Many, many photos of the Sloter Lola T70 can be seen at this link.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
New Sloting Plus wheels
New Sloting Plus wheels and other products can be found at Professor Motor at this link.
From Jacques at Sloting Plus:
This wheel, as the previous models, doesn't need insert because this is already integrated in the design. The model is drawn to fit a greater number of sizes, both in diameter and in width, in order to satisfy the customer as well on the esthetic and dynamic point of view.
To make the size identification easier, we have innovated by drawing a channel with a green mark on the 15,9 x 8,5 and 15,9 x10 sizes, two channels with a blue mark on the 16,5 x 8,5 and 16,5 x 10 sizes and finally three channels with a red mark on the 16,9 x 8,5 and 16,9 x 10 sizes . No channel on the smallest 15 x 8,5 size.
Wheels are in a very light and resistant Aluminium-Magnesium alloy with a weight between 0,6 g (for the smallest size) to 0,9 g (for the biggest size) !
The "zigzag" design of the holes is conceived to avoid the abnormal usury of the tire and beyond this it authorize the use of low profile tires that are not adjusted to wheels with bigger diameter holes.
From Jacques at Sloting Plus:
This wheel, as the previous models, doesn't need insert because this is already integrated in the design. The model is drawn to fit a greater number of sizes, both in diameter and in width, in order to satisfy the customer as well on the esthetic and dynamic point of view.
To make the size identification easier, we have innovated by drawing a channel with a green mark on the 15,9 x 8,5 and 15,9 x10 sizes, two channels with a blue mark on the 16,5 x 8,5 and 16,5 x 10 sizes and finally three channels with a red mark on the 16,9 x 8,5 and 16,9 x 10 sizes . No channel on the smallest 15 x 8,5 size.
Wheels are in a very light and resistant Aluminium-Magnesium alloy with a weight between 0,6 g (for the smallest size) to 0,9 g (for the biggest size) !
The "zigzag" design of the holes is conceived to avoid the abnormal usury of the tire and beyond this it authorize the use of low profile tires that are not adjusted to wheels with bigger diameter holes.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Buying from a used car dealer
A few friends are looking to upgrade their cars and having read my review of Station Garage in Balsall Common, were asking my opinion on various options available.
Buying a used car is always a gamble. There are usually three reasons a person sells of a car:
1. Upgrading to a new car
2. Financial problems &
3. Some problems with the car.
More often than not, it is usually the third reason. So be very careful when buying a used car. Used car dealers are usually costlier than private sellers. However, most usually offer some kind of warranty or the other. Take Station Garage for example. Their main selling point is the fact that they offer 12 months warranty on their cars and 12 months MOT as well. However, I have to be honest.
I am not really happy with the garage. I specifically requested them to change one of the back tyres and to top up the engine oil as I found out that it was quite low. They did change the tyre and topped up the oil as well. You will notice that I say "topped up" and not "change". That's because they simply topped up the engine oil with some used oil. Some of my other friends confirmed this as well.
I am not sure why they did this but it really lowered my evaluation of the garage. I stopped recommending them after I found out about the oil. Going to have to go for a full service soon because I am not really sure what they meant by "car serviced" and what they did with the car now. That's what happens when customer don't trust a company any more.
Satisfied customers will usually recommend the company and help bring in new customers. On the other hand, unsatisfied customers will spread the bad news even more, more so when they happen to be bloggers.
Buying a used car is always a gamble. There are usually three reasons a person sells of a car:
1. Upgrading to a new car
2. Financial problems &
3. Some problems with the car.
More often than not, it is usually the third reason. So be very careful when buying a used car. Used car dealers are usually costlier than private sellers. However, most usually offer some kind of warranty or the other. Take Station Garage for example. Their main selling point is the fact that they offer 12 months warranty on their cars and 12 months MOT as well. However, I have to be honest.
