RUMCars Forum
General Category => Microcar Events => Topic started by: Bob Purton on October 15, 2009, 10:06:08 AM
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Hi. Is anyone thinking of going to Kens "World" event in Chicago next year? I'm thinking about it depending on the spondulics situation.
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Dear Bob
I am considering going to Kens World event after meeting him at Madison this summer. It would be good to travel out with, or meet up with a few friendly faces and a few going together could save money on car hire (one between 2-4 people). I am happy to do the driving as I have driven about the states on various occassions and have no problems with their roads etc. I have also driven through the centre of Chicago on a few occassions.
If we went together we could dress up and Laural and Hardy for a laugh.
Chris Thomas
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I'm doing it. I'm going out for most of the month of August & Staying with Ian Hellings in his hometown of Momence, roughly 100 miles south of Chicago. Going out early in order to take in the Momence Gladolus Fastival at the begining of the month which Ian always parades a lot of cars in, and then()hopefully) taking in a lot of the sights of the mid west, such as the Studerbaker museum, Bruce Winer's place (of course) and Ian's own place, stuffed to the rafters of intrestingments. Then at the end of the month comes the big one. Ian and me have "plans" for it as to the vehicles we take, maybe leading on from the Glad Fest, but its a case of "watch this space". Ken is keen & that's all the encoragement we need... Maybe any rumsters heading out could all set up bace camp at Ian's place & give us a hand to get some vehicles up there? What do you reckon Ian? How many tents can you get on your lawn? ;D Never know, Ian might even lend a show car to each of us.... ;D
Elsewhere, I know Andy Carter is thinking of going. If there's a whole gang of us out there, maby we could all charter the same plane to come home on. Or something. RUM Jolly Boys Outing anyone?....
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Stuart - Bruce Weiner's place is about a 13 hour drive SouthEast of Ian's (maybe 12 hours), so bear that in mind before you decide one day to just pop over there.
However, you will pass the Lane Motor Museum on the way in Nashville Tennessee, might as well drop in there as well. (that one is only about 7-8 hour drive....)
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Yes but who would be Laurel and who Hardy?
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I'm toying with attending.
Don't want to travel on my own though so if there's going to be a party of bubble types I'll certainly consider it..
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Dear Bob
If you think it is a good idea I will let you choose between Laural or Hardy.
However if Stuart goes as well perhaps we should be the three Microteers, Armless Airloss and Portly, or Arola, Aixam and Poirier.
If four of us go we could be the "Four Horse Power of the Avolette" Coronet, Willam, Frisky and Daihatsu.
This is getting silly, the Americans will never get the joke. (sorry Jim)
Chris Thomas
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Your right, it is getting silly! Just the news that "The British are coming" will be enough to put the fear of God into the colonials! They will think we are going to have another crack at em for King George! :D :D Changing the subject I see on Kens add that he describes microcars as being underpowered :-\ I would say that most of them are adequately powered for what they are, I suppose compared to putting a lorry engine in a car as the yanks do they would come to that conclusion. What do the other think, are mocrocars underpowered? {not including peels!}
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For those that are interested. The Momence 73rd Annual Gladiolus Festival is from Wednesday 11th of August 2010 to Sunday 15th August 2010. There is parade of old cars in which I participate (usually I have a dozen or so, depending on drivers) about 5pm on the Friday. This is followed by a large float and band parade (this year lasted 2 hours). There is a carnival in town on all nights, or dances and camaraderie. On the Saturday all day is a large car show on Island Park and swap meet. On Sat morn there is also a 5k/10k run along the shores of the Kankakee River, for those athletic to participate, or I can assign volunteer jobs to help with it. On the Sunday there is a large tractor show . The main parade is always 3:00pm on the Saturday.
If any one is thinking about coming early for this festival or the time between it and Ken's, if I know about how many I can find beds if people don't mind all staying together in some apartments that I will keep vacant for that purpose in August. Kitchens there as well as baths, showers, toilets, you buy the food. If anyone wants to drive in the old car parade I have enough vehicles to supply any amount. Ken's meet is the following Sat 21 and Sun 22, then for any further interest there is a great Orphan Car picnic the next Sunday (29) about sixty miles away.
