders for Packards. His name was Sid MacDonald. And he was in his 80’s. He died before we could ever get together in his shop. I totally missed my chance to even see his wheel. I am quite envious of you. Thank you for your journey to find your wheel.

[@MrMattDat]

Your interview of that gentleman was PRICELESS!!! I am so glad I found your videos!!!

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you!! He is an absolute genius

[@kingcal53]

Yes, another Dom video! A hunt for a wheel in the woods, blimey. Well done for tracking it down!

[@terrytopliss9506]

Congratulations Dom,so pleased for you. If you ever get a minute to see another genius look up Allen Millyard on Utube .👍👍

[@tylerbennetts8079]

Two geniuses epic!

[@samrodian919]

Fair play to the gentleman that sold it to you Dom, I think he recognised that you wanted to put the name back up there in lights so to speak. And the fact that you couldn't move on with your quest to make new RanalahEnglish wheels with out his original 1930's one as a pattern for the new ones brought the engineer in him out to the fore again as he recognised you as a kindred spirit.

[@peterhofmann8292]

Dom your excitement is so contagious, and I am so over the moon for you and this great project.

[@peterdering4922]

Well done Dom, You must be buzzing right now, Did you get the extra wheels with it or can you use the ones from your existing machine?

[@davidbrodie5044]

Really pleased for you. Are you thinking of crowd funding or similar for the next stage?

[@paulelliott2861]

The dream begins my man. So much knowledge has been lost. And crafts died. We need more like you and the repair shop, to keep our heritage alive. All the very best sir. I’ll be watching every part of your journey. All the very best. Paul . Wimbledon.

[@normanbott]

So glad it worked out ! Your doggedness paid off - looking forward to the restoration now.

[@PetrikNZ]

I "made it this far" WHO didn't, what an awesome journey.

[@MrWeaviestevie]

Sitting here with a big smile on my face Dominic ..glad you got it in the end ..It was me who messaged you and sent you the screen shot through Instagram..watching the vid my emotions were up and down ,hesitant as if you got it.But you did ...im glad to of helped you .. steve

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you for sending that message!! I can’t thank you enough!

[@markwatters6875]

So glad you were able to get the English Wheel so quick. Now the real work begins, lol. Onward and upward.

[@tomthompson7400]

The guy with the wheel is an entire TV series on his own. Let aone a life times worth of knowledge, totally amazing.

[@michaelpalmer4013]

There are ignorant people who tear statues down but fortunately, also people like you who appreciate our heritage. Good luck (of course I watched until the end).

[@jonathangehman4005]

What a fantastic bit of equipment. I totally understand why you'd undertake this project. Full speed ahead

[@peterwilliams8922]

That's fantastic. And what an amazing guy the previous owner is. That's a lucky wheel to have two special owners. I can't wait to see YOUR Maserati...!

[@ianj3663]

Brilliant !!! Well done Dom for show casing proper engineering craftmanship.

[@fundi_mike]

One of my favorite youtube videos of all time, I keep coming back to watch this again and again.... the hunt for old cast-iron, the adventure, the up's and downs along the way, the unexpected discoveries - all combined with great storytelling - perfect

[@migalito1955]

My gosh, I stopped the video at 3:12 to scratch out this good luck scribble. Sure hope it pans out. What a needle in a ocean of hay this is.... OK, I've seen the rest, fantastic and your spot on in that Old Guy is simply amazing. "If they can make it, so can I", is a fabulous attitude that in his case is spot on. Footnote: I saw it to the end. This project is the cats meow. I wish I was not thousands of miles away in the States because this old retired guy would love to help and will definitely be watching with anticipation. Good continued luck....

[@vinerellos]

Dom I was nearly in tears over the joy and excitement, congrats

[@phillipmaciver3226]

Really chuffed for you Dom.....now the work starts!...👏👏👍👍.

[@rogerhaag9069]

I am soooo glad that I randomly found your site!! I saw the casting process first and then the search and finding it. I was on pins and needles as you went step by step on your search. Now onto the stripping and more! I had a year long project to get a set of bronze ice box hinges castings made. I made the wax patterns. That was in 1977 and to date have never seen an identical ornate design like the ones I made! I am now 71 and will have to pass it on someday. I admire your work and the previous owner of the machine!!!

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much for watching! Really appreciate the comments

[@adrianriley780]

Thank you for watching NO THANK YOU for saving and remanufacturing such brilliant engineering I take my hat off to you. I feel privileged to be able to share in your journey.

[@paulwhiteman3625]

That’s awesome, Dom! What a find and what an amazing gentleman. If only we could get all of these great men together in one establishment so they can pass on their knowledge.

[@DominicChineas]

He really was an amazing man! Very lucky to meet him

[@paulwhiteman3625]

@@DominicChineas I’ve got another five days down with Geoff Moss in July to work on a Lotus 11! Can’t wait! So you’re now Mr. Ranalagh? Does this mean you can remanufacture Ranalagh English wheels? If so, that’s fantastic!

[@greenboyko]

Beautiful and iconic. Anyone from an engineering background, will undoubtedly see a work of art. As I am, and do. Bravo for not giving up the search, and ultimately bagging a peice of history.

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Just brilliant. Great adventure. I know what you mean about the wait to pick it up, worrying someone else will get in there first.

[@davidboulter7706]

What a pleasure to watch. Great work Dom. Maybe ask the old Gent if you can make a video of him? That would be something.

[@the2ems1]

Just watched a really interesting program on the “Yesterday” tv channel called “War Factories”. In it we see two guys using an English wheel to shape a large section of aeroplane. Then in a panoramic view, there are 5 or 6 English wheels clearly visible. I’m sure some of them were Ranalahs.

[@judyswayne4784]

That is so wonderful! The search journey was great to follow. Here in Canada the machines that are sought after are called General which were manufactured in Quebec in the 1960’s. They are the machines to find here to restore. They became General International for many years but went under about 4 years ago. I sell tools and tell my customers that if they find a General buy it no matter what. Amazing machines. I’m a woodworker so I look for tablesaws and bandsaws etc. Enjoy the journey of bringing your English Wheel back to life!

[@100boomer]

Top man Dom, you are doing a great thing getting this Ranelah wheel back up and running. Love The Repair Shop, keep up your great work!

[@williamlott7612]

What a great video! I too, am in awe of people like the old gentleman you bought the Ranalah from; a true craftsman. I love old tools and truly believe that “old doesn’t mean bad.” Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@adrianlynch9435]

Cracking stuff Dom. What a pattern of coincidences to finally get what you have been looking for. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Thanks for the video.

[@ericstammers]

well i can't explain why but this is so compelling. Please please do see it through. we are all with you Dom.

[@steveknight4291]

Such an awesome video, so happy for you Dom. That old guy was the true meaning of master craftsman. As someone who loves to work with their hands I am in awe of you both.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you for such a nice comment! really appreciate it

[@stephendriver5853]

Awesome find, great owner, what an engineer. Go Dom, enjoy the journey. We are.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

That was epic Dom, the enthusiasm you have is infectious. Boy the guy who had it was soooo skilled. Why does this country not value these engineers of yesteryear and save the skills and get them shared to youngsters who need to work with their hands. I love making and repairing and I have done all my life helping my dad. We could have a good chat over a pint and I cannot wait to follow your journey further. Andy UK

[@glenncrockford8100]

Can somebody please turn this into a TV programme?! Great vid Dom. Keep us posted and please include the older chap and his beautiful motors.

[@purplestarjen1]

Made it all the way through! What a rollercoaster! Brill as always