Tuesday 31 December 2002

ACTC Membership Cards - 2003

For those of you that have sent in your Driver and/or Nav Entry forms for 2003 AND who will be at the Awards Cermeony on the Sunday morning after the Exeter, I will be there clutching a lot of envelopes with your 2003 cards.  Please come and see me and I will hand over the goods.
If your not doing the Exeter, but are doing the Clee, then look out for your envelopes at signing-on.
If you don't see me at the Trecarn and are not doing the Clee, then your letters/2003 cards will be in the post shortly after the Clee.
 
Have a very good time at your New Year celebrations - and Good Luck in 2003.
 
Chris Phillips
ACTC Championship Secretary  

Monday 30 December 2002

Exeter Trial 2003

I have got the electronic version of the route card from John Aley and will soon need to reformat it to fit my Acerbis holder. Does anyone know of any amendments or additions before I commit please?
 
Also, I recall being able to print off a marked up map for either the 2002 Exeter or Lands End - anyone seen that yet?
 
Belated Happy Christmas to all triallists and a timely New Year's best wishes!
 
Brian
 
PS Mind you with competitor number 13,  I guess I need all the luck myself ;o)

Monday 23 December 2002

Message to David Alderson - Virus Warning

David, There was a Virus in your "Happy Christmas" e-mail! It's a "Klez" type which you can remove with a free tool you can download from Noron at http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.klez.h@mm.html 
 
Michael
 

Sunday 22 December 2002

Welcome Roger Dudley

A warm welcom to Roger Dudley who has just joined. Roger has done a lot of Motorsport over the years. These days he mainly does PCT's in a Dutton Melos which he would like to try on a Classic Trial sometime.
 
Michael

Wednesday 18 December 2002

Exeter Timing

Sorted your Exeter Routecard Timing yet?
Try the Calculator on the MCC Summary Page
 

Aspin Engines

Hi All
 
A friend sent me this link this morning.
 
It looks interesting as a motoring oddity and good Christmas reading.
 
Anybody know anything?
 
 
 
Mark
 
 

Friday 6 December 2002

Wanted

I am looking for a Skoda Estelle or similar, to convert for trialling, PCA's and PCT's. Idealy I am looking north of Manchester but am prepared to travel if the right one comes up. Give me a call on 01228 530555 if you have anything suitable.
Myke Pocock

Tuesday 3 December 2002

Are Classic Trials to Rough?

I received the following e-mail from Multiple RAC & BTRDA champion Barrie Parker. I think Barrie's views illustrate the problem facing Classic Trialling. It's hard to come into the sport because the events are less and less suitable for "ordinary" cars. No new competitors = No future!
 

Dear Michael,

Thanks for your comments about me in Michael’s Musings (November 2002). Some of the newer PCT competitors don’t know (or forget) that I’ve been doing PCTs on and off for about 30 years, so I’ve no excuse on the experience front!

However, it’s not PCTs I’m writing to you about, it’s Classics. For me to put pen to paper is rare, but I was so interested and incensed by your article on The Edinburgh, I thought it was time to air my opinion and in turn hear yours. Whilst I still love PCTs and expect to compete in them in some capacity or other for some time yet, I do have a strong yearning for Classics. I am reaching a time where my interest level is high enough for me to find the time and the money to have a proper go. You may recall I did the Land’s End this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. With limited knowledge and preparation, the car and crew survived. And we cleaned lots of the hills. I knew straight away what was needed to do better – even with the power of the standard AX GT engine. More ballast for more grip, more height to compensate for the ballast and get more clearance anyway, better underbody protection etc. All this takes research, time, money and hassle.

I was in a frame of mind to consider doing this preparation to my current (or another car) and I would like to stick to front wheel drive for now. This is because I’m most familiar with FWD in an off-road environment, and the challenge is a bit different. Then I read your Edinburgh article and learned about how rough many of the hills were, and how much serious damage was done. As you know, I don’t mind sections being a bit rough and I’m prepared to accept minor or even moderate damage occasionally. To ruin the odd wheel, diff, springs, dampers, tyres etc. are inevitable and to be expected, but what you described sounded like carnage! I can hardly imagine how well prepared David Haizelden’s car is, yet it sounded from your description as if the shell of his Golf is a write off after that event. And he wasn’t the only one to sustain serious damage. This has put me off, as I’m not prepared to go to these lengths in an effort to enjoy myself and try to win a medal. I want to spend time competing, fettling and developing, not completely rebuilding my car.

I’ve been told that the MCC events are the smooth ones and that the ACTC events are rougher! Why do the sections have to be so rough? Can’t we be stopped with the gradient, the surface, false chicanes, adverse cambers, stops and restarts etc.? Perhaps these events are so well subscribed that the organisers don’t need to attract more competitors?

Maybe I have to move to RWD where you don’t need to keep up such high speeds to keep the momentum on.

Sorry about all the questions, but I expect and hope you may hold an unbiased view. If my view is shared with many others, I’m prepared to help in the lobbying process to get things changed.

Have I got a valid point or am I just a whimp? Either way, it’s back to spectating on classics for the time being.

Yours sincerely,

 

Barrie Parker.

PS. Mike, I’m happy for you to publish this in the Falcon Mag’ or Classical Gas, or wherever really, as long as I know.

Barrie.

Monday 2 December 2002

Updates to ACTC Site & Section Begins

Pat has updated the ACTC stite with the Hardy Results, Champiomship tables & Clee regs. There are computer problems in the Toulmin household at the moment so bare with the site until the navigation bars can be restored.
 
Click here for actc updates http://www.motorcars.free-online.co.uk
 
Also check out Andrerwe Browns Marlin updates at Section Begins
 
Michael

Saturday 23 November 2002

Journalist would like ride on Lands End

I reieved the following e-mail from Dave Hancock, the Editor of the MSA's "Motorsport Now".
 
Michael
I was given your details by Anne Whellock of the MCC.
Can you help by posting the following on the Classical Gas website?
Help! The MSA publication, Motorsports Now!, is running a feature on Classic Trialling in the Winter 2002 issue. We want to follow this up by competing in the Lands End Trial in Easter 2003. Our Rallying Correspondent, rally driver, Gigi Bettencourt-Gomes, wants to drive or drive and co-drive so that she can write the story. We just need a car and a partner for her. Can anyone help?
 
Thanks
 
Dave Hancock
Editor, Motorsports Now!
 

Wednesday 20 November 2002

Exe Valley 2002

I have put up the pictures that Phil (my passenger) took of the Exe Valley. Mostly of my left ear and the people around us on the trial. Good Day even with the trip home!
 
Mark

BMC 10cwt diff in

While looking at the internals of various diffs in  attempt to find better cwp ratio for the Sierra diff unit fitted to my SS1(so far an unsuccessful so any info appreciated), I discovered that the star wheels and centre pin of Sierra diff appear to be identical in size, and mesh nicely with, to those fitted in the BMC 10cwt diff.
 
This info may be useful to any Marlineers out there!!
 
Regards,
Keith

Saturday 16 November 2002

Mechanics Trial




Need an Escort Axle?

Michael
 
Being a Classic Trial fan and following your web site for some time the following may be of interest to some triallers. Those who run Mk 1 and 2 Escorts and also Escort based kit cars, Duttons and Rickmans etc, may like to know of an alternative back axle for their machines. Being a builder of a Locost I came across the fact that the axle from the Lada ( no, don't laugh) seen in the Fiat 124 based series of models is dimensionally identical to the Mk 2 Escort. The advantage is that any available are likely to be considerably newer and have therefore covered less miles than the Escort unit and would be considerably cheaper. The ratios available are (from the Haines manual) 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 and maybe 3.9 and the prop shaft flange will fit the small Ford flange. The brakes have large finned alloy drums and whilst they are not of Ford pattern can be re-drilled to suite. Unlike the Escort, it is designed for vertical coil springs, telescopics and a Panhard rod but could be easily converted to Escort configuration with the correct brackets.
Hope this may be of use to someone.
 
Myke Pocock.

Thursday 7 November 2002

Ford accidentally design Trials Special SHOCK

Ford appears to be secretly developing a Classic Trials special hopefully without the intent of  bringing manufacturer domination to our sport.   Check out this new Spaceframe machine with rear mounted Ka engine at
 
 
Hopefully the seven grand price icket will put most people off!

