Jump to content

Steve Colman

Members
  • Posts

    1,712
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Posts posted by Steve Colman

  1. Perhaps I'm late to the party but I see that HK is closing down it's European warehouse.

     

    I've used them for a number of years for batteries, general modelling supplies and a few models with very few problems and delivery to Spain generally within a week.

     

    Now, I am left with a choice between using the global warehouse with all the associated shipping delays, increased costs and problems which can arise, or finding and using another supplier for my modelling needs.

     

    I understand it's hard times for our hobby and many retail outlets have gone to the wall and I guess HK is no different to the rest. Still, it's somewhat sad to see one of the major players of recent times, who offered us some great gear at reasonable prices, reduce their operation so drastically that they now have no representation in either the UK or mainland Europe.

    • Thanks 1
  2. Following on from my previous post about my aged Hirobo Quark.

    A friend who works in the trade in Belgium has sourced a second hand Blade 230s V2 for me at a very good price. I think it will be a perfect step up from the Quark. So pleased!

  3. Hi Phil, very much of interest thanks.

     

    My idea was to fit out the Berlingo so nothing is permanent and easily removed. The second very important criteria was  a "no spend" build as I had lost my job due to Covid and there was no way I could justify any spending to my better half on what was essentially a vanity project for me. 

     

    So far I've built a simple bed platform using plastic crates for undernreath storage along with a folding table and chair. The materials for the platform and the crates were all found and absolutely free. The platform is topped with cushions from a sofa that a neighbour threw out so free again. So, apart from a few hardware items like screws and hinges the cost has been zero. Similarly, I have a makeshift kitchen area idea at the moment again made from free materials.

     

    That Ikea unit would be absolutely perfect for my needs but it's 100 euros over here. However, I may treat myself because as of yesterday I secured some full time work for the next six months.

     

    A few pics from many taken throughout my experimentation. All remains work in progress.

     

     

    37h-feb11.jpg

    39d-oct 15.jpg

    42d-dec26.jpg

    39b-feb17.jpg

    • Like 1
  4. Thank you all very much for your sage advice.

    I'll take the short trip to my local Decathlon shop in the next few days as they have several to choose from including the one in the pic I posted.

  5. 12 minutes ago, J D 8 said:

         The only thing I say is when changing can do it outside.

         Had a Coastguard call out to a camper who had suffered flash burns. When we arrived paramedic's were already treating him so I interviewed his wife to find out what happened. She said they were in their tent, quite a large one with internal division. She was in the back changing and he in front section getting dinner going when stove ran out of gas. He went to change the can but it did not seat and gas leaked. Unfortunately there was another ignition source in the form of a gas lantern. The blast had totally eliminated the front canvas of the tent leaving just the frame but she was unharmed behind the curtain. 

         She had given a very detailed report of the incident so when I asked what she did for a living and was not surprized when she said police.  I asked what her husband did?  With a look in her eyes:classic_blush: she said gas engineer.

     Although nasty his burns were not to serious said the paramedic.

    Many thanks for that JD8 - A tale of a simple mistake that could have been avoided. Just as it's so simple to overlook something on a model that could lead to a crash or injury.

  6. 40 minutes ago, Jim Hearnden 1 said:

    They are about as safe as a stove can get. Multiple interlocks connect/disconnect the gas when travelling. The black trivet when flipped for travel interlocks the gas tap and cannister engagement lever, so it can't be switched accidentally. 

    Beware of some dodgy imports. 

    Thanks Jim, very useful info. Yes, there are many dodgy imports over here in Spain.

  7. I`m kitting out my Citroen Berlingo as a very simple day/weekend camper and a way of heating water for a coffee and an occasional simple meal is essential. Some research has shown that the type of simple one burner stove as shown in the photo is convenient and popular.

     

    I would like to hear from anyone with any personal experience of these and whether they would be suitable for my use. What particularly concerns me is the safety of the gas cartridges while travelling in the car and in use.

     

    Many thanks in advance.

    camping stove.jpg

  8. The UK following the USA as per usual. I foresee the same here in Spain and the rest of europe very soon too.

     

    Like him or not, Bruce Simpson (Xjet youtube channel) has been highlighting this subject for a while now.

     

    Reading some of the comments in the article many point out that people are often injured, and in some cases killed, by dogs, electric scooters, bicycles, etc and the government sit back and do nothing about those.  

  9. Thanks for your reply John.

     

    I had more or less consigned myself to the reality you have outlined. With regard to Heli Blitz; as I live in Spain the postage would probably cost as much as the value of the heli for me and costs would also be added in the UK to receive it. So, although a good thought I think it wouldn't be worth the effort for either party concerned.

     

    Therefore, as it still flies I think I might as well get the most out of it and enjoy flying it while the going is good and try not to break anything. I have seen Main and rear rotor blades replaced by modding some old E-sky and other fixed pitch heli blades of which I have numerous examples from way back when.

     

    Cheers. 

     

  10. I have the above heli which I bought new for 330 quid way back in 2009. I flew it for maybe 30/35 flights and put it away for some reason. From then on I more or less abandoned helis to concentrate on flying fixed wing. However, I did have a short go with a Blade 230 S V2 last summer thanks to a friend which sort of sparked my interest again. I've been looking for one of those second hand since then but to no avail so far.

     

    Now, I'm having a thorough sort out and dusted off the Quark to check it all over, charged the flight battery and put some AA's in the Tx. A few minutes later the heli was flying as if new which was very pleasing after so many years. I'm hoping for some calm weather to have a few more flights before deciding whether to keep it or sell it.

     

    It's complete with original Tx, charger, battery and spare main and tail rotor blades. If I were to sell it, what would be a reasonable and fair price to ask? Of course it's not current technology to say the least but it is an iconic little heli which may be of interest to a few individuals.

     

    Cheers, Steve.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Like 1
  11. Finally cracked it by randomly changing the language menu.

    There was no English option which was strange, Spanish was on as default from the list, Spain as the default country but No euros for currency. However, I did notice "Espanol" was available in the language menu so putting logic to one side I randomly clicked on it. Hey presto - Language changed to English, currency to euros and Spain remained as the default country. Additionally, I now have the EU warehouse option back so all seems to be back to normal.

    All pretty strange though.

  12. 9 minutes ago, MattyB said:


    Are you using a VPN? If you are the site might be identifying you as coking from a geography that cannot order from the EU warehouse (e.g. UK or US).

    No VPN, logging in from my home on my PC as I've done for many years now. All seems rather weird.

  13. I know this post is a year old now and perhaps I've missed some major announcement re HK

    I haven't ordered anything from them for well over a year buy visited the site today in search of a few bits and pieces but it appears that the EU warehouse is no longer an option for EU residents either. Just Global and USA.

     

    Have they closed down the EU operation completely now? Anyone know?  

×
×
  • Create New...