Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[JWTjr.]

Jilly came back from the hospice around three thirty, didn't look too good so I locked the shop and called it a day-------four hour days are long enough when you get to my age! Often find myself day dreaming, reminiscing and wondering what the hell it is I'm supposed to be making!
Bloody rent day again, just a week today to go to the OFF golf tournament, really sorry to miss all my friends this year!
Theres enough trophies so that just about everyone gets something.

Sending large parcels to the USA is a very expensive deal indeed, so I sent over a couple of items to put up for auction to defray some of the cost-------one of 'ems a ROTORY on a stand! Not many of those kicking around these days.

Will most definitely not be coming to Tavares this year------delayed the decision as long as I could, circumstances are not favourable at the moment.
Saved a bunch of money on travel insurance-------I'm pretty certain word got out, Alice told Freda and she told Zebedy -----he told Tarquinius who passed it on to the senate that it would be a good idea to "Blackball" yours truly from attaining medical insurance. Do not have a an Sri ( mini stroke) you are marked for life----worse than having the pox, or admitting you know Tony Blair. All doors are locked and bolted!

If it comes to it I can always spray the "MALISTANG"---I'm still farting about with Rockets and fuel pods and guns and stuff-----nearly got the manifold and stubbies right----had an offer from California for it already, but I told them it's not for sale yet-----it could wind up a lemon, then it'll top up as kindling .
you ever heard the story of the stamp collector who had the only pair of "New Brunswicks"in the world--------worth a million apiece--------in full view of the world, he lit a match and burned one to a cinder. .?????? That is a true story.

Always happens this time of night---I WAFFLE----time for zuzzes, MYGGWY.J

Sorry to hear Jackie, will miss the chance to meet you. Always loved watching your son Mark drive.

[jackiewilson]

Mark was one of the cleanest racers ever, hardly ever broke anything, surprisingly quick, even made the Hodges look speedy!
He had been around boat racing all his life. To this day, he knows more about boats than any other person I know.
He's also probably one of the top five "prop" men in the world.
At this moment in time, he's in China, discussing boats with the Chinese ?

[jackiewilson]

Another good day at the office, finished the tail, nearly got the pipes right and the "LANGHAM" spinners fitted (and spins, all four blades).
Oak ,mahogany and aluminium -------maybe I should just chuck some paint at it, always a lot of work with polished timber.

If I run out of ramblings tonight I will tell you the fascinating tale of the Miles M52-------you probably remember it as the Bell X7 with a certain Chuck Yeager as the jockey?
I know I've got three readers in Stavros, Charlie, and Gene, 'Till tonight!

[ron54]

Another good day at the office, finished the tail, nearly got the pipes right and the "LANGHAM" spinners fitted (and spins, all four blades).
Oak ,mahogany and aluminium -------maybe I should just chuck some paint at it, always a lot of work with polished timber.

If I run out of ramblings tonight I will tell you the fascinating tale of the Miles M52-------you probably remember it as the Bell X7 with a certain Chuck Yeager as the jockey?
I know I've got three readers in Stavros, Charlie, and Gene, 'Till tonight!

OI!!.....I'm a reader too, just because I can,t mix it with you high steppers on the input side I still enjoy following it all...........


The tale of the M52 is indeed a good'un......as is the one about us selling the RR Nene jet motor to the Russians just before the
Korean job....boy didn't those MIG's go!

[GENE LANHAM]

OI!!.....I'm a reader too, just because I can,t mix it with you high steppers on the input side I still enjoy following it all...........


The tale of the M52 is indeed a good'un......as is the one about us selling the RR Nene jet motor to the Russians just before the
Korean job....boy didn't those MIG's go!

Dang Jackie---I had to look up the M52 story---I have met Chuck Yeager and Bob Hoover--

There is also a fascinating story about the SR-71---The USof A had to purchase Titanium from the Russians in order to build that airplane--

EDIT---this just showed up on Chuck Yeager's FB page--Chuck at the 'AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM--

[GENE LANHAM]

Gene, I have a feeling I should know this chappie, looks a bit Richie Powers? Maybe Anderson ?
Probably have egg on my face when you tell me, can't be you, you still have more hair now than he had then!
.

Jackie---since there are 'only'' 3 or 4 participating in 'Tricks'---I will offer more clues-

-he retired from Mercury

He is 16 years younger than you or me

We had lunch in Vail a couple weeks ago--we decided that I have known him since he was a 'juvenile delinquent'---and that he is still a 'delinquent'

He drives a beautiful CGT

[FUJIMO]

Jackie---since there are 'only'' 3 or 4 participating in 'Tricks'---I will offer more clues-

-he retired from Mercury

He is 16 years younger than you or me

We had lunch in Vail a couple weeks ago--we decided that I have known him since he was a 'juvenile delinquent'---and that he is still a 'delinquent'

He drives a beautiful CGT

Freddies always been a great guy to talk to, and a consummate gentleman. Wait til you see his new drive system he's been working on. It should enter the market shortly.

[GENE LANHAM]

Freddies always been a great guy to talk to, and a consummate gentleman. Wait til you see his new drive system he's been working on. It should enter the market shortly.