Wednesday 6 November 2002

2003 LDT/Rally Directory for bikes only

I have put all the 2003 dates I know into the new Directory but have left the 2002 date with  ??? beside it for the unknowns. If anyone can help with these dates I would love to hear from you!
See: http://www.briansussex.btinternet.co.uk/LDTDirectory.htm for the "work in progress" version.
Brian

NEC Show - Saloons

To all members not entering this weekend's Mechanic's Trial
 
Bill Bennett has taken up the reins for running ACTC's stand and has worked hard to get things in place.  However, we desperately need another saloon car to help show the cross section of entries - do you run for example one of these nicely prepared Escorts with twin boot mounted spare wheels, and could spare it resting out of the rain for a few days?
 
All we ask is that you drop it off at the NEC Friday night and collect it Sunday evening.
 
If you can help, please phone Bill on 01454 321707 daytime or 313221 evenings
 
Thanks
       Adrian

Monday 4 November 2002

2003 ACTC Subscriptions

Just to underline Simon Woodall's advice in the latest Restart:
Don't delay sending in your 2003 ACTC Entry Forms.
Simon will be nagging me for the 2003 Drivers list in the next two weeks or so because he will want to send out the regs for the Clee Hills shortly after that.
 
If you don't currently have the Restart a 2003 entry form can be obtained by downloading it from the ACTC website.

London-Brighton lack of picture

Apologies to those of you who looked into the London-Brighton Photo album only to find nothing there.
 
When I tried to insert the picture the programme tells me that there are no pictures in the folderin my PC, when I know damn well that there are.
 
What am I doing wrong?
 
By the way, the picture in question is of Tony Young in his 1903 Argyle chugging up Clayton Hill in Sunday's event.
 
Hepl, anyone?

Sunday 3 November 2002

Help required

Hello Everyone,

I am trying to piece together a history of the Falcon Motor Club, to eventually turn it into a book. I have already collected a lot of interesting pieces from club members past and present. What I really need is information on The March Hare Trials and The Guy Fawkes Trials of the fifties and sixties. Pictures, reports, results, old route cards, anything to make the story more complete. Recently I was handed a copy of the results from the 1961 Guy Fawkes Trial, so I know that the information is out there.

If you have any of the above pictures, reports, results Etc., please contact me via the E-mail address below.

Falcon also ran Road Rallies up until the late seventies. If by any chance you have information on those events or the Sprints that were held at Snetterton and Duxford, that would be helpful as well and would be appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mike Hayward.

Contact via E-mail: mike_hayward34@hotmail.com

Wednesday 23 October 2002

Sierra Diff info

Are there any Ford experts out there who knows the origins of the crownwheel/pinion set used in the normal Sierra 7" diff ?
I like to change ratio from 3.9 to something like 4.4 but without shelling-out £500 for a motorsport cwp set!  Working on the theory that Henry would be more likely to use components already available rather than making them from scratch. Have looked at internals of single-wheel Transit diff but pinion shaft is shorter.
 
Anyone explored this area before (or know someone who has) ?
Any advice/pointers greatly appreciated.
 
Keith.

Tuesday 22 October 2002

Some Buckler History

I received the following interesting e-mail from Mike Parrott
 
I read the bit about ERD96 on your website and was interested in the tax applied to completed cars back then.  I've either forgotten, or was not aware of the way the car was bought.  Trust my late father to find a way around any taxes !!  Derek Buckler brought the car to our place in Bournemouth in a completed state.  I remember he had his elder son with him.  He was just a young boy at the time.  I thought you might be interested in this additional information.
I enjoyed your website. 
                    Regards,
                            Mike Parrott
 
Some of my Buckler stuff can be found by clicking the links below
 
 
and this is the piece Mike read that mentioned his Dad.
 
 
 
Michael
 
 

Friday 18 October 2002

Next Years Manx Trial

I have heard that next years Manx is un-likeley to take place. Apparantly there have been some changes in the management of the main lamd owner (forestry) and the new guy is a bit "anti". Faced with the un-certainty Jonathan is reluctant to go ahead.
 
Michael

Sunday 13 October 2002

Escort Bonnet Wanted

WANTED light weight bonnet for Mk 1 ford escort contact Jonathan Laver enquired for Exeter event jonathan@jlclassics.co,uk
 

Tuesday 8 October 2002

Welcome Paul Wheatley

Welcome Paul. In your application you explain you are building a Liege. We have a couple of Liege drivers here. Simon Robson and Peter Davis. Simon in particular has a lot of experience in preparing one for Classic Trials. btw - Why not put a Fireblade engine in it?
 
Michael

Sunday 6 October 2002

My Edinburgh 2002

    Along with a number of other Gassers I en-larged my Edinburgh Trial by starting at The Rugby Truck Stop and turning up to the Moto Sevices in Mini Convoys. Wow, Moto Services must win the prize for the most boring start ever. It needed at atmosphere injection! The scrut was great, just MOT and reversing light. He must have known some of us were going to back down Bamford in the dark!
    Agnes Meadow was a bit of a shock when I saw the cars in front diverting off to the right, sending me scurrying for my tyre pressure gauge, only to find that class 4 didn't have to do it!
    I thought Clough Wood was a bit rough this year, lots of loose boulders as there were on quite a few of the other sections. It started to drizzle before Litton Slack and we arrived to see everyone failing, The queue was building as competitors were coming back down the main track which was wasting a lot of time. However, this was changed by the time we had our go and we were directed down the grass at the side after stopping just before the A boards!
    We saw John Parsons blast up and were told he was the first clean, then he was followed by the guy in the ex-Greenslade Reliant and he cleaned as well.
    There was plenty of grip on Great Hucklow but boy was that deviation rough, I had to beat my rims back to shape afterwards. The penalty for low pressures!
    I had a little nap in the queue before the control, which was manned by the guy (sorry can never remember your name) who upset the MCC committee by not having a front seat in his Beetle and after fitting one upset them even more by painting a face on the front! He was telling me he has a Marcos now and plans to take it sprinting and hill climbing. The desent to down to green lane to the main road was pretty rough. Did the Class "0's have to go down there?
    We spent another hour at bottom of Bamford and in the absence of any sign of authority Mike Pearson and I helped re-organise the queue so one of the locals could get his van and trailer out of his house. The organisation was creeking a bit here but it was good to see C of the C Graham Weekes smoothing things over with competitors at the foot and personally asking everyone about the event.
    I though Bamford was great, rough and slippery. We failed of course, spinning to a halt on the greasy slab towards the top. Thats where a lot of failures were and I added to the delay by taking ages on the long reverse down. I enjoyed Haggside as usual then it was off to The Poachers Arms for our compulsaty rest halt. We were scheduled at 13.11 and got there at 16.40, three and a half hours late! We weren't surprised when the last three sections were cancelled.
    I really enjoyed my Edinburgh despite all the delays its still my favotite event.
 
How was your Edinburgh?
 
Michael
 

Friday 4 October 2002

Meet up on the way to the Edinburgh Start

Hi Gassers,
 
Just to let you know that some of the Classical Gas Community plan to meet up at 1am to 1.30am at the BP Truck Stop on the A5 a couple of miles North of M1 Junction 18.
 
We promise that if we then travel together to the start we will not be in groups of more that three and we will keep more than 1/2 mile apart.
 
I know it will be a bit early for the bikers but we might see a few car drivers there for a nice coffee, butty and chat.
 
From the BP Truckstop it's then a nice simple drive up the A5 to the Edinburgh start.
 
