Congratulations on your new acquisitions James. My Mum has the exact same iron, she has had it since she got married 44 years ago! I had a Hooverette when I was younger, got it from a jumble sale for 20p.
Great job on the washer James. Sounds very sturdy and beefy. You get the tension sorted out? Sounds ok to me!! Lol@Paul, "Jumble sale for 20p"! Lol. My nan had that same iron in orange, which I had kept it!