---Jackie: The absolute last clue!!!!

He and his father share the same middle name: Carl---

[jackiewilson]

Gene -----short of spelling out his name in capital letters, I gather this is Freddie K, if it is, I have to tell you --------I have never met him!!!
Mark and Fred have known each other for years, probably because of marine propulsion( ZED LEGS AND SURFACE DRIVES (Arneson or Twin Disc, call it what you like).
I do know that an awful lot of the successful racers send brand fire new number Six gearcases straight from the factory to Wilson Custom Marine for Mark to "Breathe"on.

One time at a Mercury conference in Oshberg, Mark and Fred smuggled in some high powered water pistols-----I'll let somebody else tell you about the chaos that occurred --------Suffice to say Mark was never invited back!

Finished one of the manifolds with the six stubby pipes------stitched it to the starboard side------that's a "cool" piece of kit, glued in the bearing for the spinner with super glue----problem is , I ballsed up, friggin stuff must have gotten in the bearing-------result-----Sinner don't !
The four cannons in the wing look the biz, spending too much time on the armaments, making a couple of SAMs and two stingers.
Hells teeth, it's only a concept-----made a base and twisted up a couple of vapour trails, still not sure how the finish will work out with the different woods-----as I said before, a couple of paint coats-----a few stickers and we got us a concept.
Looks like it may be after the weekend before it all comes together ready to be "Foggied"!

The Miles--Bell X 7 story of doubtful and devious dealings can be read in the Miles Aircraft company site on GOOGLE. WILL SAVE ME WAFFLING ON!!!

[GENE LANHAM]

Gene -----short of spelling out his name in capital letters, I gather this is Freddie K, if it is, I have to tell you --------I have never met him!!!

FREDERICK CARL KIEKHAEFER

Jackie, I am not surprised you have not met Fred. During those years that you and I were doing those'wonderful' things with Mercury outboards, Fred was trying to get an education---and keep out of his father's way!!! After all, he is closer to our children's age!!

But---everyone's world turned upside down in November 1969, including Fred's--

---and that is another story---

[jackiewilson]

That must be about the time Brunswick killed off the creator, they couldn't let a genius grow into a giant------he certainly put the fear of God up the competition.
One day we will sit down and you can tell me the full story------I'd like that Gene!

Some mornings I wake up and feel it's all been a bad dream and everything's back to normal-----as it was-----then reality kicks in, feeling, deep in the stomach, cross between an ache and being sick, the unfairness and injustice, what the hells it all about?

Time to open the shop and hide for a while.

[jackiewilson]

Fair old morning, cracked on with the "MALIBUSTANG" gave it a last reassembly, before tearing it all to bits to finish.
Might even get a "CONCEPT IN PROGRESS" piccie before the end of the day.
Oh yes, the twin manifolds and twelve stubbies don't look half bad.
The four bladed prop looks like it might belong !
The "LANGHAM" spinner looks fine 'cept it don't .
What could possibly go wrong--------????? It's Friday, so you never know !

[jackiewilson]

"Concept in progress"

Was in two minds to do a Mustang Or a Malibu------it became the "MALIBUSTANG"
Rare as a rocking horse turd or hens teeth, purists have shortened it's name to "MALISTANG."
Dontcha just love a concept with artists licence, you can get away with pure murder!!!

Think the Lord was on the wine last night, it's chucked it down all day with non stop rain forecast for the whole of the weekend.

Mark's back from China today to be at the local boat show for the weekend, if your going there, give him a call !Enjoy your weekend.

[jackiewilson]

Her asleep next to me is all wore out, spent the best part of the day by Matt's bedside. Some of his friends from Lancaster University have set up a trust fund for his two children.

Weekend here already ------wish I was heading out to Tavares ------Doers don't wish------they get on and do ! ( Socrates J. Wilson 1932------????).

Off foraging at my local "Recycling Institution" (scrapyard to you and me) crack o sparrow, it's closed for business, but they allow squirrels, magpies and me to hunt for odd pieces I might find interesting.

See Obama has stopped the pipeline-----wonder why ?

The concept went down like a turd in a punch bowl,-----ah well, -----SOMEDAYS you eat bear !

Willabee's in full flight again, take a look at his "HOT SINGLES" site, it's still one of the best on S&F.

Really bollocksed tonight and I'm rambling, bad sign, MYGGWY.J

[jackiewilson]

Wasn't me that upset himself upstairs------I plead the fifth-------but somebody did upset the apple cart, it's raining "Datsan cogs" and blowing a hooley, need to pull out the Henri Lloyd this morning, the one with the hood and overkill pockets but totally water proof. Not a bit of good trying to put up the "Brolly", it would be inside out in no time flat !

All around me life goes on as normal, not much changes, there are weddings, funerals, births and deaths, the natural progressions of life. Happiness still outweighs sadness-----goodness wins the battle with evil (Most of the time anyway). I'm still here, struggling sometimes, trying to wring the neck out of every single minute--------what was it John Houston used to croak ? " And the days dwindle down, to a precious few ------- November, December !!! "

I'll get better later in the day, I never stay mad at anyone for long.