Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

Well, by midday, I'd had four hours in the shop beavering-------decided to put some finishing touches to some of the previously constructed concepts. Was a raging success. When the lights are on, the workshop warm, no aches or pains, worries go out the window. Work flows like liquid -----mountains get moved, jobs get done, life is on track again STATUS QUO.
Just had a nice visit from my youngest, Sam, Would not want to get on the wrong side of her, firecracker Rottweiler------she has to be in her line of work, deals with big spenders who delay paying bills until she turns nasty------then they pay------quickly !
Had a nap ----- cup of tea and the three afternoon pills-------allowed back in the shop, provided I boot use machinery----- suppose I could light a couple of joss sticks and sweep the floor?
Talk to you later, hope to catch up with some of the old farts in a while !

Should any of my friends attending the old farts care to email or face time me today--it would be much appreciated------just let me know how Charlie's hanger party went !

Spent just another hour in the shop------Rotory John hinted he might like a full tunnel Scotti to stick the Rotory on------I had an idea how to construct a full tunnel without any sign of a fixing and decided to try it out. Pulled out one of my hoarded chunks of Mahogany and roughed out the basics for a Scotti.
if the shot up the bum continues to work I'll send you an "in progress piccie" over the weekend--- ---
JACKSBACK ,

No more Merc racing engines after last orders next year
I guess that will be a talking point at OFF

400ROS included in that?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AZMIDLYF

400ROS included in that?

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15" yes
that milled mid must cost a bit
its looks like its only the 200xs ros/ssm and 400 ros

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

15" yes
that milled mid must cost a bit

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They don't exactly "GIVE" the bloody things away do they Pilgrim?
The days of "wine and roses"-----And Carl Kiekhaefer are long gone, whether they like it or not, Racing proved the product. Unlike OMC, Mercury is still alive and well, still the front runner in the USA in the marine propulsion industry--------legends only expand especially Mercury!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

They don't exactly "GIVE" the bloody things away do they Pilgrim?
The days of "wine and roses"-----And Carl Kiekhaefer are long gone, whether they like it or not, Racing proved the product. Unlike OMC, Mercury is still alive and well, still the front runner in the USA in the marine propulsion industry--------legends only expand especially Mercury!

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If you were a financier how would you explain the money Merc spent on racing only to have Yam outsell them?
Sterndrive market stagnant to falling and Merc dont really sell a diesel ( or change their mind every 12 months on what to sell) so gifted that market to Yanmar and Volvo worldwide.
Now Volvo have the worlds most powerful outboards.....
You know what Americans understand about marketing....the biggest selling car in the USA is a Camry and so to in the rest of the world

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

If you were a financier how would you explain the money Merc spent on racing only to have Yam outsell them?
Sterndrive market stagnant to falling and Merc dont really sell a diesel ( or change their mind every 12 months on what to sell) so gifted that market to Yanmar and Volvo worldwide.
Now Volvo have the worlds most powerful outboards.....
You know what Americans understand about marketing....the biggest selling car in the USA is a Camry and so to in the rest of the world

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You don't have to be a FECKIN Einstein to answer that one Pilgrim------the Yanks wildly underestimated the small outboard market----Both Suzi and Yami came out with the £100 2 hp motor. Buyers were surprised by the build quality, quietness and economy of them. It also fooled the American manufacturers into thinking they only built small motors.
Then Honda stepped in with the first of the four strokes----tree huggers damned the two strokes to hell and back. Mercury did a piss poor agreement with the Japs which suited Yamaha down to the ground and got them into the American market. American know how showed them HOW to sell product.

American car manufacturers we're blinkered into thinking the agricultural V8 was the only motor in the world-----hells teeth, gas was 50 cents a gallon was still in unlimited supply, roads were straight, it didn't have to be a good handling car------ just big and comfortable, with plenty of grunt.
Japs had the US car market in a strangle hold before it woke up to the fact it was dying.