Michael

Bugbear Virus - the latest pest

Hi Gassers,
 
I am posting Norton's words of wisdom about the latest major virus threat.  btw I have found that even if you don't have Norton you can still use their tools to check out your system. This is the link. http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.bugbear@mm.removal.tool.html
 
Michael
 
 
W32.Bugbear@mm is a mass-mailing worm. It uses its own SMTP engine to
send messages. It can
also spread through network shares. It has keystroke-logging and
backdoor capabilities. The
worm also attempts to terminate the processes of various antivirus
and firewall programs.
Symantec Security Response has seen that because the worm does not
handle the network resource
types correctly, it may overwhelm shared printer resources, causesing
them to print gibberish
or disrupt their normal functionality. It is written in the
Microsoft Visual C++ 6 programming
language and is compressed with UPX v0.76.1-1.22.
Virus definitions dated September 30, 2002 or later will detect this
worm.
For additional information, visit the following Internet address:
http://securityresponse1.symantec.com/sarc/sarc.nsf/html/w32.bugbear@m
m.html
_____________________________
2. Removal tool
Symantec has provided a tool to remove infections of W32.Bugbear@mm.
If your computer is
detected as infected with W32.Bugbear@mm, then download and run the
tool. In most case, to
tool can remove the infection. To download the W32.Bugbear removal
tool, visit the following
Internet address:
This is the easiest way to remove these threats and should be tried
first.

Wednesday 2 October 2002

Message for Giles

Hi Giles,
 
I have removed you from membership so you can re-join using your original nickname of "Giles".
 
Note to other members - Giles dropped me a note saying he couldn't log on to the community because Microsoft had dropped him out becuase he hadn't logged on for 30 days. To keep your membership alive you need to log on to the community at least every 30 days even if you don't post any messages. You can re-join of course but if you want to use the same Nickname and/or password you need to let me know. I will then delete your original membership and you can re-join using the old sign-on's.
 
Michael
 

Tuesday 1 October 2002

Banning Trailers

Michael has had a couple of nibbles recently about triallers who use trailers to get their cars home from an event.  I suspect he thinks that they should be banned.
I would recognise that as a valid point of view, albeit one that I don't agree with.
But as with all types of legislation the question to be answered is: How do you enforce the ban?
With an overnight stay on Buxton, Babbacombe and Penzance/Newquay/Lands End, how exactly would one ensure that there were no trailers used to carry home the competing car?
In addition, if one were able to frame the rules to sort out the above problems, how ould one cope with the genuine breakdown?
A similar scenario exists for one day events: the theory may be great but the practicalities make a mockery of the intent.
Over to you, Michael.
Hope you have a good Edinburgh. 

Sunday 29 September 2002

Welcome to new members

Welcome Davie, btw this is a "real names" group and it would be super if you could either change your "nickname" to you real name or make sure you sign any posts with your real name. I accepted your membership on the basis you have a really interesting car! also that I presume from your e-mail address that your name is Dave Lodge.
 
Regarding the application from "wanting to chat to U".  Sorry but we either need you to fully comply with our membership rules - see links to left, or have a much better clue to your identity. This is a spam free zone and we want to keep it that way..
 
Michael Leete
Community Manager

Monday 23 September 2002

Exe Valley Trial - 22 September

My wife Trish and I went (in a Vitara JLX thingie) to watch sections at Venny Tedburn - much too easy in the dry so didn't stay there long - then over to Tillerton (via green
lane at Posbury) where things hotted up a bit. I stood by a lady who owned the farm at the top of the hill and she was positively pleased to have the trial going through - unlike her neighbours in the barn on the corner at the top who are trying to stop events apparently - takes all sorts but we do seem to be increasingly on the defensive
these days.
 
The day was soon made for me when a chain-drive Trojan pottered up (and back down after failing on the rock slabs) the hill. So they DO exist - I though they might have been a false memory from watching them on the Lands End trial at Darracott Hill as a scrap of a lad. My other recollection is someone saying they were two strokes - could that be right?

From Tillerton (stayed too long) we went to Sims but only caught the tail enders although they put on a bit of a show - ALU 1 broke a prop shaft and a Fiat Punto (I think) popped a tyre whislt wheel spinning madly for grip. The Trojan failed again but it gave me a good photo opportunity!
 
Well done the Crashbox Club. I have a few photos if anyone is interested - let me know car, make and colour so that I can match them up.
 
We then greenlaned it back home via Barracourt at N Bovey (the one with the nice ford!), Pepperdon (I know its tarmac but Trish loved those hairpins), then along by Lowton (BOATs 41 & 42 - the Bridford Bypass) and down that lovely BOAT 40 to Steps Bridge. At this point Trish said that she hadn't really felt challenged by any of the lanes so I suggested (tongue firmly in cheek) we try Spanish Lake (nr Leigh Cross) and immediately wished I hadn't - remembering the washed out section at the bottom. Nevertheless we did it without any problems at all so well done the Vitara (and Trish for being game).

Still feeling un-challenged Trish then asked "So what is this Dean Steep all about??".  I haven't yet persuaded her to go trialling in a 4 wheeler but perhaps I am getting closer
 
Brian
 
PS Some bad news unfortunately thsi morning from a mate who went to watch at Ideford. This is what he says:
 
I went to watch section 13 of Exe Valley LDT yesterday, section had to be changed because the owner of ***, Hestow Rd, believed to be a Mr ***, had vowed to prevent vehicles passing his property & true to his word had felled a healthy mature hardwood tree across the lane @ approx. 892764 (right fork after the ford after Hamblecombe Lane.) I walked up the lane,, clambered through the branches & there was the clever man & a bunch of kids keeping a lookout - I didn't speak to him, too incensed. Have reported it to DCC Local Services officer this a.m. The Crashbox Club had gone to the trouble of flail mowing the lane so it could accommodate cars & taken the time to speak to him so I hope they will also report the matter.
I might be able to get out on Thurs pm to check whether lane still obstructed, I suppose he might clear it having succeeded in his aim of re-routing the event. Two horse riders who had tried to use the route were returning as I walked up but doubt they will be ****ed off enough to report it. I've been down there a couple of times this yr. but Mr **** allegedly stated to the club official that it hasn't been used by vehicles for a long time.
 

Saturday 21 September 2002

What's allowed and what's not

I am not sure which tread to put this under so I have started a new one. John Aley sent me an advance copy of thr MCC News of the Week together with this note :-

 
Hello Michael
 
In view of the reactions of some of your members to the comments in Triple about the appeance of cars in our events I thought you might like to see the draft of my news page for the web this week.   Whilst the question of what should be allowed, and I`m one who would like to see the rules more akin to PCTs so sections could be less severe and damaging, the matter of public image is one where we have little choice.  We get special dispensation go where rallies cannot so we must not create any confusion in the minds of the public.  I, of all people, would not want to ban rollover bars, but heavyweight cages, extended arches, spartan interiors and most of all lurid appearances can do just that.
 
End of sermon! Print what you like from my notes but please don`t take odd phrases or sentences out of context.
 
John

EDINBURGH TRIAL

First let us thank all of you who have volunteered to marshal on this trial. Enough of you have come forward to ensure the full route with all the planned sections can take place. Thank you all.

Secondly, as promised the route card is available either by simply downloading from the Edinburgh page on this web site or by emailing johnaley@portwrinkle.fsnet.co.uk

although one regular motorcycle competitor tells us that the larger format we have adopted has enabled him simply to photocopy it. Whatever you do, the facility is there for the taking and we hope you will find it useful.

APPEARANCE

Comments from the committee in the new edition of Triple about the appearance of competing cars and the possibility of banning those that do not fall into line have clearly worried some members. Nothing will be done immediately to change the types of vehicle allowed to compete but there may be action to prevent anything running where appearance could offend the public. There is no doubt we are faced with public relation problems and if our events are to continue we must have onlookers on our side. In particular the MCC trials all use land inside National Parks where rallying is not allowed. We know our events are not rallies but there are plenty out there who just don`t know the difference and if they see cars that in appearance look like contestants in rallies – and perhaps driving on sections that looks more appropriate to a special stage – they will be only too ready to jump to conclusions. We sell ourselves as promoting harmless events where speed is not a factor and which are open to normal cars. We simply cannot have cars that look and behave differently and we rely upon everyone`s co-operation; if you feel your car might cause offence please speak to the organisers now.

 

Click on the link below for the MCC News of the week.

http://www.ukmotorsport.com/MCC/MCC_news_of_the_week.htm

 

Michael

Friday 20 September 2002

Edinburgh Map

I am having problems with the map of the Edinburgh Route at
 
 
In can see the small scale map OK but when I try to open the large scale one it doesn't!
 
Any one else have this problem?
 
Michael

Tuesday 17 September 2002

MCC Rule Changes for 2003

For those who haven’t yet read the 2003 SSRs which arrived with the Edinburgh stuff, I’ve done a quick scan and found amendments in the following clauses:

C – Added clauses (f) and (g) under Class E.