Momence is a little country town (3,000 persons) about seventy miles south of Chicago.
Ian. :)
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ps: it takes about two and a half hours to Ken's from here in a normal ( ;D) car, longer or even days in an IC.
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Thanks for all those details Ian. I personally cannot afford to be away from work that long but the offer is much appreciated. I'm sure others will take up the offer. Cheers, Bob
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Hello Bob: I did not mean to imply that all these dates should be visited, however that these are the dates of various events, apart from The Studebaker Museum, the Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg Museum and many others. For example, there are, I believe, three Tuckers within a few hundred miles of here. Even if you come to Ken's and have a day free before or after, and wish to see corn fields, you are more than welcome.
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Hi Ian. I get your drift. Its a long way to go for one event so something either side of it would make sense. Forgive my ignorance but what are "Tuckers"?
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... Forgive my ignorance but what are "Tuckers"?
American version of Tunnocks
people drool over them but they are not edible
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It's a shame that there is not the ability to talk on the forum, but yanks would say TUUUUCKERRRR, and you Pommies say TOOOOKA. Anyway, it was a car built in Chicago in 1948, rarer than hen's teeth, and completely before its time. The big three (or 4 or 5 then) US manufacturers completely mucked up the company by forcing bankrupcy and it made only 51. It was built by Preston Tucker, there's even a movie about it. A Man and His Dream. No micro for sure, but a beautiful vehicle.
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I just sent my registration fee. Two thousand miles each way pulling a trailer behind an MG-- what could go wrong?
Mike Harrell
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Ah I see. Looking at the front of it I can see an Inter, pointy in the middle and central headlight, there the simalarity ends! Thanks for educating my Ian. Like the white walls.
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If you're looking for a fifth, I'd be up for a trip to the US.
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Right then folks, The World Meet is only about 12 weeks away now. Now is the time to find out just who is going, or at least who intends to. Most of this topic outlines what is possible & what )& who ;) ) is in the area. I am flying out on Tuesday 10th August & staying with Ian Hellings. My return date is Tuesday 31st August, thus giving me time to get the Bamby to the National. Andy & Rory Carter have confirmed they will be there, from Monday 23rd to Monday 30th. There must be more than three Brits going out there! Who else? Ian is itching to show off his collection to the resulting coach party..... ;D
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Dear Stuart
In January I costed out the trip to Crystal Lake and came to the conclusion that my finances could not stretch that far (unless I won the lottery). I may try and get down to the French Rally in Bourgundy if work slackens off in August. So unfortunately please count me out.
Chris Thomas
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Stuart - Bruce Weiner's place is about a 13 hour drive SouthEast of Ian's (maybe 12 hours), so bear that in mind before you decide one day to just pop over there.
However, you will pass the Lane Motor Museum on the way in Nashville Tennessee, might as well drop in there as well. (that one is only about 7-8 hour drive....)
No worries, the Comtesse is fueled and ready on the tarmac, the flight plan booked in and authorities on alert. Smoke him a kipper as he will be back for breakfast.
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Changing the subject I see on Kens add that he describes microcars as being underpowered :-\ I would say that most of them are adequately powered for what they are, I suppose compared to putting a lorry engine in a car as the yanks do they would come to that conclusion. What do the other think, are mocrocars underpowered? {not including peels!}
Microcars are not underpowered as such, the infrastructure, road management and what is socially acceptable has moved on. The question is much like asking if hats are something men should wear. To answer the question in the context of the statement therefore the answer is, yes, most microcars are underpowered. However the answer tells you more about today's lifestyle than about microcars since we are getting to the situation were traffic as moving slower and space on the roads is at a premium in many urban areas. What use then a powerful complex heavy car? Yet we continue this drift to inappropriate vehicle selection for the needs of fashion while pretending that some of these choices are green or carbon friendly. I think it is the intelligence of the average person that is underpowered as clearly this is total nonesense. Microcars should be present in a modified form but they are not.
