RUMCars Forum

General Category => Microcar Events => Topic started by: Rob Dobie on June 25, 2012, 03:11:16 PM

Title: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on June 25, 2012, 03:11:16 PM
Here's a poster for your Open Day Jean.  ;D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Jean on June 26, 2012, 10:13:24 AM
That's great Rob, Could you email it to me I will run some off.  Jean
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on June 26, 2012, 10:57:53 AM
From the Her Majesties Ministry of Independent Car Resources and Organisations?
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Chris Thomas on June 29, 2012, 11:30:05 AM
Now then folks
Just one month to the School House Farm open day at Hawkenbury. (29 July 2012) and the long term weather report looks like it will be a nice weekend.

Sice Last year Mike has been bevering away improving the buildings and extending the workshops ready to connect into the Bubble Building (not finished yet)

Unlike last years surprise special guest who never teunrd up, I am confident that this years surprise will turn up. and may even be surprises (even Jean does not know what they are), and I do not mean Stuart with his van load of Microcars.

For those that want to make it a weekend there are now camping facilities ( contact Leslie) or the usual B&B in the village.

I look forward to seeing you all there on Sunday 29th July.

Chris Thomas

Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Chris Thomas on July 20, 2012, 09:30:28 PM
I do hope you have not forgotten that it is just 9 days to go before the next Hammond Collection Open Day at School House Farm (Sunday 29 July 2012). And the weather, as promised, will be glorious.

Bring along some food to cook on the BBQ a fold up garden chair and your favorite Microcar for the best day out so far this summer.

All the usual attractions plus a few new additions.

I hope to see you all there

Chris Thomas
Rumcar News
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 20, 2012, 11:30:25 PM
Additions? Surprises? What does this all mean??  I know this is too fanciful to even contemplate but could it be that Chris has finally joined the fraternity proper and bought himself a microcar??  :o :o :o   The clue could be in his admonition to bring "food, a garden chair and your favourite microcar" Surely he wouldnt ask us to do something he wasnt going to do himself??   :D :D  I cant wait!!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 20, 2012, 11:58:27 PM
 I'll be there! Van's being paid for on Monday and so the "AC" P50 WILL be making its public debut on the lawn nine days from now.   :o   Several places locally had been clamoring for the honour once word got out I had it, but then as now it was always School House Farm at the top of my list for the first showing...   :-* 
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 21, 2012, 08:37:48 AM
Lots of complicated work and plans to organise. I hope to be there but looking a bit unlikely. Drat, drat, and double drat (© Dick Dastardly)
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Jonathan Poll on July 21, 2012, 09:11:41 AM
I do hope you have not forgotten that it is just 9 days to go before the next Hammond Collection Open Day at School House Farm (Sunday 29 July 2012). And the weather, as promised, will be glorious.

Bring along some food to cook on the BBQ a fold up garden chair and your favorite Microcar for the best day out so far this summer.

All the usual attractions plus a few new additions.

I hope to see you all there

Chris Thomas
Rumcar News


Shame I won;t make it. However, it sounds great!

One day  ;)
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 21, 2012, 09:12:03 AM
I'll be there! Van's being paid for on Monday and so the "AC" P50 WILL be making its public debut on the lawn nine days from now.   :o   Several places locally had been clamoring for the honour once word got out I had it, but then as now it was always School House Farm at the top of my list for the first showing...   :-* 

I'm looking forward to seeing that Stuart, talking of AC's I must remember to bring that IC gearbox with me to give to you.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Chris Thomas on July 21, 2012, 09:59:58 AM
Dear Bob

It is never a good thing to raise peoples expectations too high as they only come away disapointed.

The wording of my blog was " bring along your favorite Microcar". It did not say that you had to own it.

I look forward to seeing who turns up and how many new vehicles ( including Stuarts AC P50) will be at School House Farm next Sunday.