D – Added note about gauges under Tyre Pressures.

F – Added note about running order for three-wheelers.

G – General - SEE BELOW!

G – Team Awards – Changes to team combinations.

G – Omission of Motorcycle Standard Road Tyre Award.

O – Added note about signing DOT sheet.

The REALLY interesting change is in G where TWO CLEANS are now required for a Section to count. I confess that I had prior information about this but was sworn to secrecy at the time. I think this is a very interesting rule change, designed to ensure that one ‘superman/woman’ does not have a disproportionate effect on the awards, and I’m quite surprised that it is not referred to in the latest Triple. It could make quite a difference on, say, Simms in some classes.

Andrew

Nice Triple with some interesting matters arising

Got my Triple (the magazine!), along with the Edinburgh stuff and the Exeter regs over the weekend. Mine came on Saturday morning which was much better. I do hate it when it comes mid week and I am not around to fill in the entry form and get it to the local sorting office pdq.
 
I liked the new design of Triple and I thought the articles were pretty good. Lots of stuff from the committee quite a bit of which deserves discussion and comment less we get changes in the rules, or their interpretation, that is against the members wishes.
 
The MCC committee have been debating the suitability of cars, mainly it appears because of fear of adverse PR. It raise some interesting questions. My regular passenger has a rather special Escort that he trials occassionally and he has heard (2nd hand so it could be wrong!) that his car has been mentioned in despatches. It's an ex-Autocross machine with a roll cage, two fancy stripes but definately no advertising stickers!
 
Yes he could paint out the stripes, but what about the roll cage? We read that some of the commitee object to vehicles that look like rally cars "(roll cages, extra lights, non-standard paint schemes etc)" Now Mike Hayward could paint out the stripes but what does he do about the roll cage? Take it out because it would look less like a rally car or follow the Blue Book where under M 6.10.1 for Classic Trials it says "The fitting of a safety roll-over bar is recommended"."
 
Actually I agree with the spirit of what the committee are putting forward but I believe the Classic Trials community has to proceed with care in order not to alienate some of its loyal supporters. My view is that some of the extreme cars, mainly in class 8, are so good that organisers are making the sections harder and harder to stop them, encouraging more extreme cars, discouraging the more standard cars, making it more difficult to enter the sport and putting its long term future in jepordy just as much as adverse PR.
 
I sugggest that there needs to be considerable open discussion before the rules are changed in a way that gives some protection to existing cars but restricts the entry of new "un-suitable" cars and encourages more standard/newer/class one machines, not just with eligibility rules but the development of "class 0" type sections which don't wreck the machinery.
 
And I would of course ban trailers (sorry Stuart!)
 
Michael Leete

Sunday 15 September 2002

Falcon Pictures

Over the past 3 years I have taken hundreds of photos of Falcon club members (and others) and their cars taking part in club events. I have posted lots of them to the Falcon Website. Now I find that I am about to run out of my alloted space for pictures on MSN. I will probably delete some of the old albums in order to add new ones and that will help but it doesn't mean you won't be able see them any more.
 
I am thinking of creating some CDs with all the pictures I have ever taken of Falcon Events or events that Falconers take part in. When pictures are uploaded to the website MSN resizes them so that they don't take up as much room but the downside of that is they don't print out as clearly as they should. I would put all pictures onto the CDs in the same format as they were first created and in the case of my new camera some of the pictures are fabulous. See here http://groups.msn.com/FalconMotorClub/septembersurprise2002.msnw 
 
I will probably make one for each year. So there will be a 1999, 2000 and 2001 CD. Do you think members would be interested in buying these CDs? (All profits to Falcon MC). What would be a fair price for them?
 
Andrea

Wednesday 11 September 2002

Class 7 or 5 Classic Trials Car Wanted

Wanted - Marlin or similar trials prepared and ready to go or requiring a little work.
£3,000 or thereabouts.  Not for me but for a fellow member of Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club Committee.
 
email - mail@caudlej.freeserve.co.uk if you have anything or know of any car available.
 
 

Tuesday 3 September 2002

Edinburgh Marshals URGENTLY Required

If you are not competing on the Edinburgh this year, please,please, please, volunteer to marshal.    If you are a member of a club, persuade the club to get a group together to go and "do a hill".     If your old passenger is twidling his thumbs - send him along.
 
As of a week ago, the club had less that a quarter of the required quotient of marshals needed.     If this cannot be resolved, all the debate about night runs will be completely nulified 'cos we'll all be able to stay home in bed 'cos here won't be a trial with or without a night run.
 
If you can help, e-mail John Aley and tell him.   johnaley@portwrinkle.fsnet.co.uk
Thanks. 

Sunday 1 September 2002

Friday 30 August 2002

Stroud & District Mechanics Trial 2002

This event, which is a 'distant cousin' of the twice-cancelled Anniversary Trial,will be run on Sunday 10th November. For more information, please use this link http://www.msauk.org/club/strouddmc#ces and click on 'Mechanics Trial'.
 
Andrew

Friday 23 August 2002

Welcome to John B

John,
 
Welcome to Membership. However, just to point out this is a real names community. You will need to either change your nickname to your real name or put your real name in the notes of your member profile.
 
Any problems let me know.
 
You can more or less say what you like here but you have to stand up for it!
 
Please see our community rules for more information.
 
Michael Leete
 
Community Manager
 

Thursday 8 August 2002

Edinburgh Trial Changes

Hello,
 
I am disapointed with the changes to The Edinburgh, which has always been ny favourite trial. I consider that going back to one start, with a shortened night run, to be a retrogate step.
 
The blurb that came with the regs said this was "in response to members comments". My comment is put it back to the last few years. What do other Gassers think?
 
Michael

Saturday 13 July 2002

Triallers go Racing!!

On Friday 19th July Classic Triallers Michael Leete and Neil Bray will be going racing - on two wheels.
 
They will be taking part in the Friday Night Summer Series race for Mountain Bikes at Rowney Warren.
 
This is a proper race - 75 bikes - over a course of several miles (four I think) in Forest Enterprise Woodland - It's pretty hilly in there - tough to ride up and scary to ride down!
 
It's 1 hour + 1 lap,
 
If you want to come along and give us a cheer here's where it is.
 
Friday 19th July - Starting at 7.30 pm
Rowney Warren Wood, off the A600 between Shefford and Bedford.
Park in the main car park then cross the road on foot and the start is about 100 yards down the track.
 
 
Michael

Wednesday 10 July 2002

Clee Hills on TV

I thought the Clee Hills program on TV last night was pretty good. OK, some of it was a bit superficial but thats the way it is these days in the name of "entertaimnent"!
 
I thought the pictures were really good. Just shows what a really proffessional camera man can do.
 
A particular well done to Simon. I thought you did a great PR job for the sport.
 
Next time anyone sees Tony Mason can they explain the difference between a Classic and a PCT!
 
Anyone else see it and what did you think.
 
Michaelo

Tuesday 9 July 2002

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Its that time of year again for the Goodwood FoS.
Sturat Harrold and I will be spectator marshalling again, hopefully at crossing '0', which is about 200 yds before the start line.
If any Gassers are coming down, please come and say 'Hello', because we have a number of comfortable chairs to rest your weary limbs in, and a good line in chat.
We will both be looking out for the Falcon boys who also come along for this wonderful event.

Friday 5 July 2002

Welcome Adrian Tucker-Peake

A very warm welcome to the community to Adrian Tucker-Peake.
 
Michael

Monday 24 June 2002

For Sale 2CV

2cv For Sale 1988 Has acomplished several trails and actually awarded a bronze on the Exeter 3years (or so) ago. Ideal for introduction to trials. It has eletronic ignition, a variety of wheels/tyres (125-155), reclining seats, new pots and pistons, new chassis, Mot ,tax, extra front lights, 4 box and a multitude of spares

Monday 17 June 2002

Welcome to Roger Pole

Welcome to the community Roger. Great to have you on-board.
 
Michael

Wednesday 12 June 2002

Off The Road

I watched the first Off The Road programs on Discovery Home and Leisure last night. There were two, one after another.
 
