mrblobby – Member
I’m 110% that this RC10 Classic would be rubbish and that this one would be about as much fun as watching paint dry.
Oh my, those do look good. Blobby Jr only 15 months… too young to use as an excuse?

Edit: Off the modelsport facebook page… surely this is more STW…

That Defender looks real 8O

All these RC car threads are driving me nuts!!!

I’d forgotten how much fun they can be and now spend quite a bit of time on the Modelsport[/url] site.

I’ve so far resisted the urge to buy one!!!

I just keep telling myself that nothings ever as good as you remember.

I’m 110% that this RC10 Classic would be rubbish and that this one would be about as much fun as watching paint dry. :wink:

timc – Member
amplebrew – Member
I know that there are numerous fast and powerful diesels around, but after driving a fast diesel golf and Mondeo ST tdci; I found they didn’t have the character of a petrol. They were nice and fast, but I personally missed the engine noise. The 5 pot pot of the ST225 sounds gorgeous, especially on the overrun.
Not really a fair comparison, over 50bhp difference between the diesels & the ST

Not sure id even call them ‘fast’ diesels, just normal by modern standards

Definitely didn’t have any issue with the performance of the diesels, they just lacked a nice engine noise which I think adds to the whole experience.

johndoh – Member
That’s why it was more fun!!!

I had the SRi for a while and I remember one particular time trying to go around a corner (that I know very well) a little bit racily and very nearly parked it into the traffic coming the other way. Not so much ‘under-steer’ as ‘didn’t-steer’.

I do think they are a great looking car though (in the coupe version with upgraded wheels).

:lol:

I certainly got more attached to my VXR purely down to it’s character. I had to purposefully steer right when accelerating with any purpose.

Having said all that, I eventually sold the VXR and went back to bikes which was a million times more fun.

johndoh – Member
but the Astra was more fun to drive.

Until you tried to go around a corner at anything above ‘Continental Drift’ pace?

That’s why it was more fun!!! :lol:

I bought them to try and get off bikes, so I think the VXR’s character suited me more.

If I had to choose between the ST and the VXR as an everyday car though, it would be the ST everytime. I just had a lot more fun in the VXR.

The ST’s are very popular cars and as far as I’m aware our ST traffic cars in work have been trouble free.

I know that there are numerous fast and powerful diesels around, but after driving a fast diesel golf and Mondeo ST tdci; I found they didn’t have the character of a petrol. They were nice and fast, but I personally missed the engine noise. The 5 pot pot of the ST225 sounds gorgeous, especially on the overrun.

Ford even fitted a sound symposer device to amplify the sound of the engine on the new shape Focus ST to make it sound better when in the cabin.

I had a 225 when they first came out and I thought it was an amazing car. Nice and quick, but still comfy and very easy to drive day to day.

I ended up selling mine as it was unbelievably thirsty of fuel.

I changed it for an Astra VXR which easily did 10mpg more than the Focus in day to day driving.

The Focus was a much nicer car to live with, but the Astra was more fun to drive.

The new one is mean’t to be much better on fuel though.

Unless I needed a 5 door hatchback, I’d possibly be looking at the new Fiesta ST as it seems to be getting great reviews.

FuzzyWuzzy – Member
I didn’t realise so many places have you doing different shift times in the same week, doesn’t it kill you switching from am to pm to night shifts in a short period?

I initially found my shift pattern hard work with the quick change between shifts over the 6 days, but you soon get used to it.

It hasn’t become easier, I have just got used to dealing and coping with the effects.

I actually think the variation sometimes helps and I really wouldn’t want to work 6 nights in a row.

I haven’t got any children and my wife also works shifts, so the different hours suit me. If my wife did Mon to Fri 9-5 and/or we had children; I would not want to be working pm’s and nights as I think they can have a huge affect on family life.

Another fan of the self-amalgamating tape from Screwfix.

Funnily enough my roll has just turned up today in the post 8)

I do 6 days on, 4 days off in my job and have worked shifts for the last 10 years.

My 6 days consist of 2 am’s (7.30 – 16.30), 2 pm’s (15.00 – 00.00 or 16.00 – 02.00) and then 2 nights (23.00 – 08.00 or 20.00 – 08.00.)

The am shifts are great, especially in the summer as a 16.30 finish means that I’ve got plenty of hours left to do stuff.

The pm shifts can be a bit of a pain as I find that because I know I need to be in work until 02.00; I’m less inclined to do too much in the morning.

I find the night shifts to be great, however I think I’m just lucky as I don’t need much sleep. I often go out on the bike straight after nights with no issues. I do know others though that really suffer on nights and it really knocks them out for days.

Shifts and nights in particularly can give you a fuzzy head, a general feeling of tiredness and for some IBS.