Keep smiling

Chris Thomas
Rumcar News
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 21, 2012, 01:03:43 PM
If I had any microcars now I for one would not let someone else bring any of my vehicles to any car meet. With them out of my sight any thing could happen to them. Bits being pinched off of them or even stolen! It was bad enough in the '70s when people used to jump in the car without asking and then moaning because there wasn't the key to start it up.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 21, 2012, 01:13:19 PM
I quite agree Rob.  I shouldn't worry, this banter is all part of my long term campaign to persuade Chris into microcar ownership. Nothing has worked so far! :D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 21, 2012, 01:41:11 PM
I bet Chris is the mystery Tourette buyer. ;D  I am looking forward to seeing it again.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 22, 2012, 12:00:04 PM
It sounds like you are planning to come up to Jeans then Rob, will you be bringing the NSU Quickly? I know its not a microcar but hey ho, its micro! I may have some parts for you.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 22, 2012, 08:55:59 PM
If I can get a mate to bring me, I hope to be there.

Progress on the Quickly is going slowly. Too many other jobs around the house and me helping my neighbours out. I must stop volunteering my services.

Some parts for me? That sounds interesting.

Oh, just spotted. What is a 1959 Bobette in your vehicle list?
Could ony find this in babies names. Bobette \b(o)-bette, bob(et)-te\ as a girl's name is a variant of Roberta (Old English, Old German), and the meaning of Bobette is "bright fame".

Just like You and Me.  ;D


Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 22, 2012, 09:07:41 PM
Hi Rob. I have a pair of brand new clutch plates for the quickly, yours if you want them. Let me know. Also a crankshaft/conrod assembly in usable nick.
Yes Robert does mean Bright fame, I'm neither unfortunately!  Infamous maybe! The Bobette is my name for [well actually Chris named it] a little something I have been working on over the past few years, I'm surprised you had to ask.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 22, 2012, 11:02:24 PM
 Will the Bobette be on the lawn next to my "AC" next Sunday we wonder?   :)
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 22, 2012, 11:19:09 PM
Hi Rob. I have a pair of brand new clutch plates for the quickly, yours if you want them. Let me know. Also a crankshaft/conrod assembly in usable nick.
Yes Robert does mean Bright fame, I'm neither unfortunately!  Infamous maybe! The Bobette is my name for [well actually Chris named it] a little something I have been working on over the past few years, I'm surprised you had to ask.

Spares for a Quickly!. Yes please. Will have to make sure I am at School House Farm now.  ;D

Bobette.... I was teasing!  ;)

After reading the Cyclecar piece in Rumcar News, I have some ideas welling up in the old bonce about making my version of a cyclecar made with NSU Quickly parts. Ash wood chassis, wheels, easy. Two engines in tandem ?

Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 23, 2012, 07:48:31 AM
I like the cycle car idea Rob, but remember that two engines are illegal for road use. 2 or more electrics are legal but not IC engines.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on July 23, 2012, 08:43:18 AM
Hi Rob. I have a pair of brand new clutch plates for the quickly, yours if you want them. Let me know. Also a crankshaft/conrod assembly in usable nick.
Yes Robert does mean Bright fame, I'm neither unfortunately!  Infamous maybe! The Bobette is my name for [well actually Chris named it] a little something I have been working on over the past few years, I'm surprised you had to ask.

Spares for a Quickly!. Yes please. Will have to make sure I am at School House Farm now.  ;D

Bobette.... I was teasing!  ;)

After reading the Cyclecar piece in Rumcar News, I have some ideas welling up in the old bonce about making my version of a cyclecar made with NSU Quickly parts. Ash wood chassis, wheels, easy. Two engines in tandem ?



The Ashette. Except that is a large serving dish.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 23, 2012, 09:12:07 AM
I like the cycle car idea Rob, but remember that two engines are illegal for road use. 2 or more electrics are legal but not IC engines.



You could join two engines together and make a quickly twin, thats legal.
I was stuck behind a quickly on the coast 2 coast run last month for quite a few miles, only because I was lost and had to follow the guy, it was painfully slow, 25mph max, maybe it was not running right or the rider weighed a lot but I couldnt wait for the next batch of riders to fly past so that I could tuck in behind them. I think a quickly motor in a cycle car would barely move from the spot! ;D ;D  Best bolt some together excelsior fashion!

Right, Must remember to bring Robs quickly parts and Stuarts AC transmission box, Bobette will be along next year if all goes well.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 23, 2012, 09:26:10 AM
My nephew has still not got around to selling his Quickly, but it is up for grabs, PM me if interested!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on July 23, 2012, 10:14:43 AM

You could join two engines together and make a quickly twin, thats legal.