I am not really happy with the garage. I specifically requested them to change one of the back tyres and to top up the engine oil as I found out that it was quite low. They did change the tyre and topped up the oil as well. You will notice that I say "topped up" and not "change". That's because they simply topped up the engine oil with some used oil. Some of my other friends confirmed this as well.
I am not sure why they did this but it really lowered my evaluation of the garage. I stopped recommending them after I found out about the oil. Going to have to go for a full service soon because I am not really sure what they meant by "car serviced" and what they did with the car now. That's what happens when customer don't trust a company any more.
Satisfied customers will usually recommend the company and help bring in new customers. On the other hand, unsatisfied customers will spread the bad news even more, more so when they happen to be bloggers.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
SCX Pro Audi w/25,000 rpm motor!
The new Pro Audi comes with the new RX-4H, 25,000 rpm motor.
A note for full disclosure, I work for SCX in marketing in North America.
DaveK
SCX North America
A note for full disclosure, I work for SCX in marketing in North America.
DaveK
SCX North America
Washing the engine
I plan to sell off my old Ford Escort. Decided to give it a nice wash before putting it up on the market. Took it to the car wash nearby, just behind "The Pilot" pub on Burnaby road. The rates were not bad - £5 for external wash and £10 for steam washing the engine.
The guy did a great job and my car looks like new (well almost).
However, the story does not end there. Yesterday, I was driving to Ikea with my wife, the car suddenly started backfiring and jerking. Quickly drove over to KNS Autoparts Ltd at Foleshill. Found out that a pipe was loose and leaking air (I am not sure from where) and also that water had got into my engine (where the spark plugs are located). So they took my car in for a while and cleaned the engine up. The damage was not that bad - only £10/ The car was perfectly OK after that but what a scare.
My "Auto Story in Pictures Wednesday" post.
The guy did a great job and my car looks like new (well almost).
However, the story does not end there. Yesterday, I was driving to Ikea with my wife, the car suddenly started backfiring and jerking. Quickly drove over to KNS Autoparts Ltd at Foleshill. Found out that a pipe was loose and leaking air (I am not sure from where) and also that water had got into my engine (where the spark plugs are located). So they took my car in for a while and cleaned the engine up. The damage was not that bad - only £10/ The car was perfectly OK after that but what a scare.
My "Auto Story in Pictures Wednesday" post.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Two New Scaleauto Motors
Scaleauto, a division of MRRC, has brought us a pair of dark blue motors, both rated 20,000 RPM/12v. The S-Can (type FC-130) is rated 170 gcm stall torque at 12v, and the long can (type FK-180) is rated 260 gcm torque. Both motors have ball bearings, which provide minimal friction, while eliminating motor shaft endplay. Small bits of blue epoxy on the armatures show the motors were balanced at the factory. No-load RPM testing with a tachometer showed that two samples of the FC-130 (the standard sized motor for most slot cars) revved to 23,147 RPM/12v, and 24,351 RPM/12v. This is significantly faster than the motors' rating. Torque of the slower motor was measured with an arm secured to the shaft, pushing down on a scale. Nine readings around a single rotation were measured, with an average reading that equates to 151 gcm/12v. This falls a little short of the claimed torque. When the power is computed using half the torque and half the RPM, we find a maximum of 8.74 Watts at the power peak (in the torque and RPM mid range). This is nearly the same as the Slot.It orange endbell, 21.5k rated motor that is standard in Slot.It cars (which testing shows performance around 23k RPM, and about 9-10 Watts). So, this motor will be a big upgrade for cars with standard Scalextric, Fly, or Carrera motors, and may compete with the best and fastest on many small and medium home tracks.
One sample of the long can was tested next. No-load RPM was 21,669 RPM/12v, and torque was 294 gcm (claimed RPM is 20k, and torque is 260 gcm). Based on these key findings, mid-range output wattage computes to a maximum of 15.93 Watts. This compares favorably to 21k and 25k NSR Kings, and the Slot.It Boxer 2 (which recent testing of one example showed slightly under the claimed torque value).