I always eat the right meals at the right time, so would always eat a proper tea when getting up after nights and a normal breakfast when coming in from nights. I also try not to eat during a night shift as I find it makes me feel ill.

From experience, there is a massive variation in how folks cope with shifts and the only way you’ll really know is by giving them a go.

Shifts can be great for getting out and about in the peace and quiet, but you can also miss out on lots of social activities and events from either being in work or in bed.

I can guarantee that there will be numerous events and activities I’ll miss every year due to shift work.

Shifts are however great for giving you more opportunity to get general bits and bobs done. If you’re in a Monday to Friday job you’ve only really got the Saturday to get jobs and errands done such as getting car serviced, going to bank, getting a tradesman around the house etc etc.

I generally enjoy working shifts and would rather have my current hours than a Mon to Fri 9-5 job. The downside for me personally is not the hours, bur missing out on events and activities.

Kona had the A Drive and B drive tyres which were a 2.3 front and a 2.0 rear.

I think they also had propulsion and equilibrium tyres as well which were a 2.1 front and 2.0 rear.

I used to love my flexstem 8)

I always lusted after the one piece titanium Flexstem and handlebar.

Try and test ride a few as there is such a huge difference in the ride between the different styles of bike.

I’ve owned an SV650 which was great and I’ve had a go on an Kwak ER6f, 2013 Yam XJ600 and a Honda Hornet; all of which were really lovely bikes.

If you want something really sporty then something like a CBR600rr or GSXR600 for something that’s not too full on.

You don’t necessarily need to start on something friendly and low power as the throttle works both ways.

I passed my test in 98 and to be honest just went out and bought a Fireblade as it was the bike I really wanted.

Nice find 8)

I had the 97 edition that i’d spend hours pouring over.

Crell – Member
Excellent vid amplebrew. Thanks for sharing.

I use that stretch of road on a daily basis and can’t even begin to comprehend riding at those speeds.

The ITV4 coverage is amazing, but it doesn’t really come close to actually being there.

The speed them come past is unbelievable, you just wouldn’t think it was possible.

Bustaspoke – Member
A couple of my mates did the homestay thing & enjoyed it.
I’m planning on going over for the manx in August,Liverpool boats only have space for foot passengers so I’ll take the pushbike..
If we decide to go to next years TT we’ll be booking early.

Funnily enough, I saw lots of visitors riding around on bikes. The roads away from the TT course are really great, just don’t cycle over the mountain between Ramsey and the Creg whilst it’s one way 8O

The Manx GP / Classic TT is great as it’s quieter and you don’t get the power rangers trying to achieve a 130mph lap on open roads. It hasn’t quite got the same atmosphere and excitement though.

I’d definitely recommend coming over for at least one TT and making sure you’re over for the senior race on the last Friday. The excitement and build up to the final senior race is fantastic.

the_lecht_rocks – Member
Amplebrew, can you recommend a hotel for myself and my wife for next years TT please ?

Depends on where you want to stay.

If you want to stay in Douglas any of the ones listed here will be great.

I’d start ringing around though as you’ll probably find that most will already be booked up.

Homestay is probably the best way to find digs during the TT.

Douglas is the centre, but Peel and Port Erin are both lovely places to stay and a bit quieter.

You could also look at camping maybe as you can hire a pre-erected tent, so you don’t need to worry about carrying one.

Glen Wyllin campsite is realy nice and Glen Lough is good as well.

I’d definitely get your travel arrangements and digs sorted soon though.

Before I moved over here, I used the Homestay scheme as it is by far the easiest way to secure somewhere to stay during TT.

It’s gone really quiet now it’s all over; can’t believe how fast the 2 weeks goes by :(

The Island gets a whole new lease of life during TT and the great weather really made this years TT.

I’ve just got the ITV4 coverage to remind me of how great it was 8)

This video starts as the bikes come through Kirk Michael where I live. 30mph limit road in a built up area!!!

I’m riding and/or driving on the TT course everyday and find the speeds they can average amazing.

All the TT entrants must be super human to do what they do.

We’re running 90psi on our Crux with 33mm Tracer tyres.

I’ve always used a hairdryer to soften the decal whilst slowly peeling it off.

I then remove the residue with Mr Sheen and a cloth.

A few pics taken this afternoon….

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IMG_1112[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1108[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1106[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1102[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1101[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1096[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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IMG_1093[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

My wife bought one in March and to be honest it’s been great.

For the money. I don’t think you’ll get a bigger brand new car.

The one complaint I would have would be that it revs quite high if on the motorway and could do with a 6th gear. Not a problem for us though as we don’t have motorways on the Isle Of Man.

I wanted us to get a Berlingo to he honest as I think it’s got more room in the back and is certainly wider. It’s my wife’s car however and she would rather walk than be seen In a Berlingo.