I think they need to be mechanically joined so they act as a single unit. So like the twin engined Saab 6 cylinder two stroke that drove through a shared gearbox. Whether a duplex gear drive with a chain to each engine would qualify I do not know but the engines would be forced to work together.

An interesting option would be a a pair of variomatic drives driving a single diff as that would allow each engine to run independently yet unify the power to a single drive. Only prob is the friction of the system would probably consume much of the power of of the extra unit unless the engines were of some reasonable capacity. The bonus is that one engine could be turned off when full power was not needed. That suggests that it might be suitable to run engines of differing size and character. So for town traffic jams a small unit but on the M25 the additional and larger unit can be used. For max power when being chased by the Police both engines can be run. Could be petrol and diesel to get round the London indigestion charge. The options are many and varied.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Barry on July 23, 2012, 07:05:30 PM
This sort of thing?
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 23, 2012, 07:13:30 PM
Good grief! I saw a photo on J Poll's Facebook page today of Chop Wales's Vespa 400 car with a "Hardly-Ableson" V 2 lump in it.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on July 23, 2012, 08:29:00 PM
Those look like Ariel 3 engines in the middle?

Hmm, when is a microcar not a microcar? Mind you I liked the triple Deek one and I would argue it is more in keeping with an out of balance thumper. Each to his own.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Barry on July 23, 2012, 10:18:34 PM
I know we are a bit off topic.

You have to remember also that these 50cc engines have 70cc racing kits available and are quite cheap.

https://www.1977mopeds.com/parts/Engine/CYL0/Cylinder-Kits/

Four in a line could give you over 8hp each at moderate tuning.  Easy to fit in a micro special.


http://turbotuning.gen.tr/resimgoster-124-4-silindirli-bir-mobilet-daha.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=191661304266252&set=a.191646454267737.39201.100002671505126&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 26, 2012, 02:57:43 PM
Is there anyone going to the Open Day who has a BSA Bantam that is in Mist Green livery? I have an unused 250ml tin of cellulose for spray gun use going free. Bought about 4 years ago from T&G in Milton Keynes. Just opened it to have a look and smell. Whey-hey! That took me back to 1976 when I was "mucking about" with my microcars. It was hot then just like today, phew! Great times, spraying in the hot open air without a mask on and smoking a cigarette at the same time. How did I survive?  ;D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 26, 2012, 07:23:57 PM
Rob, It just so happens I have a mist green D1 in my lock up as we speak!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: richard on July 26, 2012, 09:27:57 PM
play  MIST D for me  :D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on July 26, 2012, 10:17:17 PM
Bob,

I feel a swap coming on.

Rob.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 26, 2012, 10:35:32 PM
Sounds good to me!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on July 27, 2012, 07:45:59 AM
A job to do near the Olympics accommodation to see how many athletes you can get disbarred for 'chemical abuse'?

Root is now financed and ready for take off this morning. Round there last night.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: NickPoll on July 27, 2012, 10:52:02 PM
Hello Bob,
         I'll give you a burn up with my D14/4.  They're D1 eaters !!  Nick.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 27, 2012, 11:11:35 PM
True Nick but my Motobi Catria will eat a dozen Bantam 175's before breakfast
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: richard on July 28, 2012, 01:28:26 PM
petit dejeunai - excuse speeling  ;)
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 28, 2012, 05:21:25 PM
The D14 eater!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 29, 2012, 07:26:08 PM
Many thanks to Jean and family for yet another lovely day down at the farm, special treats included Stuart new AC Peel plus a surprise visit from two vintage Morgans! Also nice to see Tony and Lynn Marshal. Thumper took the drive down the M20 all in its stride.  Roll on next year
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Chris Thomas on July 29, 2012, 08:24:46 PM
Dear Bob

How modest you are having not mentioned you won first prize with the People Choice vote for best car at the Open day with Thumper.

All that chatting to visitors paid off.

I agree with you it was a good day. The weather held up and we also saw a lot of new faces as well as some very familier ones.

Glad you got home OK.