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Would have loved to have taken a long visit, possibly having sorted a suitable macro micro and toured to a few events via some interesting collections but sadly it is very much the wrong year for me. I think a few peeps have been sidelined by economic factors too. A shame as it sounds like quite an adventure.
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And so with less than 72 hours to go before I jet off into the wide Blue Yonder Chicago-bound, I am struck by the almost total lack of intrest of most people for any micro event this yesr. Bath Rally was ran into the ground by the covert dealers, Even Jean's Open Day seems to have aroused very little enthusisam from even those who were there as the lack of pages & pages after the facts on this forum seems to suggest that very few really care any more.
I was pondering the possibility of setting up a running forum log on the English presence at the World Micro Meet for the duration of my three weeks over there, but for all the enthusisaum I've seen this year, I do wonder if I'll be wasting my time. Yes or No?
If this is realy the current state of the micro world this year, then all I can say is God help the National in September....
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you are a bit early, are you staying with Ian?
I hope you are making a nice adventure of it no matter what.
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I was pondering the possibility of setting up a running forum log on the English presence at the World Micro Meet for the duration of my three weeks over there, but for all the enthusisaum I've seen this year, I do wonder if I'll be wasting my time. Yes or No?
Could be interesting. I think that the cost of attending means there will be many armchairs occuplied by folk who would have liked to be at the event. The diary of the trip could make the basis of publishable item.
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Bath Rally was ran into the ground by the covert dealers,................
there as the lack of pages & pages after the facts on this forum seems to suggest that very few really care any more.
If this is realy the current state of the micro world this year, then all I can say is God help the National in September....
We can always inspect, discuss and line up all of the minimalist fans campervans present over the weekend? I think the answer is in the question.
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Dear Stuart
Have fun in the USA and I wish I could have been there with you this year, but the lottery has refused to choose my numbers.
Regarding attendance at events in general. It does all come down to money. After deciding I could not afford the Crystal Springs trip, I looked into driving down to the French Microcar event in Burgundy and that was going to cost between £5-600 for just four days, which unfortuntately this year is out of the question. This means that I will ty and get to the National, provided she who must be obeyed has not committed me to go in the opposite direction.
Have fun and keep the Union Jack flying. Remember me to Ken.
Chris Thomas
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It looks like we are all waiting for Malvern then! I would have loved to have gone to Burgundy or Chicago but there is a recession on and as a result many are feeling the pinch so it should come as no surprise that rallies are not so strong this year. The wealthy like Stuart are unaffected ;) I hope we will see the pictures though.
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For me it is simply down to the fact that Time and Money refuse to co-operate: when I have one I do not have the other!
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Well then, herein a report from the other side of the Atlantic. :) It's quarter to four in the afternoon of Friday in Momence, 60 miles south of Chicargo at the residence of Ian Hellings. It's 95 degrees in the shade & we've just lined up 15 cars outside ready for the Gladoilus Festival car parade. Fret not fols, not ALL of them are conveyances, in fact only six of them are such vehicles, but me being me, I've delibratly picked the most barmy of the 15 vehicles as my mount, being the yankee Electric Pal wheelchair carrier which can spin its wheels in reverse & uses what looks like a bar stool as its seat. The parade kicks off at 5.30, so about an hour to go now.
Yesterday, (Thursday) was spent by Ian & me putting back together an eletric Tippen Delta with a break at midday for lunch at the local chinese rerstraunt, being my first encounter of chinese fare & yes, I'm still feeling the effects even now.... ::) Add to the above several hours on Wendsday wrestling with an Elswick Envoy for which the mounting brackets for the wheelchair were proved to be 3 inches out of line, taking a pair of Mexican's all afternoon to sort. (Yes you did read that bit correctly)
And so once today is over, so things wind down a bit before winding back up again ready for the World Meet next weekend. We've got well into double figuers of cars due to depart from Momence on the Friday & are tring to borrow a lorry big enough to haul what they call a semi trailer round here. Add to all this the expected arrival of Andy Carter to join the fray, things could get decidely intresting around here.... ;D
Next progress report to follow entierly randomly, anywhere, anytime, but rest assured, the ICR is in full flow with its plans of Word Domination.... ;D
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The last of my own frantic preparation should consume most of the weekend, which means I'll be hitting the road for Illinois on Monday. Assuming my 'British Car to Beat the World' holds together for a couple thousand miles, I'll arrive Thursday evening or Friday morning. After unloading the KV I intend to park the Metro alongside all the Minis so the owners can finally see where their 1275cc engines belong....