There are a lot of folk quick to criticise Vauxhall’s, but I drove an Astra patrol car for a few years and it never missed a beat; not like some of the current Ford Focus which have needed visits to the workshop.

How about P35’s?

I’m looking to get some SS wheels built up for a 29er and was going to go for Arch EX’s, but reckon I’ll go with the 35’s to hopefully get a wider print with more grip and comfort.

Dogs do take time and effort but the rewards are massive.

They give you back so much love and the highlight of my day is getting in from work and seeing them.

They can also offer security and reassurance when at home, wanting to protect the whole family or the other members of ‘the pack.’

Insurance can be dear and I pay just over £40 a month to cover our two, but as per ‘Mastercard’ what you get back from them is priceless.

I think it’s really important to study the breed characteristics and choose a dog that will fit in with you. Whilst you can train a dog up to fit in with your lifestyle, breeds do have character traits that will always be present.

I’ve got Rossi the Springer and Oli the Tibetan Terrier…..

[/url]
DSC00058new[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

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DSCF0078[/url] by Ample Brew[/url], on Flickr

Maybe try a slightly different angle on the seat.

I have to run mine completely flat (checked with a spirit level) or I end up with discomfort.

Even just the slightest variation can make a huge difference to my comfort.

Just on the Gobi, is it the Kium railed version?

I had a standard Gobi that came on a bike a while ago and it was terrible.

I now run a Kium railed version and find it really comfy; it’s like a completely different seat.

Really terrible news.

Deepest sympathy to his family, friends and the rest of the Tyco team.

Kenny Senior – Member
Cheers fellas. Just looking at some of these suggestions.

Now, just to be sure, when Americans say ‘clyde’ they just mean lard arse, yes?

Yes, they mean heavier weight riders, like 200lbs.

Life was much simpler when you only had to decide on frame size and maybe if you wanted to upgrade to a Girvin Flex Stem 8)

Here is a link to some webcams on the course.

Weather wasn’t nice this morning, but it cleared up enough for a practice this evening.

Weather[/url] isn’t looking amazing over the next few days, but maybe not too bad.

The drop off system works great.

Depending on how much effort you want to put in, give every rider a photocopy of the route.

Make sure that any new or inexperienced riders don’t automatically hang around at the rear of the group. They may be nervous that they’ll be too slow and stay at the back through lack of confidence. The only thing is that the further towards the back you are, the quicker you have to ride to keep up due to the ‘rubber band effect.’ This is caused the time delay between the first bike and the one behind when making speed changes. The time lag obviously increases between each following bike.

As regards numbers, that really depends on the group. If it’s a busy route, then lower numbers or maybe a fast and slow group.

Have regular stops on the route so that everyone can RV. Doesn’t need to be a brew stop, just a few minutes to allow everyone to catch up.

sicklilpuppy – Member
Back in t’owden days we used tp use hairspray, not sure if it works on carbon because I’ve got lock ons, oh an I’m as bald as it gets so don’t use hairspray anymore.

+ 1

I’ve always used hairspray, works everytime.

captainsideburns – Member
Anyone got any 29er skinwalls ?

Think Onza make some.

A few of my fav’s…..

Don’t forget you need to say “Good afternoon Mr Magpie.”

Unless it was before midday obviously.

I would definitely go via the A82 to Fort William.

I’ve only ever gone A9 if heading up towards Aviemore.

I try to avoid the A9 though as i’ve always found it to be a bit of a racetrack. Can’t believe how fast some folk go along it and that’s coming from someone who lives on the Isle Of Man with no speed limits.

Maxxis Ikon 2.2’s are really great.

I’ve been running the 3C EXO version for over 12 months with no issues.

They ride nice and light and I haven’t had any grip problems.

They haven’t punctured and the sidewalls have been strong (touch wood)

I bought a lovely CK titanium headset on go on a previous titanium frame but decided against fitting it when I heard that Moots advised against it (see post 5)

I ended up using a standard CK headset and selling the Ti version.

I reckon that Moots must know what they’re talking about.

I’ve always waved at military helicopters and the occupants have always waved back.

Well they’re gesturing anyway; I just presume it’s a friendly wave.

They might be indicating for me to run, duck or maybe just calling me something rude :D

I suppose it depends on what tyres you want to run on the bike, the fork spacing will be the same.

Double check the specs with the rim and tyre manufacturer to make sure they’re compatible.

Only issue could be rear axle spacing, depending on the CX frame.

My wife’s Specialized Crux is a 135mm, so the same as an mtb frame.

Those scale model Defenders look amazing, I never even knew they existed.

It must be really nice combining the fun of RC with the satisfaction of building a scale model; especially with all the mechanics.