Next update….
As can be seen from the original pics, the wheelset that came with the Mercian consisted of a complete rear wheel with a small flange Campagnolo Record hub laced to a Fiamme rim and a front small flange Campagnolo Record hub and Fiamme rim. As my wheel building skills are totally non-existant and the hubs looked beyond repair I decided to look for a replacement wheelset.
I wanted to keep the Campagnolo hub and Fiamme rim combination and as I’ve always preferred the look of large flange hubs I bought this set off of Ebay.
The previous owner had already polished the hubs and had them laced into the Fiamme rims, but had not got round to polishing the rims themselves, so a quick session of polishing was required to get them looking good.
The skewers that came with the Ebay wheels were a non-matching set and in not very good condition so a virtually new straight lever set was procured and fitted.
Finally I’ve fitted a pair of Vittoria Competition Rally Tubs and are just letting them stretch for a few days before gluing.
The Freewheel that came on the rear wheel was a grotty looking 5 speed Regina Sport Corse that had 14, 16, 18, 22 and 28 tooth sprockets. Looking at the rust on the 28 tooth sprocket it doesn’t look as if it got much use and I doubt that the Benelux 60 derailleur could cope with it anyway.
Luckily a friend had a virtually identical Regina Sport Corse, this time with a more usable 15, 18, 20, 23 and 25 spread, so he generously donated it to the cause. Just needs a clean.
Not much left to do now.