If you read my gleanings correctly Pilgrim, you'll note I said. ----in the USA!
Mercury was too busy fighting off OMC to worry about the rest of the world------but take solace with the knowledge that they were not alone--------Logie Baird invented TV so Britain had a head start but the Japs now control it. We had the best motor cycle industry in the world------Japs have that now. We had the finest aircraft industry----- not any more.
Germany and France had the camera industry tied up------guess who has it now?
The west sat back on its haunches after WW11, congratulating itself, whilst the Far East and Germany pulled up their pants and worked.
Why am I not surprised the Camry is America's best selling car---- its mundane----nothing special at all------but it's functional-----cheap----economical and Japanese-------what more can an American today want out of life?

Where did did they go, all the good times, the flowers and the wine,.???

Never realised Volvo had the worlds most powerful outboard-----where and what is it ?

Volvo bought Seven Marine which happems to be a bunch of ex Merc guys
Cant wait to see where that goes

Merc invented Mariner
Dropped a 55hp on the aussie market in the late 70's and a few other smaller engines.
That was the thin end of the wedge.
Guys in omc told their bosses we should be making small engines in the far east but i guess that was like Lee Iocacca
Telling the Fords Honda will sell us a whole front end drive assembly for Usd300 we only have to make the body
Ps guess what, you can still buy that original mariner 55/60 in Asia today from yamaha.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

Volvo bought Seven Marine which happems to be a bunch of ex Merc guys
Cant wait to see where that goes

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You don't mean those bastardised Caddy engines on a stick ? 527/627/727 or some such nom-de-plume ?
Saw a four engined, long playboy tunnel down at Key west which only left its mooring to troll the harbour--------hoods were constantly off with grease monkeys beavering away. Never once did I see it head out to sea! Hell of a party boat----- superb sound system----shed loads of wiggly wiaggly tailed girlies with 38 C's average. ( just one of the little things I pick up on)

Jackie....What happened here? http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorspo...poned-to-2018/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bob V

Jackie....What happened here? http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorspo...poned-to-2018/

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Buggered if I know Bob. Jesus wept, if forty million 's not enough, it should be renamed "THE NHS SPECIAL".

What they should of done with a chev was this... A proper outboard and aussie to boot

I have a sort of interest in the Bloodhound project as it is being put together not too far from my hovel, in fact a feller 3 doors away used to spanner on it until he got laid off once to often and decided that working at Heathrow Airport paid better and offered more security..

He didn't have a bad word to say about it.....other than they were always chasing funding, indeed having visited the workshop it still takes my breath away to see the standard of work involved.

One thing you never ever mention is what happens to Andy Green if things start to go wrong when he is flat out......one visitor asked that very question...
we all looked down at our feet and said nothing!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ron54

I have a sort of interest in the Bloodhound project as it is being put together not too far from my hovel, in fact a feller 3 doors away used to spanner on it until he got laid off once to often and decided that working at Heathrow Airport paid better and offered more security..

He didn't have a bad word to say about it.....other than they were always chasing funding, indeed having visited the workshop it still takes my breath away to see the standard of work involved.

One thing you never ever mention is what happens to Andy Green if things start to go wrong when he is flat out......one visitor asked that very question...
we all looked down at our feet and said nothing!!

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Daft question anyway Phill-------guy must have been a moron-------same thing that happens when a rocket launch goes tits up.
I would guesstimate above 250 mph, no safety cell in the world built today would have much effect.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

Volvo bought Seven Marine which happems to be a bunch of ex Merc guys
Cant wait to see where that goes

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No Pilgrim------Volvo bought 50% of Seven !
That means they bought INTO Seven.
Understand "Dire Straights" was mentioned somewhere!?
Look at the power to weight ratio on that thing and it's a no brainier-----it never had a gearcase worth a carrot-------what it did have was a very interesting drive system------can be the only thing Volvo were interested in.
But, what do I know Pilgrim-----just an old boat racer, waffling on about nothing in particular?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

What they should of done with a chev was this... A proper outboard and aussie to boot

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Been there, Done that, ------even had a Tee shirt one time ! A proper outboard and A "POMMIE" to boot.
Nothings new anymore Pilgrim!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Daft question anyway Phill-------guy must have been a moron-------same thing that happens when a rocket launch goes tits up.
I would guesstimate above 250 mph, no safety cell in the world built today would have much effect.

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Agreed...Folks pay a small fee to come on an guided trip so although they may have little interest in what they see, a lot of it is just to say "they've bin".
When you are dealing with the public you have to put up with a lot.............

