Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

By the cringe, that is a wonderful site, exactly what I wanted to see, really got the memory box working overtime, sunshine, oldie world craftsmanship, yesterday's world of POWERBOATING history.
I suppose there is some craft required to creating a boat out of a bucket of resin but there can never be the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that a master boatbuilder gets from the look on a clients face as he sees the masterpiece for the first time.
The old Raveau and RIVA are great examples of the boatbuilders art along with any of the classic craft you can see at Tavares.
Thaks a bunch Dave for taking time out to share the site with us all.

Have a great weekend folks, me myself Will be beavering away in the shop, keeping all the mind and body parts functioning and clicking over for as long as possible.
Bloody hearing aid went on the blink last Monday and yesterday it gave up the ghost completely-----I'm back to saying "You what?" And Jillys back to yelling. Guess that's life!!!

Attachment 317025Attachment 317026Attachment 317027Attachment 317028Yes I know it's a tad over emphasised and the gear case is under empphied and it's a bloody concept when all is said and done, don't do scale models! Oh yes , while we're at it, hand shakes like I got Parkinson's when I do engraving, but it covers a bland stand.

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I am fortunate enough to have two very wonderful Swedish friends called Cissy and Runo Cronström-------he was a dental surgeon in the Swedish Navy before retiring and she is Royalty.
First time we met was at the top of a flight of sixty one steps leading to his front door in Bouzigues!
I was down on all fives totally knackered when he opened the door and asked me how old I was? I told him I was 73------he shook my hand and said "Thank God there is someone here in the village older than me----you need a large JD."

Been working on these two bits of spalted beech for some time, today I gave them a last coat of beeswax-----added the specs, sunglasses and parasol and used two heart shaped lumps for the base, -----then it came to me--------Cissy and Runo, both over 80 and still madly in love with each other.
Been to stay with them in their house right on the Baltic a couple of times. Wonderful people!!!

Jackie you have outdone yourself. I am totally impressed. I righted the pictures.Attachment 317073Attachment 317074Attachment 317076Attachment 317077Attachment 317078

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Originally Posted by Rotary John

Jackie you have outdone yourself. I am totally impressed. I righted the pictures.Attachment 317073Attachment 317074Attachment 317076Attachment 317077Attachment 317078

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I agree.
Dave

Looking at it now Johnno, I wish I could have found some more detailed pictures. Whilst the only one I had was good, I could have done with piccies from all sides. But you know me, that was only the try out-----when I'm good and ready I'll do you one to keep, give it you at Tavares .

Don't know if any of you have seen the pictures of Lassie Strom at the point of no return in a huckin fuge John Deere, told him he was a dinglegerry.
Then this morning I forget to put the clocks forward so I'm out in the shop by seven, two dingleberries on the loose.
Cleaned up the shop and the only eyesore was Warbys "Spirit" still on the bench where it's been gathering dust for the last two months-------upshot is, I started farting about with it again----all three feet of it which is now down to two foot six since I chopped off its nose and bum.
Did it out of a chunk of ten by three pine, left over from a roof purling, but it hardly had a knot in it.

Sister Ange coming for Sunday lunch, expected any time soon ----shoulder of lamb!

Hamilton screwed up with his choice of tyres and could rue today before the seasons over.

Here they are, gotta go, bye. J.

Switched off completely and enjoyed the company of sister Ange and husband Fish.!
Later in the afternoon daughter Boo and little Jeff paid us a visit, she wants me to turn a lamp stand for her. Jeff is a printer by trade and a very good one by all accounts so I asked him to help out with the decals for the ROTORY, show you the results when I get them.
Been deep in thunk about R/J's model wankel concept I promised him, get WARBY'S "Spirit of Oz" done and dusted, that's the only thing I have on the go at the moment.
That of course could all change the minute I open the shop door, I have a "Butterfly" mind but a tidy workshop.
All the wings are in the shed Cum-studio, over sixty pieces of stuff lining the shelves now.
Thats the shed and some of its contents----before I filled it to the gills with wings and things

End of rambling for one day, sleep tight peeps, MYGGWY.J.