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Pity you didn't set out a week earlier Mike, you could have parked the Metro next to Ian's Brown Austrailian-market Mini today whilst we were getting ready for the parade. :)
So, folks, herein the second report from Momence & the ICR's bid for World Domination continues unabated with the entiere town wowed by the sight of seven of Ian's conveyances rumbling through the streets, being 1974 Tippen Delta, Model 70 x2, Batricar, E&J Safari, Elswick Envoy & of course the Electric Pal, as piloted by yours truely. Other transports of delight from the Hellings Collection compricing Vanden Plas 4R, VW type 3, VW dune buggy thingy, Citroen Dyanne, Trabant, Reliant Robin & no doubt something else I've missed despite being there as it happened, but then again I was busy getting the automatic ramp on the back of the Electric Pal to curtsey to the VIP stand on main street during the parade.
Weather report: possibly the hottest day yet, hitting a confirmed 96 degrees, but somewhat tempered by the rainstorm of biblical standards at 8pm whilst Ian, Beckey & yours truely were standing on gate duty at the town festival carnival. Looked like about three inches in 45 seconds from where I was standing, which was under a gazeebo ;D
Not too mich micro/conveyance stuff expected over the weekend, but further reports will no doubt follow. Oh, & I was only asked twice today if I was Austrailian.... ::)
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Nice report Stuart. Did you see my post about the Comic Strip video with an Invacar in it? As for being asked if you are Australian, in Dallas I am often told that I sound "just like the Beatles", even though I have a London accent and they are all Scousers!
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Invacar Dundee sounds like he is creating a reasonable amount of havoc in his locality. He missed the Shark who has just returned from America having bought 3 '30's flat head V8 Pick-ups to add to his 'Microcar Collection' so Ian better keep an eye on his charge or he will be going off piste and do the same! Especially if they do the Lane Museum. Has to have some Nashs in it, does it not. Witney is going to be rather boring after all this excitment.
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so Ian better keep an eye on his charge or he will be going off piste and do the same!
I've aready done it. Today I went & bought a big yellow school bus...... :o
..... license plate. ;D Nope, didn't see the Shark from where I was, but we did see a pair of real genuine kangaroo's (of the Austrailian bouncy-boingy type) today during the official Gladiolus Festival parade. So, I've been asked if I'm an Austrailian twice, I'm staying with an Australian-born Doctor of Economics, & I've been driving an Australian market Mini Clubman.... Hang on a moment! I DID land in the right continant on Tuesday didn't I???? ??? Ah, scrub that concern, I've heard the "Star Spangled Banner" played three times already & have been gawping at some rather large Cadilliac's. Yep, I think I might be in the correct country after all..... ;)
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Pity you didn't set out a week earlier Mike....
I may have to shatter your notions concerning the generosity of US vacation periods. As it stands I'm taking a week of vacation and a week of unpaid leave in order to drive there and back. Fortunately this is the period between the end of Summer Quarter classes and the beginning of the new academic year, otherwise I wouldn't be going at all.
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Keep writing heir Cyphus.
Can you do some pics?!
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In typical Cyphus fashion, during the last parade, Stuart just had to show off the capabilities of this Electric Pal. He would stop, lower the rear suspension and wheelchair ramp, then raise it up and wiggle the vehicle a little, all to the roar and applause of the crowd. He repeated this action probably five or six times on the two-mile route, and especially in front of the Reviewing Stand. Showmanship perfected.
America will not ever be the same, or at least, Momence. Let's see what tricks he will be upto at Ken's meet. Ian.