You ever heard of "Night of the long knives"----"Night of the vampire" Etc: well tonight is the "night of the old farts"------in a hanger in Stuart!

It's all happening right now down in the hanger at Stuart airport------just spent an hour talking to the most amazing bunch of old boat racers you could ever hope to meet under one roof.
Big thank you to Charlie Wolfe for taking the OFF meeting by the scruff of the neck and making it happen!
Next years meeting will be different------we start making plans as of now.
All we need are for some of the newer "old farts" to join the club and get the ball rolling, great things can happen if we pull together and make it.
Thanks to the many old racers who took the time out to attend this years event, it was important to keep the ball running------miss a year and without continuity no telling what could happen.
Thats me done for the day-----night night, may your god go with you.J.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

No Pilgrim------Volvo bought 50% of Seven !
That means they bought INTO Seven.
Understand "Dire Straights" was mentioned somewhere!?
Look at the power to weight ratio on that thing and it's a no brainier-----it never had a gearcase worth a carrot-------what it did have was a very interesting drive system------can be the only thing Volvo were interested in.
But, what do I know Pilgrim-----just an old boat racer, waffling on about nothing in particular?

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The deal says Volvo has a majority fo Seven so that 51% or more, hence control
Whats wrong with the gearcase, far stronger then the 400ROS.
twin pinion and shift above the gearbox, the perfect solution

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

The deal says Volvo has a majority fo Seven so that 51% or more, hence control
Whats wrong with the gearcase, far stronger then the 400ROS.
twin pinion and shift above the gearbox, the perfect solution

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You are 100% right powerabout..Volvo Penta runs Seven Marine..
Volvo Penta has signed an agreement to become the major owner of innovative premium outboard motor manufacturer Seven Marine, enabling the Swedish company to extend its scope of world-leading integrated propulsion systems.

http://www.seven-marine.com/news/volvo-penta-becomes-majority-owner-of-innovative-outboard-motor-manufacture


Volvo Penta should also purchase the Evinrude division from BRP.

Volvo Penta should also purchase the Evinrude division from BRP.
Merge Seven Marine and Evinrude into one outboard brand.
Figure out the smartest and best name and Volvo Penta have a complete outboard lineup..
From 5 HP up to 627 HP and soon diesels.
I should get some commission out of this..!!

http://svera.se/blogg/volvo-penta-should-also-purchase-the-evinrude-division-from-brp/

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509847489

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

The deal says Volvo has a majority fo Seven so that 51% or more, hence control
Whats wrong with the gearcase, far stronger then the 400ROS.
twin pinion and shift above the gearbox, the perfect solution

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OK Pilgrim, so I was 1% out, it's no secret Seven was up to its fetlocks in debt, had overspent to the tune of millions and was generally "up sh-t creek" with a product that looked good on paper, but was having problems with both engines and gearboxes! It's saving grace was the integral drive.
Volvo were always the smartest company in the marine business when it comes to inboards, personnel and innovations.
Different story with the outboard division-----so, what better way than to buy out a failing small company cobbling together the worlds biggest horse power label. Bingo! Volvo hit the jackpot----with 51% we can become the worlds largest outboard engine manufacturer at very little cost--------very smart move--------but you still have to prove the product to sell it-------and I figure that's some way off.
Now let's get real------Nortek probably take 500 of the 400 ros's for the Centre consoles each year---( (which alone is far more than the entire F1 race motors) I haven't heard of any gear case problems, but if you know of some I'll listen!
Total number of Sevens ever made I reckon, is less than three figures, with problems !
Shudder to think just how many 400R's been manufactured to date.
If the two pinion and shift box is the perfect solution-----why is it so problematic?
YOUR SERVE PILGRIM!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lars strom

you are 100% right powerabout..volvo penta runs seven marine..
Volvo penta has signed an agreement to become the major owner of innovative premium outboard motor manufacturer seven marine, enabling the swedish company to extend its scope of world-leading integrated propulsion systems.

http://www.seven-marine.com/news/volvo-penta-becomes-majority-owner-of-innovative-outboard-motor-manufacture


volvo penta should also purchase the evinrude division from brp.

volvo penta should also purchase the evinrude division from brp.
merge seven marine and evinrude into one outboard brand.
figure out the smartest and best name and volvo penta have a complete outboard lineup..
from 5 hp up to 627 hp and soon diesels.
i should get some commission out of this..!!