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Dave Franks is an extraordinarily talented artist, especially race boats, decided to remount and reframe this piccie. I watched as he sprayed black paint all over the finished article, me myself never much liked this picture after that. So, it stayed in the basement for the next 35 years

Monday again today, nearly into April, days getting longer and warmer, looked at the ten day forecast and we have double figures from here on in. Have to think about the pool before long.

Had my Armani suit for over 20 years, Jilly says we should take it and have it restyled, so that is apparently where I'm off to this morning.

Well, nothing they could do about the Armani or me, way past it apparently. siei-la-Vie.
Was informed this morning the DVLC have given me my licence to thrill back, informed the insurance company and they are not increasing the premium, 65 years without a single claim!
I should bloody well hope so too.
Just put the finishing touches to the lamp boo bought in IKEA!
"Spirit " next thing up after my snooze.

Not a lot to tell you. Nice to be independant again, if I feel like going to the paper shop or the car boot sale I don't have to go cap in hand!

completely re arranged the spirit, it looks a bit more like Warbys rig now plus a few mods and cons.
Free all week except for the hog roast on good Friday next door.
Try and post a couple of piccies tomorrow, just to keep a bit of interest on "Tricks" MYGGWY.J

Blowing a hooley here and it looks like Gods going to take a leak any time soon. Good day for being in the shop working on the WARBY.
Wonder how Donmacs faring- any sign of spring yet.

Guess all the world is too busy to talk today.
Was a head down arse up sort of day, made big strides with the WARBY, set it all up to take a picture and found the Kodak was fresh out of battery, sorry bout your bad luck peeps, still , givesyou something to look forward to tomorrow lunchtime. Had a couple of hours spare this afternoon so decided I would really try hard and make a an authentic lower unit For R/J's Rotary I promised him.

Turned out "Satisfactory " --- show you the result tomorrow, trouble with promising something specific, it has to be just so, or you leave yourself wide open to be pissed upon from a dizzy height.
So, I started from the bottom up. Will just chip away gently until I'm happy with the result.

Promise I will give you some bonus pictures to make up for today, have a good night, MYGGWY, J.

I'll be waiting on the piccies Jackie!
Dave

Morning Dave,I'd better make sure you get some good shots then.
Funny how well I sleep if I had a good day in the shop.
Looks like it's going to be a "Sunshiny day", can maybe work with the shop doors open.
Easter this weekend. england makes a lot more of it than they do in the USA, we have good Friday and Monday as a holiday, usually marks the start of the gardening season, I shall be planting the sweet peas and herbs..
Have to start putting a see through lid over the outside patio and bar b que area, came across a large quantity of plastic roofing, I need to build a new garden shed to house the gardening tools and lawn mower.
Time to fire up the merry go round and get on today's ride.

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Well, there you go, as promised, piccies of Warbys wonder, how do like my spray booth?

What a day, as my friend Chas used to say "Somedays you eat bear----other days the bear eats you", Today I ate bear.
Boy did I ever do a number on R/J's gear case, best I ever did, took less than three hours in total, so started on the steering bar and the mounting stand. All this while I'm painting WARBY'S "Spirit", cooking with gas! Or what?
Certainly earned my keep today-----it's only 4:30 pm and I got a large scotch in my hand, a glow in my belly and a hankering for another, way to go Wilson!
Talked to Sam ( youngest daughter), she's in Vietnam for 3 weeks, home for 3 days then Stuart Florida for 2 Weeks. If I pack Rogers wing and as many of the others as I can get into a suitcase, she will take them with her.
Will try and get a large suitcase at the car boot sale tomorrow!

Last piccy is Daughter Boos lamp. Talk tonight!j.

Jackie: What kind of scotch do you like?

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Originally Posted by Rotary John

Jackie: What kind of scotch do you like?