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Well, I've never been accused of being shy & retiring when it comes to putting on a show for my adoring fans. I used to be just the same in my banger racing days doing things which made my team-mates hair curl, often with the most unsuitable vehicle for said event.... ;D Well, you have to do what you can don't ya, never mind if its planned or not....
I'm still yet to compute my next tricks. It would be nice to get a police escort into Crystal Lake on Friday with two artic lorrys stuffed full of the Hellings Collection along the Dixie Highway (Just think what a cover shot that would make for RCN), but knowing my luck it's more likely to be a police escort out of Crystal Lake.... ;)
Hmmm, pictuer uploads, I did bring the camera to computer cable with me in case I exceeded my memory card capacity, I migh have a play around one night & see what I can do....
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Hey, the Metro made it! My father and I left the Seattle area Monday morning and arrived at Crystal Lake this evening (Thursday), following two 600-mile days and two 450-mile days on the road. "Something" happened crossing the Rockies, though, because for the rest of the trip the engine pushed unburnt oil out the tailpipe at a rate of one quart (US) for every 100 miles. Tomorrow's tasks: (1) Find a car wash for the KV. (2) Consult with the local Mini owners about engine repair.
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Sounds a bit head gaskety. Minis like burning oil and will run on very worn bores but unburnt oil is not good. Suprised it is not using water as well though. Still if the worst comes to the worst the KV will have to tow the Metro! Hope it is a simple prob.
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Well, we came, we saw, we conquered! 320 micro/mini cars rolled into Crystal Lake this weekend, and approximately eight per cent of those vehicles belonged to just one man. So many vehicles did this one man bring, that he had his own entire section allocated to him, whilst all around had to share their sections with the rest. Who was this man? Was it a certain resident of Georgia? No it was not. Nashville? No again....
Stand up IAN HELLINGS and his worldwide collection of invalid carriages (plus a Reliant Robin & an Arola) Some folk were content to bring one car. Some brought two. No doubt some others brought three, but not Ian. Oh no. Ian decided the optimum figure for him was no less than TWENTY vehicles. Is this a record figure of cars from one single person's collection ever taken to a micro event not held at that person's own premises, anywhere in the world? It sounds like it damn well ought to be to me!
Certainly two records were smashed by Ian this weekend: The highest number of "Ministry"-era powered UK invalid three-wheelers seen together in the preservation era (1976-date). The record prior to this weekend was six, set at Blackwood, Wales in April 2008. Now, in August 2010, the record has been pushed to TEN such machines. Add to this, the setting of a new recould category, that of ANY & ALL types of disabled vehicles shown together, & the count is NINETEEN, being eighteen from Ian, & one machine from new ICR members Ken & Vicki Siefker of Ohio with a Chair-E-Yacht.
I now herein confirm that the invalid carriages have indeed achevied their goal of World Domination this past weekend in Crystal Lake....
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Ian decided the optimum figure for him was no less than TWENTY vehicles. Is this a record figure of cars from one single person's collection ever taken to a micro event not held at that person's own premises, anywhere in the world? It sounds like it damn well ought to be to me!
No idea if it is that record but it beats the average turnout for a rally in the south half of England! I am always minded when I think of organising a rally and the subject turns to numbers it would be far easier to have an open day in my shed as I could flog off a load of spares I do not want and the reports would suggest it was a successfull day as there would be some 50 cars present if the normal suspects turned out! Far simpler to organise and far more profitable use of time for me. Numbers are not everything but they help a lot.
Was the Guinness Book of Records contacted as Peter Green's was the biggest Microcar Rally. Cannot recall the number off the top of my head but it was in the days of the National achieving 200 plus real microcars without trying. We seem to struggle for 100 now and compromise by counting non micros in the turnout. Like so many occasions you do not realise they were special times till later. Will this event of Ken's be another one?