http://svera.se/blogg/volvo-penta-should-also-purchase-the-evinrude-division-from-brp/

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509847489

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maybe a " stromrude"

I have a friend with a ME CC boat powered by four Seven Marine 627 hp and there is no gearbox/gearcase problems.
Runs perfect and love a lot of fuel.
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509873372
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...6&d=1509873384

Nice to know there's at least one running ok Lassie.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

OK Pilgrim, so I was 1% out, it's no secret Seven was up to its fetlocks in debt, had overspent to the tune of millions and was generally "up sh-t creek" with a product that looked good on paper, but was having problems with both engines and gearboxes! It's saving grace was the integral drive.
Volvo were always the smartest company in the marine business when it comes to inboards, personnel and innovations.
Different story with the outboard division-----so, what better way than to buy out a failing small company cobbling together the worlds biggest horse power label. Bingo! Volvo hit the jackpot----with 51% we can become the worlds largest outboard engine manufacturer at very little cost--------very smart move--------but you still have to prove the product to sell it-------and I figure that's some way off.
Now let's get real------Nortek probably take 500 of the 400 ros's for the Centre consoles each year---( (which alone is far more than the entire F1 race motors) I haven't heard of any gear case problems, but if you know of some I'll listen!
Total number of Sevens ever made I reckon, is less than three figures, with problems !
Shudder to think just how many 400R's been manufactured to date.
If the two pinion and shift box is the perfect solution-----why is it so problematic?
YOUR SERVE PILGRIM!

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400ROS have been cancelled, last orders mid next year as per Merc press release
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...shaft-breakage
is there a thread on Seven Marine failures?
15 all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

If the two pinion and shift box is the perfect solution-----why is it so problematic?

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Mercury had a unique unit with three pinions, a shift mechanism and a gear reduction system!!!:nonod:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by powerabout

400ROS have been cancelled, last orders mid next year as per Merc press release
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...shaft-breakage
is there a thread on Seven Marine failures?
15 all.

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Think you'll find that it's the F1 motor the 400R that's been axed Pilgrim------was always hard for Mercury to keep low number race motors in production-----always been a pain in the arse .to keep on making motors for enthusiastic racers who did nothing but moan.
Much as I love racing, I can understand the investors who are only interested in returns and profits putting the boot in to get rid of racing motors, but I still think that what we did, extreme testing of product did improve the breed.
First time I've heard anything about Verado shafts breaking-----it's obviously a fact----needs fixing pronto------there's far too many of them out there, so you can't hide the fact there's a problem. So, even Mercury are fallible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

OK Pilgrim, so I was 1% out, it's no secret Seven was up to its fetlocks in debt, had overspent to the tune of millions and was generally "up sh-t creek" with a product that looked good on paper, but was having problems with both engines and gearboxes! It's saving grace was the integral drive.
Volvo were always the smartest company in the marine business when it comes to inboards, personnel and innovations.
Different story with the outboard division-----so, what better way than to buy out a failing small company cobbling together the worlds biggest horse power label. Bingo! Volvo hit the jackpot----with 51% we can become the worlds largest outboard engine manufacturer at very little cost--------very smart move--------but you still have to prove the product to sell it-------and I figure that's some way off.
Now let's get real------Nortek probably take 500 of the 400 ros's for the Centre consoles each year---( (which alone is far more than the entire F1 race motors) I haven't heard of any gear case problems, but if you know of some I'll listen!
Total number of Sevens ever made I reckon, is less than three figures, with problems !
Shudder to think just how many 400R's been manufactured to date.
If the two pinion and shift box is the perfect solution-----why is it so problematic?
YOUR SERVE PILGRIM!

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Jackie, I don’t understand why you have to trash talk Seven Marine.??
Must of the stuff you are writing is not correct.
Have you ever run a 627 HP Seven Marine outboard??

A few of my own Seven Marine pictures.

