Author Topic: Kens "World event"  (Read 49281 times)

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #30 on: August 13, 2010, 09:51:36 PM »
 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

 
« Last Edit: August 16, 2010, 02:53:48 AM by Stuart Cyphus »

mharrell

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #31 on: August 14, 2010, 12:06:47 AM »
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....
197? Lyman Electric Quad (two), 1978 KV Mini 1, 1980 KV Mini 1, 1981 HMV Freeway

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #32 on: August 14, 2010, 05:40:08 AM »
 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....  ::)  
« Last Edit: August 16, 2010, 02:54:40 AM by Stuart Cyphus »

marcus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #33 on: August 14, 2010, 08:29:59 AM »
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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Big Al

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #34 on: August 14, 2010, 08:54:28 AM »
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.
Messerschmitt set, Goggo Darts, Heinkel 175, Fiat Jolly, Autobianchi, Fairthorpe Electron Minor, Borgward, Isuzu Trooper
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For sale - Vellam Isetta, Bamby, AC Type 70, Velorex, Church Pod, Reliant Mk5, KR200,  Saab 96, Bellemy Trials, Citroen BXs

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #35 on: August 15, 2010, 12:00:14 AM »

 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.....    ;)

mharrell

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #36 on: August 15, 2010, 03:24:33 AM »
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.
197? Lyman Electric Quad (two), 1978 KV Mini 1, 1980 KV Mini 1, 1981 HMV Freeway

P50

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #37 on: August 15, 2010, 07:34:12 AM »
Keep writing heir Cyphus. 

Can you do some pics?!
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cuscus47

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #38 on: August 15, 2010, 10:46:56 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2010, 02:10:54 PM by cuscus47 »
AC, Acoma, Argsons, Arola, Batricars, Bianchina, Carter, Citroens, Cushmans, Dafs, ElectricPal, ElectricShopper, Elswick, Eshelman, Everest, Goggo, Harding, Invacar, Levesons, Lloyd, Marketeer, Model 70's (AC, Invacar), Nelcos, Poirier, Reliants, Renaults, Sinclairs,Trabant, Trilox, Tippen etal

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #39 on: August 15, 2010, 07:10:00 PM »
 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....

mharrell

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #40 on: August 20, 2010, 02:23:50 AM »
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.
197? Lyman Electric Quad (two), 1978 KV Mini 1, 1980 KV Mini 1, 1981 HMV Freeway

Big Al

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #41 on: August 20, 2010, 10:30:36 AM »
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.
Messerschmitt set, Goggo Darts, Heinkel 175, Fiat Jolly, Autobianchi, Fairthorpe Electron Minor, Borgward, Isuzu Trooper
Citroen BX 17TZD & GTI 16v
Held - MG Magnette ZB & 4/44
For sale - Vellam Isetta, Bamby, AC Type 70, Velorex, Church Pod, Reliant Mk5, KR200,  Saab 96, Bellemy Trials, Citroen BXs

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #42 on: August 23, 2010, 05:15:01 AM »
 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....

Big Al

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #43 on: August 23, 2010, 09:31:47 AM »
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.
Messerschmitt set, Goggo Darts, Heinkel 175, Fiat Jolly, Autobianchi, Fairthorpe Electron Minor, Borgward, Isuzu Trooper
Citroen BX 17TZD & GTI 16v
Held - MG Magnette ZB & 4/44
For sale - Vellam Isetta, Bamby, AC Type 70, Velorex, Church Pod, Reliant Mk5, KR200,  Saab 96, Bellemy Trials, Citroen BXs

Stuart Cyphus

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Re: Kens "World event"
« Reply #44 on: August 24, 2010, 02:51:37 AM »
 ...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....