I thought the Hill Rally one was the better of the two. To me Tony Mason rather triviallised Sporting Trials in their program where I had hoped to see Duncan!
 
Anyone else see it?
 
Michael

Friday 7 June 2002

Riley Elf for Sale

One of my neighbours has a 1967 Riley Elf for Sale. This "posh Mini" is in good nick, MOT etc. Only thing is it must go to a home where it will be appreciated and looked after. If you know anyone who is interested drop me an e-mail. mleete24@hotmail.com
 
Michael

iAre you getting Andrew Browns Site Update Notifications?

If not and you are using Hotmail then you may need to tweek a couple of settings.
 
I guess most of you have discovered you can reduce the terrible Hotmail Spam by going to "Options" then "Junk Mail Filter" and setting it to "High". Unfortunately this blocks of all mail from any one who is sending out a Mailing List, including Andrew.
 
What you do is go back to "Options" then into "Mailing Lists". Type in andrew.k-brown@virgin.net and click on "add".
 
You will then receive notificatiuons from Andrew of his site updates. That's provided you have asked him to senfd them of course!
 
Michael

Saturday 18 May 2002

Dutton Melos for sale

Fred Gregory has a Dutton Melos 1600 XFlow classic Trials Car for sale.
 
It is registered 1970(Tax exempt). Loads of potential, needs tidying up. Good hood and tyres. Drives well, has won gold medals. Space needed.
 
짙250
 
Call Fred on 01494 863078

Caravan For Sale

For Sale due to bereavement,

Compass Caravan, 1988, 2 Berth. Shower, Oven/Hob, Fridge, On-Off Mains, Side Awing, Fully equipped and ready to use. 」1500 ONO. Phone Peter on 01707 883641 or mobile 07850 151768.

MCC Classic Trials route cards

John Aley would like anyone interested in getting a copy by e-mail so that they can format ihe route card to suit their holder, ot whatever, to e-mail him asap.  See below and http://www.ukmotorsport.com/mcc/MCC_news_of_the_week.htm .
 
Brian

ROUTE CARDS Quite how motorcyclists manage to read and follow a route card, especially in the dark, will ever be one of the greater MCC mysteries. We know that many riders copy the printed word into a different format and use one of these clever roller devices just as "Jenks" did in the 1955 Mille Miglia. Several riders have suggested that this would be easier if the route card were published in electronic mail form and the committee is giving some thought to how this could be done. For obvious reasons the actual route should not be too widely available to non competitors as we know there are those out there who would like to stop us enjoying ourselves and a knowledge of the route would be a godsend to them.

One possible solution would be to have the route available for transmission by E Mail to anyone who is competing and applies to the address at the heading of this page after he receives his final instructions. It would then be E Mailed by return. If you would be interested in this service would you please send an E Mail to this address NOW saying so; we can then gauge whether the extra work involved would be worth while.

Thursday 2 May 2002

Brooklands on 5th.May

The Gas site seems to have been very quiet for the past few weeks, perhaps like me you have had trouble getting logged in.
I am off to Brooklands with my Troll on Sunday for the MCC/MAC 100 years get together. Hope to meet some other 'Gassers' there.
Stuart Harrold

Get a Firewall to guard against a new threat

Hi everyone,
 
I recently installed a (free) Firewall on my PC at home to guard against raids on my computer while connected to the net. I did this after getting a Trojan Horse virus on the day jobs laptop.
 
This prompted me to worry about the Classical Gas machine in the dinning room. I read an article in a magazine about a free software firewall called Zone Alarm.
 
I downloaded and installed it and it works. It's quite frigtening to see the warnings come up when another computer tries to break into my system and Zone Alarm blocks it.
 
You can find out more information and download the free version at http://www.zonelabs.com/products/za/index.html
 
I would advise everyone to look at this.
 
Michael

Sunday 28 April 2002

Message to John B

 
Hi,
 
Thanks for your application to join our community. Unfortunately you didn't advise me of your real name or give sufficient clue for me to guess who you are. If you check out our rules you will see we are a "real names" community.
 
If you would like to join please re-apply using your real name as your nickname.
 
Michael Leete
Community Manager

Friday 12 April 2002

Stroud Anniversary

Does anybody know the fate of the Stroud Anniversary Trial?
 

Tuesday 9 April 2002

Lands End 2002




SAS - Save Another Skoda!

 Save this Czech wonder car from its final trip to the crusher for the princely sum of £100ish! 
 
Sorry - don't have all the technical details but basically: it goes, it's RWD, a 1981 on an X, it has an MoT until end September and alloy wheels.  Owned by one family from new.
 
Call Paul Starling for more details and to start haggling: 01844 275 286 (Bucks)

Thursday 4 April 2002

Lands End photos

Just posted 21 more photos on behalf of Jim Scott, mainly from Crackington.
 
regards,   Stuart Cairney

Wednesday 3 April 2002

Message to badnellan

Hi,
 
Thanks for your application to join our community. Unfortunately you didn't advise me of your real name or give sufficient clue for me to guess who you are. If you check out our rules you will see we are a "real names" community.
 
If you would like to join please re-apply using your real name as your nickname.
 
Michael Leete
Community Manager

Sunday 31 March 2002

Message to "filipe"

     

Hi,

 

Thanks for your membership application.

Can we ask you to resubmit using your real name as your "nickname". If you read our rulesn you will see we are a "real names" community.

 

Michael

My Lands End 2002

Nice to see your report Mike - here is my little story FWIW:

If I say I was 5 yards off a Gold Medal I wouldn't be exaggerating. (Now where have I heard that before?). I was on a bike in Class B starting from Plusha.

Felons Oak was a good confidence builder. Stoney Street was … stoney. Riverton was a challenge though with some unexpected sharp bends that I understand led to many solos running out of track – good challenge to add some warmth in the wee small hours. Sutcombe was nice to do just as dawn broke with the dawn chorus going well. Darracott had a lot of loose stuff but wasn’t anything like I recall – I am sure there used to be huge washed out gullies – maybe it was over prepared - lets see what the results say for this hill. The Bude special test was a hoot – I followed two sidecar outfits and the one just before me really gave it the beans – sidecar high in the air at one point, driver hanging over so far that his shoulder was nearly scraping the ground at another – they finished with a well-deserved round of applause – can’t remember the number but they had a red petrol tank and the outfit in front of them failed the test by going the wrong way around the second set of cones. Crackington was a cracker. Warleggan nearly caught me out with my back wheel skipping around on the slimy rocks – what a lovely hill – primroses and celandines decorating the banks – and very cheery marshalls and observers. We got held up behind a group of horses at Bishops Path Special Test and had to wait quite a while to clear the section but I will let someone else tell that story. Bishopswood - after thinking I had finished the section the marshall encouraged me on toward a very snotty looking bank across a road - the TTR responded to a rapid twist of the throttle and sailed over although I didn't mean the front wheel to paw the air quite so alarmingly!

The weather was perfect and the hills were very kind to me - until Bluehills. After seeing the crowds there, I nearly chickened out but having got that far clean, it had to be done! Bluehills lived up to everything I had heard about them but worse - I arrived to look across the valley at it - the track was just a very long thin brown strip that seemed to run vertically upwards with a very large crowd which I now realise were thickest at the nastiest bits - sensible spectators eh?

Bluehills 1 went fine and it was great to charge up the hill after negotiating a snotty hairpin in the mud at the foot of the hill - fortunately another competitor reminded me that there was a stop otherwise I would have probably charged the whole hill in one go.

The restart toward the top for the second observed section - Bluehills 2 - was pretty daunting with a huge slab of rock to negotiate just feet away - but the stop marshall was encouraging although the sea of faces provided me with more adrenalin than perhaps was needed! I got a clean re-start and was romping up the hill confidently until - at the top the bikes are sent an a left hand loop which was the MCC's last chance of saving having to give out too many Gold Medals and it worked on me - I think they must have dumped a lorry load of loose earth and stone there earlier in the day - I gave it too much throttle on the bend and lost the back on the loose stuff so dabbed to save the bike and the embarrassment of decking it in front of the crowd – b****r!