Chris Thomas
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 30, 2012, 09:18:54 AM
Thanks Chris. It was an uneventfull drive home apart from a sudden down pour as I was nearing the M25. I do get anouyed though of other drivers constantly tooting there horns and hanging out of windows shouting things when I'm driving a microcar, I know its because they are pleased to see something unusual on the road but it does make me jump and think whats wrong , is a part about to drop off of the car!
Sorry I didnt get a chance to say goodbye to everyone including Jean and yourself.
Yes, I was chuffed with my prize of a signed copy of Tony's book and to have it presented to me by the man himself was an added bonus.
I did already have a copy but I will treasure this signed one. My old copy will now be for sale if anyone needs one.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 30, 2012, 12:02:33 PM
I really wish I could have been there, but work and family matters always mess up my Summer plans!
Congrats Bob, well deserved!
Beautiful Morgan there, I presume from the collection at Falstaff Antiques at Rolvenden, I had a ride in their green one at the Open Day 3 or 4 years ago. Squeak and I drove past there on the way back from K&ES Railway at Tenterden a few week ends ago but had no time to visit the museum, so another day!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 31, 2012, 06:13:09 PM
Behold! A gallery from Open Day 2012...   :o

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay12.jpg)
My favourite car of the day, a somewhat delightful Morgan family model.

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay5.jpg)
Newest car of the day I believe...

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay4.jpg)
Red, White & Blue; both on display & on the bunting too. Couldn't have done it better if we'd tried.

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay7.jpg)
All the way from France; Tony & Lynne put in a welcome appearance.

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay9.jpg)
Who's this bloke then we wonder?   ;)

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay10.jpg)
 I could put "Dignity & Impudence" as the caption to this pic, but might earn myself a slapped wrist in doing so. Oh, hang on, I just did!   ;D

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay6.jpg)
Nothing more needs to be said...
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on July 31, 2012, 06:15:18 PM
Cheers Stuart, nice photos. I love the Sporty Morgans, but that Family one is lovely too.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 31, 2012, 07:52:04 PM
Dear Stuart, Jamie doesnt look THAT dignified!  Plus, why is that sign stuck on the back of my head??
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker) on July 31, 2012, 08:07:42 PM
Cheers for posting the photos Stuart, its nice to see what I've missed. Who knows one day I might even have the opportunity of getting there!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Stuart Cyphus on July 31, 2012, 09:08:51 PM

  Plus, why is that sign stuck on the back of my head??


 This space for hire perhaps....    ;D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on July 31, 2012, 09:19:56 PM
Cheeky blighter! :D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: micro marshall on July 31, 2012, 09:23:21 PM
nice call Stuart
that a nice pitcher of the peels
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on August 01, 2012, 07:59:47 AM
At clubnight last night I was told about a bit of a major meeting of Bonds at Loxwood after a gap became available in the venue's calendar last weekend. A bit of an unfortunate clash but it sounds it was also slightly unavoidable. Cannot be sure if it had an effect but these situations are best avoided and the MOC Rally clash with RUM resolved itself this year only for a dark horse to slip in.

I can also suggest Malcolm Thomas' Burnt Meat Eat upcoming if a majority of Schmitters can support a Peel owner, Jamie. Malcolm will be interested, of course. I do not have details to hand as it is MOC sponsored so out of my sphere of information.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on August 01, 2012, 08:17:13 AM
Its a shame really as I wanted to go to the Loxwood do as well but these things happen. Still, despite lower numbers in attendance we still had a great time and all the more quiche and vegetable samosas for me!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on August 01, 2012, 09:49:46 AM
why is that sign stuck on the back of my head??

It says "Needs a full restoration"  ;D
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Barry on August 01, 2012, 10:52:48 AM
Behold! A gallery from Open Day 2012...   :o

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z211/stuartcyphus/OpenDay5.jpg)
Newest car of the day I believe...


I would like to know more about the New Renault.
What are the age and licence restrictions for driving one?

Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Big Al on August 01, 2012, 11:08:17 AM
Old enough to have earned a lot of money and the extra for a brown envelope to the bankrupt Government? There must be a sensible answer as well.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on August 01, 2012, 11:10:43 AM
I sat in a Twizy at Bromley Pageant of Motoring, and while I quite like the styling and concept, the child's back "seat" is really only suitable for shopping, very claustrophobic. As a fun car for occasional use possibly alright, but the clear side screens have large gaps, like around the wing mirror area, so it is NOT weatherproof like a normal car. In Winter or rain you would have to dress for outdoors, as on a scooter. For me this does limit its usefulness. I cycle in virtually all weather except icy road conditions and the exercise keeps me tolerably warm. However the Twizy looks like a car more than a scooter and you are not pedaling as on a bike and I feel that in UK you would soon get bored of being wet and/or cold. At Bromley they were not providing clear information of battery price, range, life expectancy etc., but I understand that dealers do provide this and it is a reasonable package.

I would be interested to learn how it compares with GWizz, which I know about from Bob's detailed information here, and from what I know so far I would be inclined to choose a G Wizz over a Twizy. Squeak and I could go for a drive, or to the shops without the risk of either of us getting soaked in a G Wizz!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on August 01, 2012, 12:49:22 PM
Chris has all the details but I know they cost about £6500 to buy and a further £45 per month to rent the battery. There is another model coming out with a less powerful motor aimed at 16 year olds.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on August 01, 2012, 12:56:22 PM
I presume the advantage a Twizy has over a GWizz for an owner is that you do not have to buy replacement batteries so this could be a worthwhile cost advantage for some potential owners.

I wonder how many potential sales they have lost this year because of the bad summer, anyone encountering a shower of rain during a test run might have 2nd thoughts!
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Barry on August 01, 2012, 02:11:38 PM
Chris has all the details but I know they cost about £6500 to buy and a further £45 per month to rent the battery. There is another model coming out with a less powerful motor aimed at 16 year olds.

I was thinking of my Boys (three at 15years old now) getting to College when they are 16.  They may all go to different colleges out of catchment and there is no public transport.  Cost of driving them all over Suffolk every day is high in £££ and time (also £££).  I thought it (or something like it) would be better than a moped.  Possibly better over the fields Bob?
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Chris Thomas on August 01, 2012, 02:23:43 PM
Dear Barry

As Bob says I have all the info and it will all be in the next edition of Rumcar News.

The Twizy version for 16 year olds with a smaller electric motor is just speculation, Renault have not made any statement as yet.

The other options will be Axiom and Microcar, Qpod and possibly a Peel engineering road legal P50.

It might be worth testing the waters with your Minicat.

Chris Thomas
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Bob Purton on August 01, 2012, 02:33:44 PM
Going by the info on wikipedia the low power teenager version [28mph] is already being made and sold as sans permis in Europe?
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Barry on August 01, 2012, 02:48:12 PM
It would be a shame to limit it to 28mph as this is a very dangerous speed.  40mph is much safer.
An electric car could easily be limited to 28mph and still have acceleration.  upgrade to higher speed at 17years old with the same vehicle.

I don't think the 50cc cars such as Qpod would be as safe a a moped. 
(could easily be tuned-up with a 70cc kit etc.  but no insurance pay-out when they hit something at 50mph)

All sans Permis style cars were designed with an element of Euthanasia in the brief (the Minicat is just plain suicide).

And could they reliably make a 20mile round trip every day?

I like the idea of a reliable modern electric vehicle to transport them safely to college.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: AndrewG on August 01, 2012, 07:15:42 PM
I cycle in virtually all weather except icy road conditions and the exercise keeps me tolerably warm.
I'm going completely off topic, but I can heartily recommend bicycle winter tyres, such as these Contis:

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/angibb/th_2winters.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/angibb/?action=view&current=2winters.jpg)
(The bike ones, obviously!)

They are even better than car winter tyres and their grip on ice, even ice under water, is startlingly good.  Their price, however, is eye-watering.
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: richard on August 01, 2012, 07:24:42 PM
off topic on so many counts could get you a gold medal  :) bicycle and winter for starters  :D are you sure your not big al really - obviously wiggins got to you

Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: marcus on August 01, 2012, 07:46:19 PM
Cheers Andrew i might look out for winter tyres but would still be hesitant because the number of ice road drivers driving far too fast and carelessly (eg on the phone) put me off anyway! well done Wiggins though! I went off topic once, but I think I got away with it (© Basil Fawlty)
Title: Re: Rumcars Open Day
Post by: Rob Dobie on August 01, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
 I've been off topic for ages. Too many nuts!  ;D