The case is painted in a rich shade of dark blue, possibly as nice to look at as the famous red cans sold by Scaleauto.
Thanks to MRRC for generously supplying Slot Car News with samples to test.
Slot MiniAuto #47 September
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
SLOT MINIAUTO 47 - SETIEMBRE
El Lola T70 Spyder, la esperada novedad de Sloter, acapara el protagonismo de la portada del mes de Setiembre. Por otro lado se destaca también la aparición del primer modelo de Flyer’s, el Riley MK XI. En el interior se pueden encontrar las pruebas del Ford Galaxie de Revell, BMW 320 SI de Superslot, Ford GT MKIV de NSR, el nuevo Acura LMP2 de Ninco, y el Mitsubishi Pajero TT de la serie Vintage de Scalextric.
PRESS RELEASE
SLOT MINIAUTO 47 – SEPTEMBER
The Lola T70 Spyder, the Sloter expected novelty, steals prominence on the cover of the month of September. On the other hand also highlights the first Flyer’s model, the Riley MK XI. In the interior can be found the track test of the Revell Ford Galaxie, BMW 320SI of Scalextric, Ford GT MKIV of NSR, the new Acura LMP2 of Ninco, and the Mitsubishi Pajero TT in the spanish exclusive Vintage series of SCX.
COMUNICATO STAMPA
SLOT MINIAUTO 47 – SETTEMBRE
La Lola T70 Spyder, la novità di Sloter, ruba rilievo sulla copertina del mese di settembre. Dall'altro lato anche la nascita del primo modello della Flyer’s, la Riley MK XI. A l'interno si possono trovare prove della Ford Galaxie di Revell, BMW 320SI di Scalextric, Ford GT MKIV di NSR, la nuova Acura LMP2 di Ninco, e la Mitsubishi Pajero TT nella serie Vintage, esclusiva per la spagna, di Scx.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Red Bull Aston gallery
See a gallery of photos of the SCX Red Bull Aston Martin at this link to SCXWorldWide.com.
New Avant 207 Peugeot's
Thanks to Hannu for sending me a head's up about this news onSlotracing Planet for the head's up on these photos!!!!! 
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mr Slot Car.ca "real racing replicas" possible releases
I haven't been able to get any additional information about these releases but I thought I'd post this release anyway.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Paul Newman takes final laps on Lime Rock?
We received this e-mail from Bart Brown of Wings'n'Wheels Hobbies, Clinton CT, USA. He forwarded it. We do not know the writer.
"Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lime Rock Park was closed down for an hour and
half today to honor Paul Newman. He was attended
by his family, close friends, Skip Barber, mechanics
on his race team, and those who happened to be at
the track. PLN toured the track in his Corvette race
car with his Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon
following. He had come to say goodbye. Diagnosed
with terminal cancer he is not expected to live beyond
September. Race driver, actor, humanitarian, family
man and friend, they did not come any better."
"Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lime Rock Park was closed down for an hour and
half today to honor Paul Newman. He was attended
by his family, close friends, Skip Barber, mechanics
on his race team, and those who happened to be at
the track. PLN toured the track in his Corvette race
car with his Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon
following. He had come to say goodbye. Diagnosed
with terminal cancer he is not expected to live beyond
September. Race driver, actor, humanitarian, family
man and friend, they did not come any better."
Electric cars in La Rochelle
This is my second "Auto Story in Pictures Wednesday" post.
Saw a few cars near the Les Minimes post on our vacation in La Rochelle. They were hooked up to some sort of recharging post. I don't understand French but I immediately realised that they were electric cars. Later on found out that they are part of La Rochelle's active environmental pollution reduction policy. The electric cars are for hire and pay by usage time and mileage totalled during the month.
The pictures here are of the Citroën AX. You can recharge them for free.
Malaysians may recognise the shape. The Proton Tiara produced in the country from from 1996 to 2000 was based on the Citroën AX.