After nearly 17 hours in the saddle at that point I would like to say it was tiredness that led to the fail but the truth is that it was poor riding and perhaps over-confidence - 5 yards from the top of the very last section though :o(

Well here's to a Silver Medal and well pleased I am with that if I get it - it assumes that the observers on the earlier hills agree that my restarts were clean - Beggars Roost was the only iffy one. At the previous stop some wag said the Beggars Roost was pretty easy as the postman went up it every day - what he didn't say was that said postie has a 4X4 and doesn't do restarts at the nastiest bit of the climb!

My Yamaha TTR250 ran perfectly and I didn't open the tool roll once - what a brilliant bike - it has rewarded my faith in the model! The only attention it got was refilling with petrol and letting some air out of the rear tyre towards the end of the trial when the 2 bikes in front of me failed a particularly slippery Hoskin Hill and returned to the bottom - that was a good hint! The TTR is now pretty much run in after adding about 700k on it over the Friday and Saturday. The perfect tool for the event I reckon. When I have recovered a bit more it will be power washed and well lubed.

Nice to see some photos posted up already – look forward to the rest!

Brilliantly organised event – well done to all the folk that made it happen!

Brian

My 2002 Lands End

 Mike Hayward and I left home early with the plan of having a leisurely meal at the M3 services before the start. However, we were just getting out of the car when a young lad asked if we had any tools as he couldn’t start his 1962 Consul; Capri! We spent an hour trying to help him before leaving him to the tender mercy of the AA man to grab a rather rushed fish and chips.
 
 We failed Felon’s Oak. Yes I know it’s impossible to fail Felon’s Oak but we did and we don’t know why! We went on to fail two more, Sutcombe because I didn’t stop in the right place and Hoskins because it was hard!

 We enjoyed the trial. It had the promised different flavour. There seemed to be lots of stops for holding controls but I like that as it gives a chance to socialise. I thought Riverton was good. We had a long wait in a queue there, caused I think by difficulties in removing a broken down Reliant.

 We also had a long wait for the Bude special test. Apart from that everything seemed to be well with the organisation.

 I hadn’t driven in the Lands End for 4 years and my car when I was still in class six so this was the first time I had done Bluehills 2 without a re-start. I thought the new tight bits were very tight but we got up OK.

 We ran in company with Simon Robson and Neil Bray and helped Neil when he had a puncture on Hoskins and couldn’t get the wheel off because the nut was rounded. First we tried to chisel it off but it wouldn’t shift. Finally we decided to change the tube with the wheel in-situ. When we got the tyre off we found the alloy rim had split but we bandaged it up with Duck tape, got a new tube in and got the Skoda going to finish.

 We weren’t staying at the “official” hotel so didn’t go to the club supper. We had a nice meal at a fish restaurant but isn’t Newquay isn’t my idea of a nice place and I was glad we weren’t there for two nights. Personally I think the “Lands End” should finish at Lands End!

 How was your Lands End Trial?

Michael Leete

Friday 29 March 2002

Targa-Liege

Posted on behalf of Peter Davis
 
Hello Michael, hope you are well.  I was wondering if it would be possible to include a mention the Targa-Liege 2002 on your Classical Gas community. The entry is mostly made up of kit cars, having a trials car take part would be wonderful.
 
Basically it's a five day reliability trial for hand built sports cars from Spa in Belgium to Florence, via Germany and the Austrian and Italian Alps and takes place on the 21st - 25th September 2002.  Latest details and entry attached.
 
Many thanks.
 
Peter Davis.
 
P.S. Look forward to seeing you in the bar in Newquay Saturday evening.
 
Attachment: Entry-cl.xls

Thursday 28 March 2002

Lands End 2002

Looks like the summer run has arrived early judging by the Met weather forecast!
 
 
Good Luck to all
 
 
Mark

Monday 25 March 2002

MCC Lands End Trial - Riverton

 Whether its because I am tired or just being stupid but I can't find Riverton on the map and the programme doesn't give the OS reference because "no spectators". Can anyone supply the grid reference please? I think I can track down most of the other sections although I am sure it won't prevent me getting lost!
Regards
Brian

Sunday 24 March 2002

Murrays March Hare Trial

I have posted some more photos in the photos album from the March Hare Trial.

Mike.

Friday 22 March 2002

CLASSIFICATION

Don't quite understand the motorcycle classification for the Land's End.  If I were to ride my lightweight XT500 Yamaha instead of my class A 650cc TriumphI would be excused all restarts (it weighs about 250lbsand would be in class C), as it is, I have do the two restarts that the even lighter up to 401cc have to do as well. My machine entered, is a class A 400lb twin (dry weight), restarts are for class A and B only. If my twin was foreign I would be in class D and be excused restarts (a BMW twin R80 GS is lighter- I used to have one before I took up long distance trials). It seems we are penalised by having British bikes in the dwindling class A. It is nice to pull off a gold against the club if all goes well, but life is getting more difficult, I did Riverton in the Exmoor on a lightweight BSA B40 in the daylight so will not be looking forward to it on a heavyweight in the dark!   I suppose the answer is class O if I do not want to end up under my machine halfway up a section because I do like riding it and most spectators appreciate the older machinery. Perhaps I am getting too old!

Thursday 21 March 2002

Lands End Timing

Sorted out the timing on your routecard yet?
Check out my Timing Calculator on the Lands End This Year page of the MCC site
Available from Saturday lunchtime (I Hope) 

Monday 18 March 2002

Gentler Classics

I was wondering whether I could prey on your collective knowledge.

I have just bought a mini as a general competition car, for pcts, autotests, classics etc, however I have found previously using my old midget that a lot of classics are really just far too rough for a mini. The MCC ones, particuarly in 2000 was way to rough.

I enjoy classics, and enjoy doing them in a mini (although not always successfully!!), but I don't enjoy it when they are so rough I risk writing off the shell.

What classics are in your opinion, gentle, non car breaking ones??

The car will be prepared for trials so I'm not looking for pct smooth ones, but not car breakers either.

Simon

Sunday 17 March 2002

Roll over bars

I understand (but correct me if I am wrong) that there is a regulation governing the diameter and the material to be used in Roll over bars. Could anyone let me know what this is or point me in the direction for obtaining the information. My needs are a single loop bar for a Dellow.
Thank you
John Mac.

Saturday 16 March 2002

First Lady (posted on behalf of Susan TP-J)

Dear Michael,   

Yes , its that Classic rearing itself again, I think it first went back to July 1997, and subsequently corrected by Ron Warren and then again by Simon Woodall June 1999,  now I would like to add another!

Within my research for my book, to be launched Feb 2003, titled, Women in Motorsport from 1945,  I am listing the women winning Triple's,
These are my findings

Margaret Woodall is the undisputed first women to win one in 1955,
but as one interprets Simon's email to you, June 1999, it would appear to indicated that Maralyn won her first one on the same event.  If this was correct, it would have made her 12 years old, truly then something for the history books.

Maralyn did in fact win her first Triple in 1964, and her second in 1965, making her the first women to win 2 Triples.
Going on from that Ann Templeton won a Triple in  1996 and 1997.

Hopefully this will finally close the book on the subject.

Many congratulations on your website, I'll get round to signing up, once the Lands End is over, Been a bit hectic this year,   Look forward to seeing  'The New Falconers'  all obtaining  Gold's in this years 'new look trial.
Very best wishes.

Susan TP-Jamieson
























































Thursday 14 March 2002

Lands End Entry List........

.......... will be appearing on the MCC site from Saturday morning.
Look on the Lands End page, and check out the timing on the "This Year" page
Be surprised at how early your start time is.

Skoda for Sale

Skoda Rapide 135 RiC   93 on a J-Plate
1300 Single-Point Injection Engine,  Double-Joint Rear Suspension, Sun Roof, 55,000miles,  4 new Kingpin ALP4 tyres on 13" Alloys, MoT until Nov,
Reverse Gear a bit dodgy, but spare box included.    A bargain at £200
info@bvwf.org.uk (Terry Ball) or 01584-88138 working hours

Thursday 7 March 2002

Murrays March Hare

Are we all ready for it?
 
I've been trying to drum up support from marshalls for the early morning Whitwell sections, and think that I have just about enough, but a few more would be nice... if there is anyone in the Hertfordshire area, not competing and willing to help out at 8.30 am on sunday 10th MArch then please mail me... julian@hertsvwclub.org.uk
 
See you there.
 