I still wonder at the loss of Story and our traditional get together in Britain and their affect on active micro car use. Story would see Brits and Dutch driving their steeds across to Germany to attend. The friends and trust created meant the Germans and Dutch would come to our meeting. DWAC still maintain their event. However the other two have dwindled as has the touring Microcar. To enable attendance at these events continued use of a car was required which meant there was a thriving group of cars in use. Only the Messerschmitt group maintain this tradition but tend not to attend the National these days. The Treinkels still bat above their numbers post Mike O'Ballance taking the Club on. It should be no suprise it is Treinkel folk organising the National. That loss of venue, event and cross border activity was a watershed I believe. It marks America becoming the dominant Microcar area and the domination of the collector over the enthusiast - not that that is bad, its just different.
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...and now 24 hours after letting the recepticant know personaly, here as promiced is the public announcement of the other big news item from Crystal Lake;
Saturday night, the awards were being read out. Darkness was just starting to fall, & up steps Ken Weger to the microphone to make a special announcement: being the presentation of... "...a Special Lifetime Achevement Award to Mrs Jean Hammond in recognition to the outstanding dedication of herself and her family over so many years to further the course of microcars."
Naturally I was delighted to accept the award on Jean's behalf, and, I might say, on behalf of the entire Microcar world, and Jean should have the award in her hands by the time of the National. ;D
Over & out for now from the one in the far country, see some of you at the National....
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Great news and well-deserved, congratulations Jean!
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very pleased for jean and family, and that obviously includes edwins groundwork so ably built upon . CONGRATULATIONS
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Where could I find some photos for the micro car world meet as I would love to have a look sometime?
Thanks :)
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www.microcar.org/gallery/ (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/)
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nice pics. do you know where i would find a picture or two of ken wegers bond a lhd i have 1 and would like pics for reference. second thoughts is kens an a or b ?
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I'm loving what appears to be a Freeway prototype: http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/worldmeet/jim/P1000813.jpg.html
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Curious but did you notice the shape of the rear window? Ominous!
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Yep! that's one of the reasons why I love it. ;D
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nice pics. do you know where i would find a picture or two of ken wegers bond a lhd i have 1 and would like pics for reference. second thoughts is kens an a or b ?
I vote that it is an A based on how low it sits at the rear.
I don't have any other photos of it, such as the interior etc.
the only other pics I know of are here:
http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/Farquhartz/Crystal+Lake+2006/IMGP2658.JPG.html (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/Farquhartz/Crystal+Lake+2006/IMGP2658.JPG.html)
http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/Gregory+Grden+Photos/DSCN6650.jpg.html (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/Gregory+Grden+Photos/DSCN6650.jpg.html)
http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/2006/DSCN8720.jpg.html (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/2006/DSCN8720.jpg.html)
http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/arnie/IMG_1915.jpg.html (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/past/events/2006-National+Meet/arnie/IMG_1915.jpg.html)
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Here are some photos of Ken's meet via my daughter's FaceBook. I hope it works, if not Stuart will post some when we come back from Canada.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1536016316
Look for........
;D World Meet of the smallest cars in the world ;D
>:( I guess this doesn't work unless you are a member of Facebook, which I am not. I will post some on Friday.
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many thanks jim nice photos but would like interior ones really do you know how i can contact ken as mark A LHD in England are non existant - i wonder why ? ;D also thanks very much cuscus but not on face book - yet !! should i be ??
whilst on photos does anyone have , or know of ,rear or interior photos of the Brutsch Pfeil . my restoration will have to be an educated guess otherwise
thanks as always
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>:( I guess this doesn't work unless you are a member of Facebook, which I am not. I will post some on Friday.
not only that but Tammy has to accept you as a "friend" in order to view the pics, even if you are on Facebook.
otherwise she can change her settings.....?
I am on Facebook and cannot see the pics either
you can also upload pics at the Microcar Gallery:
www.microcar.org/gallery/ (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/) it is free.
or just attach a few to your posts here
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can anyone attach photos to to that site jim ? some good micro pics on flikr - mine are
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Yes, anyone can register and upload pics
Flickr.com is also a good idea and free for smaller groups of photos
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Let's try again (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMWhoisthis.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMview.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMVespa.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMTrilox.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMTrident.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMRorycaughtinaction.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMRoadrace.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMPoirier.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMP4.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMOntheroad.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMJim.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMIsettas.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMIsettaagain.jpg)
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(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMIsetta.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMInvacarwithhafshell.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMICsection.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMHarding.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMgoggo.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMFiat.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMElswick.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMBlues.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMArgson.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMAllinthefamily.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WM-1.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMYourstruly.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WM.jpg)
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...the domination of the collector over the enthusiast....
