Earl Marischal

Another Biggles an Swallows And Amazons reader here! Books that began to really make an impression on me were Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, George Orwell's 1984 and, for social commentary, The Road To Wigan Pier. However, the book that really imprinted my 'world view' was Robert Tressall's The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, with its incisive explanation of the workings of capitalism. Later, I also took in Herman Hesse, Satre and even some Nietzsche. The latter leading me into an interest in philosophy. steve

That is one very smart automobile! (Whatever it is.) steve

Despite having been a car nut since I was knee high to a grasshopper, The Hudson Hornet was not a car I knew until I joined this forum. 1950s cars from the US were (and to certain extent still are) rare in the U.K. in those days. The only one that made any real impression on me back then was the Studebaker Hawk. The Hornet, I now realise, is an elegant and well designed car that looks "just right" and not, to British eyes, overly flashy. Many thanks to you for helping me appreciate a real classic with your excellent models. steve

Thanks Johnny. It was a loooong time ago I saw it and memory plays tricks. steve

Talking of that TV show, does anyone else remember an episode where one of the sons went out with a girl who had built a hot rod? And what was it? Thanks steve

Somewhat topical but how about Emma Peel’s Lotus Elan from the original Avengers TV programme? steve

That's a real rally car. Great job Leslie. steve

Astounding work. You are to be congratulated sir. steve

Wot he said... steve

They both look like missed opportunities by the actual vehicle manufacturer. steve

Barry Scrap Yard condition by the look of it. What does the rest of the layout look like? Cheers steve

x 2 steve

This is coming on nicely. steve

Fantastic work so far. Looking forward to seeing the finished model! steve

Actually found a copy of Scale Auto, August edition, in WH Smith’s, York. First time I have seen the mag anywhere in the UK for years. steve

Thanks for the explanation Alan. Makes it all clear. steve

Very interesting conversion. I find these old front engined racers fascinating. I have the kit in my stash but that will be OOB when I get round to it. steve

Is the front wheel smaller because they race anti-clockwise? Or do they race clockwise and need less tyre on the track? Basically, I'm asking why is the front left wheel narrower. Thanks steve PS Love the model.

That I would buy. steve

Thanks chaps! It’s enormous by our standards. ? steve

Haven’t seen one of these in years. Not common in the UK! Colour suits it. Can anyone provide a year? Thanks steve

Clever and amusing model and story. steve

I think Snake was having a bit of fun at my expense... steve

Looking at the models on this board, the general trend seems to be for post-1929 vehicles, with a noticeable lack of Model T-based vehicles. When I was more in touch with trends in rods in the mid 1960s to early 1970s, the kits in the shops and the prototype mags I saw back then were heavily T-based from what I remember. Have I missed something, or has the T fallen out of favour in modelling and/or the real thing? steve

I’m sick to death of the endless plastic tat being aimed at children in TV advertising and online. All these stupid little dolls and pseudo animals. It all ends up as either landfill (mostly) or if you’re lucky, recycled. A total waste of natural resources. Most of the programmes on commercial TV are just excuses to sell spin-off toys, adding to the problem. All it does is turn the children into obsessive consumers wanting more and more junk. That’s my rant of the day. steve