Julian

Wednesday 27 February 2002

Dellow and Ford Falcon Trials Cars for Sale

Just bought the Classic Car Mart Magazine and found two adds that might be of interest to potential trials cars buyers.
 
(1) Dellow Mk 2  for restoration, basically complete, similar to photograph. Offers in excess of £3500. (West Midlands)
 
(2) 1955 Ford Falcon trials car, this vehicles was actually used for trialling in the 50s and 60s and runs well. Running gear is side valve E93A. 짙2500. (Wales)
 
You can view the adds online rather than buy the mag, and get more details
 
 
 
Hope this is of use to someone
 
Regards
Kevin Barnes

Monday 25 February 2002

Launceston Trial 2002




Launceston Trial Pics

B Series axle brake parts

A colleague is having difficulty getting service parts such as brake shoes and wheel cylinder repair kits for the BMC B Series Axle. Does anyone know a good supplier at sensible prices ??
 
Was also told by a local motor factor that they're not allowed to sell wheel cylinder repair kits any more as they are considered to be "too dangerous" !!!! - does anyone know if this is the case (or just a marketing ploy!!!).
 
Keith.

Sunday 24 February 2002

Welcome Tim Lakin

A warm welcome to Tim Lakin who has just joined the community. Tim is a member of Stroud and District and is a Marlin driver.
 
Michael

Thursday 21 February 2002

Haynes Manuals and others for sale...

Part 1
 
Vauxhall Service Bulletin no 57/8 - All sytcromesh Transmission E F and Ca - £Offers
 
Standard 8/10 Service instruction Manual issued by Standard -Triumph sales ltd - 짙10 - has been damp!
 
Vauxhall Service Training Manual Body Vauxhall Series F (May 1958) - £Offers
Cavalier Service Training Manual Axle, Suspension and Transmission (March 1976) - 짙10
Preliminary Service Information Vauxhall Model F (Feb 1957) - 짙Offers
 
Part 2
 
The below are all 짙5 each, and in 'used' condition... some better than others...
 
VW Type 3 1500 & 1600
VW Polo 1982 to 1983
VW Beetle 1200 1954 to 1977
Autodatas Volkswagen Beetle Car Manual 68-78
VW Beetle 1300 & 1500 Beetle
Austin Metro 1980 - 89
Mini 1959 - 1978
Saab 99 & 900
Renault 9 & 11
Vauxhall Nova 83 - 92
Renault 18
Mz 150 & 250
Ford Capri 2 74-79
Vauxhall Magnum 73-77
Ford Cortina 3 1600/2000 - 70-76
Ford Cortina 3 - 1600/2000 - 70-75
BLMC 1100 & 1300 62 to 74
Fiat 126 73 to 77
Ford Cortina 3 - 1300/1600 70 to 73/70 to 76
Vauxhall Victor VX4/90 72 to 74
Ford Escort 75 to 80
Marina 71 to 75
Ford Cortina Mk IV 76 to 82
Renault 4 61 to 72
Vauxhall Cavalier  81 to 83
Ford Escort 68 - 74
Vauxhall Viva 1970-79
Avenger - Haynes Owners Handbook
Autobooks Cortina Mk 3 1970 - 76 Owners Workshop Manual 
Autobooks Viva Owners Workshop Manual 66-70
Autobooks Mini Owners Workshop Manual  59-73
Autobooks Marina 71-76
Autobooks Renault 5 1972 to 79
Autobooks Capri 1300 68-77
Fiat 124 Sport & Spyder 66 to 73 Autopress Workshop manual
Ford Cortina 67 to 68 Autopress Workshop manual
Hilman Super minx , Singer Vogue and Sceptre Autopress Workshop manual
Vauxhall Viva HB 66-70 Autopress Workshop manual
BLMC Models MkII - MkIII 1967/74 SP Manual 
Hillman Imp & Singer Chamois Pearsons Car servicing
Hunter Range InterEurope Workshop Manual 1967 on
Ford Escort (Mk1)- Pearsons Illustrated Car servicing
 
Or all the above in part 2 (42 Books) for £100! (less than £2.40 each!)
 
01707 881772.
07974 100902
 
Hertfordshire...

Wednesday 20 February 2002

A book about the Troll

Hi everyone
 
I have just embarked on the research for a book I am about to write about the Trolls, more specifically the T6 model. The book will contain history of the model, technical details, competition successes, and of course a lot of stories from those roitous days of the Troll owners in the late 80's and early 90's. I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has photos, copies of published articles, letters etc pertaining to the Troll T6's.  I woul d also like to update my ownership records and to hear from current owners about their exploits and Troll related stories they may have that are suitable for publication. I do have the original chassis register and all the MCC/ACTC trials route cards and results from my period of competing. Peter James has given me his blessing and full co-operation for the book.
You can contact me on e-mail: dandaa@turk.net  tel/fax: 00 90 252 476 7951 or write to David  Alderson, Gulhak Mahallesi, 41 Sokak No:9, Turunc/Marmaris, Turkey. I will be in Uk early August to look over suitable material for the book.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes and good trialling, David Alderson 

Sunday 17 February 2002

More Pics of Exeter 2002

I came across http://www.bolide.co.uk webb site. It has some quality pictures of this years Exeter together with alot more. The site is worth a visit.
Kind Regards      Jonathan  Laver

Wednesday 13 February 2002

Wants (for sale and wants section)

I'm looking for preferably a SWB Marlin Roadster Type M, a trials prepared model would be ideal but not essential, I am prepared to put some work in if necessary hence looking for something around £2000. Please e mail me with cars details and any pictures that you may have Lachm@btinternet .com. thanks John Mac.

Friday 8 February 2002

Marina 10cwt van axle wanted

I am searching for an axle from a Marina 10cwt van to replace the one on my Marlin and I'm not having much luck! Does anyone have any ideas where to try?
Thanks, Pete.

Thursday 7 February 2002

Cotswold Clouds 2002




More Corswold Clouds 2002 Pics




Welcome to David Ovey

A special welcome to David Ovey who has just joined the community.
 
David was involved in Classic Trials with the Tucker-Peakes when I first joined Falcon Motor Club in the late 60's.
 
He also competeted in circuit racing with a Ford Anglia and was involved in most things Falcon did.
 
Later David went on to race Porshe's at Le Mans and became an Airline Pilot.
 
I think David it was about three years ago when we met at your sisters restraunt, now sadly closed.
 
There is a lot more but I will spare your blushes! Great to have you on board.
 
Michael

Monday 4 February 2002

Technical websites

For those of  you who like a bit of technical stuff to chew on .... have a browse through :-
                info@boltscience.com
 
and          bmcno.org/radcap.htm
 
 

Cotwold Clouds

Had a good day out on Sunday, spectating for a while on Nailsford and then marshalling on Merv's Swerve.  I'm awfully glad we didn't get any rain.
Nailsford was interesting.  I didn't think that the restart was close enough to the hump to cause too many problems for Class 8, except for Pete Fear (who I understand was the eventual winner) who thought that the four cones represented a box restart and overran the line.   
Prize of the day for attack (whilst I was watching) went to Bill Bennett in his MG for the highest front wheel elevation over the step.
 
Merv's was looking absolutely horrible when we got there.  Restart area very claggy. the steps even more so, and if you got over that there was a significant rut around the 3 marker.
The first two or three customers merely confirmed my opinion that it was going to be a day of backing down.
Then Pete Fear appeared (about car four), got out of the ruts left on the restart and just went away making it look easy.
 
Car No1 (Nigel Allen?? - I don't have an entry list) also cleaned, but without the restart, but then there were no more successes for about 40-50 cars until the restart area had worn down to the rock underneath.
Gallant efforts from David Hazedein (how does he get a front wheel drive car that far up hills?) Neil Bray, Michael Leete in the VW, lots of local Stroud boys in Escorts who gave it absolute death and made it to the four marker.
 
My prize for the best attempt went to the big old Riley (in class 2) which got a 2, I believe, and the driver was mighty disgusted that he hadn't cleaned it.
In total I think five class 8 cleaned it and the big VW from class 6.
All the remaining competitors got to the hill the hill in daylight and we were able to get in a couple of pints at the finish.
Good day all round. 