Of the hundreds of people who brought cars, only about half a dozen of us took part in giving rides to the public. True, that event was postponed from Saturday to Sunday which meant that many entrants had already gone home (!) and of course there was the strict requirement of current registration and insurance for any participating vehicle, but a few more would have been nice. We had steady business in short trips around the main parking lot for about an hour and a half. The driving even cured whatever had been ailing the KV at the start of the event (the CVT stubbornly remained in low range at first) and it was a lot of fun.
As for the trip home, we got back to Shoreline yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. The Metro's rate of oil consumption fell to about a quart every 200 miles but it is now burning most of it instead of emitting it raw, so I'm taking this as a sign of further deterioration. After 28 years and 62,000 miles I suppose a rebuild is in order anyway. On the way back it developed a leak in the hydraulic clutch, too, but this turned out to be a loose fitting instead of a bad cylinder which meant the repair was both possible and simple. Huh. In total we covered 4200 miles without serious mishap in what was described by someone in South Dakota as "a Yugo towing a refrigerator," so all is well.
An anonymous party has asked me to chide any UK resident who claims the distances to British meets are 'too far' so please consider yourselves chidden and go!
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Ken worked hard on this........
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMmascot-1.jpg)
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Indeed chidden, I am guilty myself not wishing to go much more than 40 miles from home these last few years. All the usual excuses, cost, hassle, traffic and such. It is the enthusiasm and anticipation of a great event that breaks down this reluctance and I am suffering a lack of motivation though I have business crap to sort out which takes my concentration of the topic. There is always next year when hopefully I will be free to do what I want.
Glad the A series lived up to its reputation of burning oil to get home! It deserves a reward. They are not perfect but I always found they were willing to limp home rather than expiring like some cars I can think of.
Nice picture of Micro world domination, you know it makes sense.
Stop Press - Isetta replaces Atlas as part of the economic savings plan of the West. The Titan Union are threatening industrial action. Scientists predict increased chance of axis shift of the Earth due to more unstable forces due to cuts in string theory. Nasty smell of petroleum in the Antarctic. Terry Pratchett's publisher to sue Ken Weger over Isetta/Elephants on Turtle plagiarism case.
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al what are you on ? ;D are you on prescription medicines or have you bought something off a guy in the street ? have read todays epistles and understand even less than usual ;D
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:D I got most of it! The only reference that whizzed past me was the Titan Union. :-\
Does no one read books or look at maps and globes any more?
nasty smell in the Antarctic - *snort*
I also like how you managed to fit String Theory in there too
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Sorry, left braining again. I used to have friends who did drugs and lost more of them than I like to remember to that and Motorcycles. Even then it was said I needed no drugs as I was on a different planet. Suits me. Interestingly if I take amphetamines I become an IQ genius as it makes my dyslexic brain work together. I was part of one of the early studies done on dyslexia in Oxford University/Churchill Hospital. In theory I could do a degree course and wing the exams on dope! However having been exposed to regular use of amphetamines the side effects are not pleasent so I will remain as I am, not a genius.
Atlas was a Titan doomed to support the world according to the Greeks.
Anyway great pics. I look forward to hearing Root's first hand account of the event.
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For once I also deciphered Al's news headlines, particularly fascinated by ancient earth support theories, amazingly ancient biblical oriental longsufferer Job gets it right first time recognising the earth "hangs upon nothing". I do like the elephants on backs of turtles swimming in cosmic sea theory but doesn't explain whats holding up the cosmic sea!
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OMG ??? ;D
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(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens038.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens004.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens007.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens010.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens012.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens013.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens014.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens018.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens020.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens021.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens022.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens023.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens024.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens026.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens027.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens028.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens031.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens033.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/cuscus47/WMKens029.jpg)
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Oh, no, I missed the Eshelman! So much to see....