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Single Malt Johnno as a special treat, but CC is my everyday quaff and pick me up after a day in the shop.
As a special treat just for you, I made the main trunk of the ROTORY out of a lump of very old English oak. Reason is, it's really dense and should finish up nicely------should get it finished Over the easter weekend. Will post you a progress piccy by close of play tomorrow .
There's a chance I might get it in the suitcase of stuff heading for Florida------least ways it'll be the right side of the pond.
Was well into the steering bar when I called it a day, if I get tired I don't play with machines, and when I get tangled in power tool leads it's time to quit.

First time in nearly four months I shall take the trusty Lexus for a spin, easter car boot sale at Ford Airfield, my old snotter is twitching, can feel a bargain lurking, J.

Jackie..We have Mike Costin coming down to the Badlands to give us a talk this month...Did you deal with him much or just with Keith?
Any reminiscences I can remind him of.....does he owe you any monies etc ?.

Talking of Lexus got mine last week.tax it tomorrow ready for the 1st meeting at combe on Monday,I hear they like a drink though!

Jackie, not sure what inspires you to take on a specific project but I'm hoping you might be be interested in another commission, one that is near and dear to my heart... That 1970-ish? 16' Molinari that you once drove, the same rig that I ultimately ended up driving in 1973. That was my first tunnel boat - and as you know, one's first always brings forth special memories ;0) Enjoyed a wild and wonderful season that year - won the UI championship, rolled it and blew it over while crossing the finish line on a kilo run Thanksgiving weekend. Set the record upside down, beating Dick Summerfeldt's Miles Master by a couple mph. I was elated! Interestingly, it was Dick's engine that Mecury Canada had begged or borrowed...

That you and I shared that same seat way-back-when, and the thought that I might someday own a miniature likeness of that very same Moli, has me excited.. Please give it some thought ...if it feels right and you have the time... Sometime, anytime... Well.. I'd be honoured.
- Mark R.

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Originally Posted by ron54

Jackie..We have Mike Costin coming down to the Badlands to give us a talk this month...Did you deal with him much or just with Keith?
Any reminiscences I can remind him of.....does he owe you any monies etc ?.

Talking of Lexus got mine last week.tax it tomorrow ready for the 1st meeting at combe on Monday,I hear they like a drink though!

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Wonderful chap Mike COSTAIN---Very famous glider pilot, the quiet one of the "Muskateers" with Ben Rood as D'Artagnan. He was with KIETH and i drifting in a ski boat on his lake near Bedford when the decision to build the Cosworth was taken, I'm sure he will remember that!
I was the one that owe Cosworth.

Lexus is a drunk, but worth it, best car I have ever owned.

Mark, I will get back to you lunch time! Off to the car boot now. J.

Ok Mark, been thinking about the little 16' sprint , while I am capable of doing a "Concept " I don't do models because I know the extent of my capabilities and a detailed Molinari sprint does not
Come close to what I can do----
Will pick up a chunk of wood next week, Turin around and let's see , anyway, I'm still pissed at you for missing Tavares last November. J.

Attachment 317429

"THAR YA GO GO" Johhno, progress piccy as promised
----been haulin mail today-----it's all looking good---exaggerated the power head, Steering bar and gear case. Looks far better than the previous effort, a bit of panache and flair with this one, well, there had to be something special for its creator.

have put the two together so you can see the difference

Jackie I screwed up and pushed the wrong button and erased what I was about to send. I'll try again. I kinda like the first one better. I'll admit the #2 gearcase does look better, but the proportions and dark wood appeal to me more. I'm trying to figure out how to get you a bottle of Glenlivet or Glenfiddich??

Johnno, go back to the quick reply window-----bottom left hand corner will come up "Restore auto saved content.".

Second effort is only "In progress" it's only had one coat of polish to protect the wood whilst it's being manhandled, I still haven't shaped the drive housing and they are piss---poor pictures, wait till I say " TIS Finished" then choose !