Sunday 3 February 2002

Beetle Towbar and bits

German made towbar for swing-axle Beetle.Complete with all brackets and socket/wiring. Appears to be either powder or plastic coated (apart from a small area at rear where it touched down on the approach to Nailsworth Ladder !)
짙35.
1967/68 1500 Beetle gearbox complete with shafts/backplates/drums. 짙65.
Ditto. nearside front wing in good shape. 짙10.
Ditto. Front and rear screens. 짙20 the pair.
 
1965/66 'ish Cortina 1500 GT gearbox and complete remote control (no bellhousing). Appears A1 ... it is a spare from my Dellow days that I never had cause to use. I reckon it is a bit of a rarity now ..... worth £90 - unless you can convince me otherwise!
 
Know anyone with a V8 Ford Pilot ? I have a pair of rear brake drums complete with brake shoes/actuators/adjusters, also for same a pair of rear axle Jackall units.
Fed up with tripping over them. 짙30 the lot.
If you are interested, give me a ring on 01938 561399 early evenings.

Saturday 2 February 2002

Thursday 31 January 2002

cannon or simular

wanted- cannon or simmilar class 8 trials car,anything that might need work .must have v5

Tuesday 29 January 2002

VW special

VW special.
       2000cc Type 4  Transporter engine.
       Well built and maintained.
       Taxed and MOT`d.
       Excellent car to start in Class 8.
 
                   Ã‚£1500
 
Tel: Martin or Tom Jones .
     01278 760476
E-mail:  tj_uut@hotmail.com                 

Troll Rebuild

Thought this might interest a few of you,

Looks like another Troll is returning/or has returned to the hills, found this link in my search for further Troll info.

http://www.classicperformance.fsnet.co.uk/

The picture of the car is about half way down Reg No: 944 PY?, is this car well known

Kevin

Sunday 27 January 2002

For sale and wanted

Michael,
The last entry in "For sale and wanted" would seem to be back in November 2001.
I don't want to waste peoples time if they have sold the item, is it not possible for the list to be updated.
Has nobody got anything else for sale? a SWB Marlin perhaps of recent vintage?
Kind regards
John Mac

Friday 25 January 2002

Congratulations on your class 4 win!

You are a real inspiration to all beetle trials drivers and Falcon members.
Well done I'm sovery pleased.
Hazel

Tuesday 22 January 2002

Hornet Special bits

Wanted :-
I am undertaking a total rebuild of a 1932 Wolseley Hornet Special that is fitted with
a unique Abbey Coachworks "Competition" 2 seater body (for which read Trials as it has a 16 gallon tank at the rear!).
 Judging by a number of things such as mods. to the shock-absorbers and various scrapes and dings under the chassis, it seems pretty certain that the car was actively trialled in the 1930's. Along the way it has lost it's original windscreen assembly. These were a bit unusual in that the screen could either be hinged upward (for foggy Exeters ?) or traditionally folded flat. This type of screen was also used on other Abbey bodied Hornets AND Eustace Watkins bodied Hornets of the early Thirties.
Do you know anyone with Wolseley Hornet bits in a shed?
A screen of this type, no matter how rough or incomplete .... would be a great help in restoring this very unusual car. Any good leads will be suitably rewarded !
 
Rebuilding this should keep me occupied as the Allard is gathering dust at the back of the garage having been told it is no longer welcome in Class 7 (but that's another story).
 
Nigel Brown  

Monday 21 January 2002

MAC Clee Hills Trial

Hope you all enjoyed the trial,

I ended up watching the first 30-40 cars on 3 hills Hungerford, Longville & the one further down the road. Ended up giving the Singer a good 100+ mile round trip test in the end. Glad I did as a rear axle problem in the form of a "clunking" has manifested itself with a small amount of play at the wheel.

Does anyone know when the TV programme going out?

Kevin

Friday 18 January 2002

.Newquay Hotels for Land's End Trial

Whilst working in Cornwall last week I went over to Newquay to check out local hotels in the finish area. I've put the photos and telephone numbers in a picture gallery. I haven't a clue whether they are open for Easter or not, as Easter is early this year. I also accept no responsibility for the state/standard of them either!! (here writes somebody who stays in british hotels about 250 nights a year!).
I hope this info might be of use for you late bookers who cannot get in the Bay Hotel.
Please also note the similar hotel name eg Fistral Beach and Fistral Bay Hotels, Fistral Bay and Bay Hotel etc.
 

Tuesday 15 January 2002

Spectating advice wanted

As a recent convert to trials, can anyone tell me any good locations for spectating on the Clee Hills next Sunday?
 
Map references or general directions would be great.
 
Best regards.................Jonathan
 

MCC Land End Trial Hills

Hello All,
Should get all the tuning work finished this weekend on the Singer and go along to the Clee Hills to give it a test.

Just a quick question: in peoples opinon what are the roughest hills on the Lands End that will be tackled by Class 2? I've marshalled on Crackington and Bluehills 1&2 before. Will try and get the entry posted tonight or tomorrow, but were not sure which class to enter.

Class 0 seems to avoid the main trial route completely other than the controls and the old Bluehills route which is slightly dissapointing.

Kevin Barnes (Singer Le Mans 1493cc ADU 263

Launceston Trial

Sunday the 10th of February is the date set for the Launceston Classic Trial. There will be approx 15 sections and two special tests spread over 80 miles of beautiful Cornish & Devon countryside. Hills like Angel Steps with its class 7&8 restart and Treworld will be in fine testing condition. Anyone wanting regs contact Vivien Turner on 01566 777407 day, 01566 781509 eve.
J.T.

Sunday 13 January 2002

Do you need to re-join?

Has your membership lapsed but you can't rejoin because your e-mail address is "already in use".
 
If so let me know and I will clear out your old membership so you can join again.
 
Michael

Test to see if I'm back

I think I am

Class 4

From Adrian Booth alias Ren5 my skoda is poorley (its the one my dauther drives in local trials) I would like to know if its allright to fit a VW 1300cc out of a polo in the same location as the skoda unit and stay in class 4 or should I go and buy a favorit lump

Friday 11 January 2002

Welcome To Our New Members

 Hi,
 
You are very welcome to the community. Looking forward to meeting you here.
 
A reminder that this is a "real names " community (see the rules!). Please ammend your "nickname" in your user profile so it displays your real name and/or make sure you sign your posts with your real name.
 
Much obliged.
 
Michael - Community Manager

Tuesday 8 January 2002

John Mac's 2002 Exeter Pictures




Exeter 2002

Hi All

Enjoy the chat tonight. I am afraid I will not be joining in as I will be no where near a PC.

We thoroughly enjoyed the trial. Very well run and our thank to the Marshals and organisers.

We failed Simms on the very top step. Need to travel an extra few feet next year to avoid the long reverse down. I feel sorry for Dellow but glad that no-one was hurt.

Mark

Monday 7 January 2002

Exeter Pictures and Video

Hi everyone,
 
I hope you had a great Exeter. I have posted some pictures from Tillerton and Simms in a new Album. They are fine on the screen but I compressed them quite a bit to upload them. Let me know if you would like one with less compression so you can print it in better quality.
 
Also check out Documents (click here). I have uploaded some Real Player Video of Tillerton and Simms. Let me know how you get on reading it.
 
Michael

Sunday 6 January 2002

Exeter2002




Photos of the 2002 Exeter Trial

All members

Happy new year and good Trialing in 2002 from the Pop Asylum trials team.  We all had a great Exeter with all three of us claiming gold medals and no punctures! hope all that entered had an enjoyable day. By the way, are tyre pressure limits at Simms for class 7&8 a bit cruel or are they necessary?

Saturday 5 January 2002

Simms Hill

I have just returned home after a enjoyable day spectating on simms during the Exeter ,but after an incedent with an unfortunate Dellow driver I feel spectator safety could become an issue within our sport.Fortunately in this incedent no one appeared to be seriously injured.I would welcome comments    and   possible precautions that could be implemented.I do feel that our sport should be freely enjoyed by spectators but they should be safe to do so.This is the second heart stopping incedent I have witnessed within my links with trialing.

Thursday 3 January 2002

ZaCker Virus warning

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Fixing rear compettors no. to a M/C

Left it very late I realise but how do you fix the rear number to a motorbike in "an upright position" safely please?
 
Brian