Robert Cracknell

Thanks Allan.....

Perhaps a basic question but is the centre of gravity in a helicopter in the same position as the main rotor shaft?

My sight impaired partner has a bi monthly newsletter from her local blind association and they ask for suggestions as to what articles the readers would like to see reported on. The magazines we read have reporters and researchers and perhaps likewise we could suggest to them articles we would like to see. Perhaps a report on one of the remaining UK engine or turbine manufacturers or an accessory manufacturer. Perhaps an interview or biography on some of the names in the hobby. Perhaps one of the reporters could be persuaded to take his holiday in Ecuador and report on the operation of a balsa plantation while he is there...!!

Posted before but still funny.. HOW TO GIVE A PILL TO A CAT 1) Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on each side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow. 2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat gently in left arm and repeat process. 3) Retrieve cat from bedroom, pick up and throw soggy pill away. 4) Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for count of ten. 5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse in from garden. 6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into cat's mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously. 7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill out of foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep up figurines and vases from hearth and set on one side for gluing later ? Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with a pencil and blow into drinking straw. 9) Check label to make sure pills not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply sticking plaster to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap. 10) Retrieve cat from neighbour's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door just enough so that head is showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with rubber band. 11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T‑shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom. 12) Ring fire service to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologise to neighbour who crashed into fence swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap. 13) Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy‑duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by a large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down. 14) Get spouse to drive you to the local casualty department. Sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearms and removes pill from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home and order new dining table. 15) Arrange for RSPCA to collect cat and ring local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.

Subject: Work vs. Prison Just in case you ever got the two mixed up. This should make things a bit more clear. IN PRISON... you spend the majority of your time in an 8’ X 10’ cell. AT WORK... you spend the majority of your time in a 6’ X 8’ cubicle. IN PRISON... you get three meals a day. AT WORK... you only get a break for one meal and you pay for it. IN PRISON... you get time off for good behaviour. AT WORK... you get more work for good behaviour. IN PRISON... the guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you. AT WORK... you must carry around a security card and open all the doors for yourself. IN PRISON... you can watch TV and play games. AT WORK... you get fired for watching TV and playing games. IN PRISON... you get your own toilet. AT WORK... you have to share with some idiot, who pees on the seat. IN PRISON... they allow your family and friends to visit. AT WORK... you can't even speak to your family. IN PRISON... all expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required. AT WORK... you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners. IN PRISON... you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out. AT WORK... you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars. So why is it again that we work?

Couple of points.... Don't forget the local libraries. Many have notice boards for local clubs and associations. Also cast your net wide. The club I used to belong to had 2 members who had a 60 mile round trip but it didn't bother them because they liked the club atmosphere and the site.

Well, I'm going metric inch by inch...!

Likewise in the early 70's the school I was at had a forge with a large fire and 2 anvils, a twin brazing hearth complete with quench tank and acid bath as well as lathes and milling machines with only the most rudimentary guards. I don't recall any serious accidents only minor cuts from swarf. Those were the days.....!!

Plane Finder shows 9 Typhoons airborne over the UK at the moment. Do we have any left on the ground I wonder?

Update Guys With nothing to lose I opened the 7760 up. Couldn't see anything obvious internally. However, noted a build up of crud underneath the sliding switch. Cleaned this off and gave it a little Mr Sheen to make sure it slid easily and problem solved!

Phil Thanks for the tip. I'll give them a look. Rob

I am not getting the videos. All I get is 'This video is unavailable' Anyone else or just me?

Thanks ED. Very valid points As to the version all I know is that it's ABC Rob

It's not seized as I can turn the engine over so I will try the Allen key method with care. Thanks guys....... PS It hasn't got a piston ring so I guess it's the ABC version

Well, after lots of trials and tribulations and a heat gun set at 400°C the engine was finally beaten into submission. I have managed to get the liner out but struggling to go any further. Can anyone let me know the secret of getting the con rod and piston out so I can set to on the bearings? Many thanks in advance. All info appreciated.