Save the malt until Tavares, I'm like DEANO----I just play at being a drunk ! I think ?!

Did the car boot sale, miserable morning, cold with rain and drizzle, trunkie let me down, there were no raving bargains, just a load of old tat, never spent a red cent, most Unjack like, I usually buy something that I never wanted anyway to put with the other six I have in the drawer!

Just had a delivery of. 25 flap discs, 10 flap wheels, 50 drum sanders all for under £50 including postage----guess from where?-------Hong Kong of course, it's easier than buying socks at Marks and Spencer's. Where will it all end? If I flush the toilet I bet it gets recycled in Rangoon and sold back to us via B&Q.

Good Friday tomorrow, first holiday of the year, all the daffodils are out, may blossom in the hedgerows, willow trees have green leaves showing, feels like the world is waking up and stretching.
Enough of my ramblings for one day, will punish you some more later.MYGGWY,J.

I don't know how an "Old Fart Forever" like you does it. Cuts fingertip nearly off, drinks scotch, builds incredible wood pieces, makes friends with everybody, buys "Old Blue", creates amazing family, plays lousy golf, enjoys daffodils (Iris' are my favorite), and never forgets a name. Hope to see you again at Tavares again in November. - Seeroy

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Ok Mark, been thinking about the little 16' sprint , while I am capable of doing a "Concept " I don't do models because I know the extent of my capabilities and a detailed Molinari sprint does not
Come close to what I can do----
Will pick up a chunk of wood next week, Turin around and let's see , anyway, I'm still pissed at you for missing Tavares last November. J.

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I do feel bad, guilty and disappointed in myself for not getting there... Plan to correct that this fall. As far as detail is concerned, I'm not looking for a replicated model... toy companies do that. This is all about art and your personal connection to the piece itself. Whatever you might come up with will have special meaning... float loose and be your creative self - that's what I'd love to see.



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Jackie, given you already have your Merc in-line engine/lower unit figured out, perhaps the boat could be scaled to fit?

Mark:

We are all still mad at you for missing Tavares...We are also mad at Lars.

Both of you....go to your rooms.

I've been scolded before ( and recently no less ) - as you well know.
I will do better, promise... ;0)

Maybe Jackie should join us at Valleyfield this summer? He could bring the Hodges and trounce the GP's ... just for fun.

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Originally Posted by Watermark

Jackie, given you already have your Merc in-line engine/lower unit figured out, perhaps the boat could be scaled to fit?

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Jesus wept Mark, What's with the " Scaled to fit" ?
If you are content with a concept, then I will be happy to cobble a "Sprint Molinari" for you.
Happy easter Willabee, I once sent you a line drawing of the sixteen foot sprint, do you think you could show us it please.
Will do the boat first, then the motor, then conjure up a mount, not this week but anytime soon Mark.

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Originally Posted by Watermark

I've been scolded before ( and recently no less ) - as you well know.
I will do better, promise... ;0)

Maybe Jackie should join us at Valleyfield this summer? He could bring the Hodges and trounce the GP's ... just for fun.

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You our better come back out of " Cuckoo Land" Mark, insurance companies will not touch me with a 20' barge pole.
I'm off to Seville to visit the Alhambra Palace in a couple of weeks----just for six days, medical insurance was nearly $800. That's more than the flight and hotel bills, I would have to sell my soul to afford Medicare to Valleyfield.
Loved the " Just For Fun" comment.

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Originally Posted by t2x

mark:

We are all still mad at you for missing tavares...we are also mad at lars.

Both of you....go to your rooms.

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sex and travel huh rich. .?

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Originally Posted by seeroy

I don't know how an "Old Fart Forever" like you does it. Cuts fingertip nearly off, drinks scotch, builds incredible wood pieces, makes friends with everybody, buys "Old Blue", creates amazing family, plays lousy golf, enjoys daffodils (Iris' are my favorite), and never forgets a name. Hope to see you again at Tavares again in November. - Seeroy

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But I still can't get my grandkids to fan me in the hammock.
Dont forget I have the Lake X files with hundreds of boat tests with a certain Stavros Seeroy at the helm.
You are a creep Steve, Iris are my favourite! What is it you are after?