---------
If you wish to join "Auto Story in Pictures Wednesday, just send me an email (ahoklah@gmail.com) with a link to your post and I will email you the code for the blogroll. Will add you to the blogroll as soon as you have it up on your own blog.
Saw a few cars near the Les Minimes post on our vacation in La Rochelle. They were hooked up to some sort of recharging post. I don't understand French but I immediately realised that they were electric cars. Later on found out that they are part of La Rochelle's active environmental pollution reduction policy. The electric cars are for hire and pay by usage time and mileage totalled during the month.
The pictures here are of the Citroën AX. You can recharge them for free.
Malaysians may recognise the shape. The Proton Tiara produced in the country from from 1996 to 2000 was based on the Citroën AX.
---------
If you wish to join "Auto Story in Pictures Wednesday, just send me an email (ahoklah@gmail.com) with a link to your post and I will email you the code for the blogroll. Will add you to the blogroll as soon as you have it up on your own blog.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
NINCO World Cup - Houston Regional SEPT 6th
Yes, its time for the 2008 NINCO World Cup Regional Race in HOUSTON!
For the 3rd year in a row, the race is being hosted by Scale Auto Racing, Inc. of Cypress, TX. and the Houston Scale Auto Racing Club (HSARC).
The race will be held on SATURDAY, Sept 6th starting at 11:00am.
Rules are posted on WWW.HSARC.NET in the left navigation column by clicking on "2008 NINCO Regional".
REGISTRATION WILL BE ONLINE ONLY it will not be handled in the shop.
To Register for the NINCO Regional Race in Houston, you will need to consult the Race Grid on the bottom of the page by clicking the "2008 NINCO Regional" in the left navigation of the site.
ONLY CONFIRMED and PAID Registrations will be listed on that grid.
GRID Reservations will be done on a 1st come, 1st served basis.
You REGISTER by doing the following:
1. Send an EMAIL to SALES@HOUSTONSCALEAUTORACING.COM with the SUBJECT of NINCO REGIONAL REGISTRATION.
2. In that email, you will need to include the following:
* Your Name
* Your Phone Number
* Your 1st Choice of Time Slot
* Your 2nd Choice of Time Slot
**NOTE : If you are registering more than 1 racer, include that information for EACH racer.
From of your phone number and/or email address, you will be contacted for Payment Information (PayPal or Credit Card)
Once confirmed, you will be added to the grid, and it will be updated
The race fee information is as follows:
* You can race as many times as you like, permitted that there are race slots available in the grid.
* Each RacePack includes your entry fee, A25 rear tires and a motor draw.
* Fees below are PER RACER (if registering more than 1 driver)
RacePack Pricing is as follows:
1 flight: $25 (1 race fee & 1 pair of A25 tires)
2 flights $30 (2 race fees & 1 pair of A25 tires)
3 flights $35 (3 race fees & 2 pairs of A25 tires)
4 flights $40 (4 race fees & 2 pairs of A25 tires)
5 flights $45 (5 race fees & 3 pairs of A25 tires)
6 flights $50 (6 race fees & 3 pair of A25 tires)
NOTE: This does NOT include your required NINCO car!
For the 3rd year in a row, the race is being hosted by Scale Auto Racing, Inc. of Cypress, TX. and the Houston Scale Auto Racing Club (HSARC).
The race will be held on SATURDAY, Sept 6th starting at 11:00am.
Rules are posted on WWW.HSARC.NET in the left navigation column by clicking on "2008 NINCO Regional".
REGISTRATION WILL BE ONLINE ONLY it will not be handled in the shop.
To Register for the NINCO Regional Race in Houston, you will need to consult the Race Grid on the bottom of the page by clicking the "2008 NINCO Regional" in the left navigation of the site.
ONLY CONFIRMED and PAID Registrations will be listed on that grid.
GRID Reservations will be done on a 1st come, 1st served basis.