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Oh, no, I missed the Eshelman! So much to see....
I don't think it came out of the back of that pickup. that is the only place I saw it.
There was a nicer one like that (golf cart version with huge grille) in 2006 and it was red and looked really odd but still very attractive.
I will see if I can dig up a pic.
Eshelmans were not well represented at this meet. :-\
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The New York Times has a nice article with video on the meet:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/automobiles/collectibles/05microcar.html?src=me (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/automobiles/collectibles/05microcar.html?src=me)
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For those of you not at the National, here is a link to Ken's website with links to Thousands of World Meet photos.
http://www.worldmeet2010.com/
Fun browsing.....
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For truly minimal motoring (well, it's minimal and has a motor...), it turns out there was a Hop Rod at the meet! I didn't see it.
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/2610762/sn/1274988964/name/img_0249.jpg)
Sorry about the rotated image. Here's a closer view of the drivetrain:
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/2610762/sn/1122795416/name/img_0250.jpg)
And, of course, everything you might want to know about care and feeding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fTQIusNcks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fTQIusNcks)
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I have friend who has one of these gas powered pogo sticks. So far he has not been able to find anyone willing to try riding it. And that includes myself as it has already proved to be dangerous enough just trying to jump around on it with the engine off and the spring suppling all the motive force.
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I remember these being on TV. Tomorrows World? Did not someone create a pair of ten league boots along a similar principle? I think I prefer the Shark's self propelled surfboard but this stuff has to be collected as it is barking.
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I finally got around to posting some photos that my father and I took at the meet, following standard web practices of including nearly everything, making no captions whatsoever, and keeping such informative file names as "DSCN8007." Nevertheless the result may provide more insight than desired into our viewing habits:
http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/worldmeet/WorldMeet2010/ (http://www.microcar.org/gallery/v/worldmeet/WorldMeet2010/)
This also contains a subfolder featuring the microcars we encountered in the Pioneer Auto Museum (Murdo, South Dakota) on our way to Illinois.
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Nice pics there Mike. _ I might be tempted to borrow a couple here & there for the next Conveyancer if I may? :) Do I also detect a fancing for the Arola within your photos? ;D :-*
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Please help yourself to any or all. I can provide higher-resolution versions if you like. I believe the Arola shots must have been my father's work; those French voiturettes aren't really my thing....
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Whats the vehicle DSCN8067 with the single front wheel? Dont think I've seen one before.
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Bob: It's a Marketeer from Longbeach. Originally 24 volt electric but this one has been converted to a Briggs and Stratton petrol engine. Circa 1950 (late) - 1960's.
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Thanks. I hope it goes faster than my Briggs and Straton lawn mower! :)
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:D Depends on how fast you can push.... ;D
I think that it is a chap in Chicago that owns it.
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it goes a LOT faster than a lawn mower! Steve Gotts is the guy that found it in an Antique shop ???
and decided he had to have it but ditched the electrics and put his own stuff in there.
I think the current drivetrain is a Vanguard 15hp motor that is the same as a King Midget.
He keeps tinkering with it and drives it regularly but most importantly he has been dragging around the country to Microcar Meets and having a blast.
While some people may have an issue with him altering the drivetrain, he enjoys his car and also enjoys other people's cars and takes the opportunity to get rides in as many other microcars as possible.
He was really bummed that he missed the National King Midget meet (jamboree). He has this thing about exhaust sounds and had heard a King Midget that had the exhaust sound he really really wanted and was hoping to find that car again and talk with the owner and see what he had done to get that sonic experience.
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I confess to quite liking it. An electric drive train was never going to be of any use to a guy who has a thing about exhaust tones! Good for him!
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Meet coverage in the December 2010 issue of Road & Track:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/column/small-is-mostly-beautiful (http://www.roadandtrack.com/column/small-is-mostly-beautiful)
There was also a nice article in the 7 October issue of Old Cars Weekly but it doesn't seem to be available on their website.