Had a mad fit of super enthusiasm this morning, needed to show Johnno that different woods and strange graining make odd bedfellows so took a lump of firewood off the pile,(Spalted beech) cut out a pair of ROTORIES.
Needed some walnut but not sure just how much was needed for the Wet-N- Wild Walnut wing, so cut that out and had an hour shaping it. Then glued up the residue which will become another wing.
Got to thinking about how I could cobble the cockpit and rear cowl of the Molinari Sprint------pulled a chunk of Acacia from under the bench and started turning on the lathe. Then Jilly tells me lunch is on the table ----right now!!!

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;2743116 If you are content with a concept, then I will be happy to cobble a "Sprint Molinari" for you.
[/QUOTE]

PERFECT, Jackie !!!!!!

Took me a while to ask, actually.. been on my mind since I first learned of your talent.
Enjoy your trip to Seville - was there in '85, sitting in my cockpit waiting to qualify when Bob Spalding, who had just claimed the F1 World Championship title, rolled his boat in the turn. I heard it was later in surgery where the doctors discovered that he had an aneurysm... Heard it may have been there, undiscovered, before the accident - in which case the crash may may have lengthened his life over time. Who knows... Strange how life works.

Happy Good Friday and Easter - and thank you for proceeding with this. Delighted.

Funny how mysteriously life works Mark, I had arranged with a huge supermarket to sponsor two boats and finance the Spanish leg of the FONDA World Series with the blessing of the UIM some three months previously. They paid the 10% deposit in cash -----two weeks before the race the UIM gave the race to San Germano and OMC! You may begin to understand my dislike of the UIM.
Bob was under water for far too long, he was never the same guy again. I heard all sorts of cover stories bandied about. Fact remains, Bob died as a direct result of the accident in Seville.
Patsy, Bobs first wife died last month, my kids and his kids are still good friends after fifty years.

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Funny how mysteriously life works Mark, I had arranged with a huge supermarket to sponsor two boats and finance the Spanish leg of the FONDA World Series with the blessing of the UIM some three months previously. They paid the 10% deposit in cash -----two weeks before the race the UIM gave the race to San Germano and OMC! You may begin to understand my dislike of the UIM.
Bob was under water for far too long, he was never the same guy again. I heard all sorts of cover stories bandied about. Fact remains, Bob died as a direct result of the accident in Seville.
Patsy, Bobs first wife died last month, my kids and his kids are still good friends after fifty years.

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Yes, my Dad, Gerry, was at the race too - We vividly recall how long it took to rescue Bob... the pit area was down the river and everything was silent. Few knew how serious this accident was. That is quite the story from your side... I had no idea at the time just how political the circuit was - found out soon enough, mind you. In Seville, my Pro 1 Burgess was sponsored by El Corte Ingles, the largest department store in Spain.. same with Rick Frost. This isn't by chance the same supermarket you are talking about, is it?

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Originally Posted by Watermark

Yes, my Dad, Gerry, was at the race too - We vividly recall how long it took to rescue Bob... the pit area was down the river and everything was silent. Few knew how serious this accident was. That is quite the story from your side... I had no idea at the time just how political the circuit was - found out soon enough, mind you. In Seville, my Pro 1 Burgess was sponsored by El Corte Ingles, the largest department store in Spain.. same with Rick Frost. This isn't by chance the same supermarket you are talking about, is it?

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It certainly is Mark-----one and the same, it was a matter of honour to return the money, we could have kept it but that was not our style.
Can you imagine the spectacle of both FONDA and FOPDA running at the same event -----damn little difference in performance between the V 8 and the 2 liter-----Political? Hells teeth Mark. OMC and MERCURY INVENTED THE WORD!