You REGISTER by doing the following:
1. Send an EMAIL to SALES@HOUSTONSCALEAUTORACING.COM with the SUBJECT of NINCO REGIONAL REGISTRATION.
2. In that email, you will need to include the following:
* Your Name
* Your Phone Number
* Your 1st Choice of Time Slot
* Your 2nd Choice of Time Slot
**NOTE : If you are registering more than 1 racer, include that information for EACH racer.
From of your phone number and/or email address, you will be contacted for Payment Information (PayPal or Credit Card)
Once confirmed, you will be added to the grid, and it will be updated
The race fee information is as follows:
* You can race as many times as you like, permitted that there are race slots available in the grid.
* Each RacePack includes your entry fee, A25 rear tires and a motor draw.
* Fees below are PER RACER (if registering more than 1 driver)
RacePack Pricing is as follows:
1 flight: $25 (1 race fee & 1 pair of A25 tires)
2 flights $30 (2 race fees & 1 pair of A25 tires)
3 flights $35 (3 race fees & 2 pairs of A25 tires)
4 flights $40 (4 race fees & 2 pairs of A25 tires)
5 flights $45 (5 race fees & 3 pairs of A25 tires)
6 flights $50 (6 race fees & 3 pair of A25 tires)
NOTE: This does NOT include your required NINCO car!
Jaguar Special Edition XK60
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic XK120 sports car, Jaguar has launched a special addition to the XK range, named Special Edition XK60.
The car is available in both coupé and convertible version and is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 engine. The car' has something known as the Computer Active Technology Suspension for better control and agility with comfort.
Unique styling includes Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, plus distinctive body enhancements: a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome finished side vents and bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishers and sill appliqués on both sides of the car.
There is no at no additional cost and prices start from £60,995.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ninco Porsche and Jag reviews
The following excerpt from a review is from Home Racing World and was written entirely by Harry Wise.
The very latest releases from NINCO have arrived here safe and sound from MRC. Of course, each of these slot cars are vastly different from one another mechanically speaking, but they do have one thing in common: Their new home! So let us welcome these new additions HRW style.
One of the many great things about our 1/32nd scale hobby today is the wide selection we have to choose from. From high speed magnet racing to milder classic action, we pretty much have it covered. NINCO is one of the companies that help bring us this variety and I for one appreciate it.
The Porsche 997 GT3:
The Porsche 997 GT3 model is nothing new aside from the paint. We have reviewed this car several times so I will point you to our NINCO Review Archives instead of repeating ourselves here about the inner workings of the car.
The paint work here is fantastic. This is a car that really catches your eye to say the least. The Tampo stamped detail of the watches on all sides is just wonderfully executed. You can see all the little details quite easily.
The sharp contrast of the blue with the yellow rear trim I also liked. Is it perfect? Of course not. The car has a few scale issues when compared to the prototype photo NINCO themselves has posted. The mirrors are the wrong color as well as the front spoiler not being fully yellow. It also appears the wing should have been blue.
The Jag:
The classic line by NINCO is by far my favorite. Mild mannered little cars that not only look good but deliver some of the most satisfying slot car racing I have had in our hobby. Does everyone think that way? Of course not. Not everyone likes these slower machines, especially when most of them are non-magnet. However, these cars have been around for quite a few years and over time they have proven themselves to many slot car enthusiasts
This latest addition is different from the older versions, so those who collect AND race these cars be warned. The body itself has not changed although the clear-coat used today is much better than that of years past. In this regard, NINCO has stepped up it's game. The livery chosen though attractive, is not very accurate according to prototype photos.
Please read the full review at this link to Home Racing World.
The very latest releases from NINCO have arrived here safe and sound from MRC. Of course, each of these slot cars are vastly different from one another mechanically speaking, but they do have one thing in common: Their new home! So let us welcome these new additions HRW style.
One of the many great things about our 1/32nd scale hobby today is the wide selection we have to choose from. From high speed magnet racing to milder classic action, we pretty much have it covered. NINCO is one of the companies that help bring us this variety and I for one appreciate it.