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...9&d=1509904572
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509904516
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...8&d=1509904557

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...7&d=1509904546
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...6&d=1509904533
http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...0&d=1509904886

Lassie, I was not trashing seven marine------I went to Key West with my family last November and observed the number of occasions the hoods were taken off one particular boat equipped with four Seven engines.
I was there three days and each day work was being done on the motors.
I enquired from various people what the problem was? Of course nobody wanted to tell me, but of course there are always tales told at boat shows------I know this after exhibiting at boat shows myself for many years.
The boat did troll around the harbour slowly, but never did get up on plane. ,( in my presence),
Yes, it is only heresay that they are having gearcase problems, but by someone who is deeply involved in marine propulsion who I have a deep respect for.
Yes, I do know the company was started by four extremely talented ex-Mercury engineers who expanded quickly------it appears they had to borrow heavily .
Fortunately Volvo came along with a helping hand and a bunch of cash in exchange for a majority share of the company.
Now Lassie, not for one moment do I believe Volvo did this out of the goodness of their hearts, or because the ex Mercury employees were nice people--------as with most "predators " they were after something-----hunting !
I was told that the drive system inside the leg was subject to a number of patents and a very ingenious and interesting piece of kit-------true or false, I do not know, maybe you can confirm or deny it.
No, I have never owned a Seven------I'm afraid I'm just an armchair sailor these days. But I like to keep up to date with current happenings of interest.
really can't see why you get your knickers in a twist because I don't fall down on bended knee over everything you say Lassie.
Im one of those unfortunate individuals that have to spout off if I don't agree with something that is said------when it becomes a crime---I'll stop! But at the moment, we still have freedom of speech in my neck of the woods.

HeeHee you are funny Jackie,
I was also in Key West for the Offshore race last year.
Did see plenty of Seven Marine engines on different boats running perfect.
All boats/engines sometimes need service and to base your opinion on one boat in Key West is funny in my opinion.
Seven Marine is displaying lots of engines at the Fort Lauderdale boat show right now.

PS..Some people put a car engine inside a race boat and call it an outboard..and Seven Marine install the car engine on a mid section outside the boat and call it an outboard.:)

Building a Seven Marine Outboard
We build a Seven Marine outboard to learn the secrets of big horsepower.
https://www.boatingmag.com/building-seven-marine-outboard

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509918201

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...3&d=1509913383

Lassie, I saw just the one boat, told it the way it was-------how many engines have seven produced to date ?-----just askin --------popular consensus ( based purely on guesswork is under 100) . But I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
You were noticeable by your absence apparently at the old farts annual get together last night, especially since you live on the doorstep .
Mitigating circumstances stopped me from turning up------but I have ambition for next year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lars strom

HeeHee you are funny Jackie,
I was also in Key West for the Offshore race last year.
Did see plenty of Seven Marine engines on different boats running perfect.
All boats/engines sometimes need service and to base your opinion on one boat in Key West is funny in my opinion.
Seven Marine is displaying lots of engines at the Fort Lauderdale boat show right now.

PS..Some people put a car engine inside a race boat and call it an outboard..and Seven Marine install the car engine on a mid section outside the boat and call it an outboard.:)

Building a Seven Marine Outboard
We build a Seven Marine outboard to learn the secrets of big horsepower.
https://www.boatingmag.com/building-seven-marine-outboard

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...5&d=1509918201

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...3&d=1509913383

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Wonder what the difference in weight would be between my set up and the seven------Coventry Climax did the same thing in 1949--- I tried racing one but it was a tad heavier than the 45 Merc-------nothing's new Lassie

Rich Luhrs know why I was not at the OFF meeting in Stuart yesterday.
Our close friend turned 60 and the party was planned long time ago.
We are also “homeless” for the moment and been so for two weeks.
Our home on wheels is in for a long service/ repair and we hopefully get it back this week.

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...0&d=1509921695

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...2&d=1509921782

Attachment 391499
Hey, Johnno------is that something like you wanted , to hang the Rotory on?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lars strom

Rich Luhrs know why I was not at the OFF meeting in Stuart yesterday.
Our close friend turned 60 and the party was planned long time ago.
We are also “homeless” for the moment and been so for two weeks.
Our home on wheels is in for a long service/ repair and we hopefully get it back this week.

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No problem lassie-----I wasn't even there, so it wasn't me that missed you!
All the old farts were there for TWO nights-----yes, it was a last minute call, but Charlie handled it well.

Attachment 391503

Finally finished the wing made from a chunk of old oak!