The Porsche 997 GT3:
The Porsche 997 GT3 model is nothing new aside from the paint. We have reviewed this car several times so I will point you to our NINCO Review Archives instead of repeating ourselves here about the inner workings of the car.
The paint work here is fantastic. This is a car that really catches your eye to say the least. The Tampo stamped detail of the watches on all sides is just wonderfully executed. You can see all the little details quite easily.
The sharp contrast of the blue with the yellow rear trim I also liked. Is it perfect? Of course not. The car has a few scale issues when compared to the prototype photo NINCO themselves has posted. The mirrors are the wrong color as well as the front spoiler not being fully yellow. It also appears the wing should have been blue.
The Jag:The classic line by NINCO is by far my favorite. Mild mannered little cars that not only look good but deliver some of the most satisfying slot car racing I have had in our hobby. Does everyone think that way? Of course not. Not everyone likes these slower machines, especially when most of them are non-magnet. However, these cars have been around for quite a few years and over time they have proven themselves to many slot car enthusiasts
This latest addition is different from the older versions, so those who collect AND race these cars be warned. The body itself has not changed although the clear-coat used today is much better than that of years past. In this regard, NINCO has stepped up it's game. The livery chosen though attractive, is not very accurate according to prototype photos.
Please read the full review at this link to Home Racing World.
All 5 COT's and Pro Porsche at REH Distributing!
So I just got off the phone with Kim at REH Distributing and she has all 5 SCX Nascar COT's in stock as well as the Pro Porsche! If you're a dealer you might want to give her a call.... these will go out the door fast!
REH Distributing
4415 Marburg Ave
Cincinnati OH 45209
(513) 871-2813 ~ (513) 871-0330 Fax
REH Distributing
4415 Marburg Ave
Cincinnati OH 45209
(513) 871-2813 ~ (513) 871-0330 Fax
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Reviews of garages / workshops in Coventry
Hollis Road garage - MOT
KNS Autoparts Ltd, Foleshill - Car Repair/Ford Specialist
National Tyres and Autocare, Gosford Street - Tyres
Station Garage Coventry, Ballsal Common - Used Car and Servicing
Taxi & car repairs, Stoney Stanton - Car Repair and Servicing
TPS Autos Ltd, Foleshill - Car Repair/ MOT
KNS Autoparts Ltd, Foleshill - Car Repair/Ford Specialist
National Tyres and Autocare, Gosford Street - Tyres
Station Garage Coventry, Ballsal Common - Used Car and Servicing
Taxi & car repairs, Stoney Stanton - Car Repair and Servicing
TPS Autos Ltd, Foleshill - Car Repair/ MOT
Review of KNS Autoparts - Ford specialists in Coventry
After I bought the Volvo from Station Garage, I was wondering what to do with our old Ford Escort. Read my post "Ryanair to La Rochelle" in case you are wondering what happened to the car.
I had made up my mind to sell it as scrap as almost everyone I had talked to had convinced me that it was not worth trying to fix - "The cost would be more than it was worth".
Looked up the local newspaper and called up some scrap dealers, enquiring how much they could give me for the car. The maximum offer I got was £100. That was ridiculous considering the fact that the new Barum tyres I had fitted recently cost me £45.
I then checked with my favourite garage - Taxi & car repairs. Unfortunately Mr. Isfaq told me that he doesn't do engine repairs. There's one guy whom most Malaysians living in Coventry send their Mercedes Benz cars for repairs. He told me that it would cost me a minium of £500 to fix the head gasket. That was the same amount that he had charged my friend Ihsan for a similar problem with his car as well. Considering the fact that Ihsan's car was a Mercedes and mine, a Ford Escort, I certainly expected him to charge me less.
By that stage, I really didn't know what to do and had made up my mind to sell off the parts bit by bit on eBay when one of my friends told me to try KNS Autoparts Ltd in Lockhurst Lane. They are specialised in Ford cars.
I didn't really have any high hopes but I called them up anyway. Chris picked up the phone and I described my car and the problem. I couldn't believe it when he told me that he could fix the car and that it would cost me only £300 plus VAT. Of course I readily agreed. They were even willing to tow the car to their garage Free-of-charge.
So I gave them my car keys, told them where it was parked and went off on my holiday to France.
Called them up yesterday morning. Chris replied saying that the car was fixed and I could pick it up anytime. I was actually expecting him to tell me that the car needed more work and that it would mean more money. A lot of dishonest garages do that.
Altogether it cost me £352.50 (inclusive of VAT). It may be my imagination but the ride feels much smoother than before. Of course, it's been just one day but I am impressed with the work the guys at KNS Autoparts have done. Chris told me that I could bring back the car if it has any problems.
If you are in Coventry and have a problem with your old Ford Escort, you know where to go now.
The garage is located at 187, Lockhurst Lane, Foleshill, CV6 5NQ, Coventry.
Tel: 024 7658 1798
I had made up my mind to sell it as scrap as almost everyone I had talked to had convinced me that it was not worth trying to fix - "The cost would be more than it was worth".
Looked up the local newspaper and called up some scrap dealers, enquiring how much they could give me for the car. The maximum offer I got was £100. That was ridiculous considering the fact that the new Barum tyres I had fitted recently cost me £45.
I then checked with my favourite garage - Taxi & car repairs. Unfortunately Mr. Isfaq told me that he doesn't do engine repairs. There's one guy whom most Malaysians living in Coventry send their Mercedes Benz cars for repairs. He told me that it would cost me a minium of £500 to fix the head gasket. That was the same amount that he had charged my friend Ihsan for a similar problem with his car as well. Considering the fact that Ihsan's car was a Mercedes and mine, a Ford Escort, I certainly expected him to charge me less.
By that stage, I really didn't know what to do and had made up my mind to sell off the parts bit by bit on eBay when one of my friends told me to try KNS Autoparts Ltd in Lockhurst Lane. They are specialised in Ford cars.
I didn't really have any high hopes but I called them up anyway. Chris picked up the phone and I described my car and the problem. I couldn't believe it when he told me that he could fix the car and that it would cost me only £300 plus VAT. Of course I readily agreed. They were even willing to tow the car to their garage Free-of-charge.
So I gave them my car keys, told them where it was parked and went off on my holiday to France.
Called them up yesterday morning. Chris replied saying that the car was fixed and I could pick it up anytime. I was actually expecting him to tell me that the car needed more work and that it would mean more money. A lot of dishonest garages do that.
Altogether it cost me £352.50 (inclusive of VAT). It may be my imagination but the ride feels much smoother than before. Of course, it's been just one day but I am impressed with the work the guys at KNS Autoparts have done. Chris told me that I could bring back the car if it has any problems.
If you are in Coventry and have a problem with your old Ford Escort, you know where to go now.
The garage is located at 187, Lockhurst Lane, Foleshill, CV6 5NQ, Coventry.
Tel: 024 7658 1798
Epson NSX/18 Wheeler/pit in paper!!!!
How would you like to make your own 18 wheeler and pit stall? Well you can, all you need is a printer, scissors, and TONS of patience!
On the Epson Nakajima Racing website you can find the coolest project I've seen in some time.
Tires, pit babes(!!!), the hauler, and the cars all ready to be cut out and glued or taped together for scenery. These are 1/24 so if, like me, you're into 1/32 you will need to scale these down to close to the right size.
Thanks to slotbrother Timo for this link.
On the Epson Nakajima Racing website you can find the coolest project I've seen in some time.
Tires, pit babes(!!!), the hauler, and the cars all ready to be cut out and glued or taped together for scenery. These are 1/24 so if, like me, you're into 1/32 you will need to scale these down to close to the right size.
Thanks to slotbrother Timo for this link.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New Jel Claws
The new 1/32 whitewall that fits Marx two piece wheel cars (above) and tires for the 1/24 Vintage Cox Rear Wheel (below).
Link to Jel Claws.
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