PupCam

Funny you should use that phrase Neil. A good number of years ago I had some dealings with Gilo Cardozo who was doing some engine development work. He too was someone who came up with some amazingly innovative, very low cost solutions to some tricky problems that "traditional" companies with "traditional" solutions couldn't hope to crack. It was an education. The pair of them together must be a real tour de force! Cracking stuff, and the bikes will be old in due course 😀

That's good! A bit quicker than my '39 Beeza 250! Alan

Evening I'm reminded of "There are 10 types of people; those that understand binary and those who do not" 😉 ION A tragedy was avoided today! Whilst out for a quick thrash on the RD Mrs Puppers & Junior Puppers were "sorting" through the big plastic box of long forgotten childhood soft toys To keep it topical it was a binary choice; Keep or Go (to the charity shop). Imagine my dismay @New Haven Neil when, on my return, I found Donk's cousin Bonk assigned to the Go pile! Fortunately I was able to highlight the error in the filtering process and Bonk is now safe and ready for some Bimbles, Chugs & Thrashes over the coming months. He said it would be great to "Do the TT course" sometime with his cousin (I didn't like to disappoint him so I just said "Maybe one day" and left it at that 🤣) I've modified the weather vane and made a fitting to attach it to it's new mounting pole. This had to be silver soldered to the base of the fixed section. I may have got the wooden Workmate jaws slightly too warm whilst doing so. In the world of old motorcycles it's called patina .... I just call it burnt wood. That's about it for today I reckon. TTFN

They are absolutely superb Tom! Sage advice indeed but good luck for a successful and fruitful transition. It would be a great shame to waste such talent! Alan

Now that is a fantastic photograph! It is reminiscent of a typical LNER publicity shot set up on a quiet Sunday morning, absolutely brilliant. Perhaps another go now the background (and the point rodding ...) is complete is in order? Alan

Evening! "A £100m spend fighting sub-postmasters in court despite knowing its defence was untrue seems a pretty poor use of money." but it's got absolutely nothing at all to do with the truth and everything to do with "Saving face" and protecting an "image" irrespective of the cost (or the morals) IMVHO John. ION Yesterday I successfully managed to screw cut a thread (as opposed to tapping it) in an ali tube that mates with the 1" 32tpi UN thread that is the C Mount camera lens thread. I probably can't claim that the thread I cut is 1" 32 tpi UN on the grounds that the thread form is probably wrong (I know the bloke that ground the tool), the major, pitch and minor diameters are probably out of spec and a host of other failings to boot. Nevertheless, the lens screws in to it, doesn't rattle or fall off so I think I can award myself a reasonably big tick. Quite pleased really that it worked first time! 😁 Today has been spent providing a taxi service for Mrs & a Junior Puppers and attending an overdue optician's appointment. That's a whole fleet of Finsbury Park racehorses I won't be seeing then, even with my new glasses ...... I think an early night is in order. Night all.

Morning Some time was spent yesterday morning wire brushing the old paint off of the second RD silencer. Tough moving it to start with but made easier of course when frustration sets in and you press much harder with the rotary brush! Once that was done the said item was mounted vertically on a suitable wooden pole mounted in the workmate. Thoroughly heated with my monster blow torch (a relatively new acquisition to aid bigger silver soldering jobs and "persuading" rusty, corroded together objects that they really do want to come apart) until it was too hot to touch, the first coat of VHT black was applied. This of course dried off immediately due to the elevated temperature which enabled more coats to be put on as a continuous process. Once done and touch dry the trusty old Black and Decker hot air gun (circa 1984 according to the label) was used to blow hot air through it to accelerate the curing. Later that same morning it was back on the bike looking very smart 😀 The monthly meds run down to the GPs was planned for the afternoon. It would have been rude not to try out the RD with it's new rear brake shoes and restored silencers. I don't like to be rude 🤣 It might get another thrash today while the weather holds as I was planning to take a run over to see a former work colleague this morning but I'm still waiting to hear if it's convenient. Otherwise it might be weather vane refurbishment or I might have a go at screwcutting a 1" - 32tpi UN female screw thread to make a mounting for a C mount video zoom lens that's a potential candidate for the telecine machine. Just to echo @Barry O previous sentiments about missing ERs. There seems to be quite a few at the moment and I hope all is well with them 🤞 TTFN

Morning! But the thing about weather forecasting is all about the timing. I and everybody else can predict that it's definitely going to be sunny/raining/frosty/hot/windy etc etc, what we cant' tell you is when with any sense of accuracy. If the weather forecasters can't do it what is the point (and expense) of the weather forecasters? - Note 1 And as for long term weather forecasts, well, buying a crystal ball probably makes more sense! Unfortunately what the weather forecasters (aided and abetted by the media) have got very good at is crying wolf and issuing pointless weather warnings "just to be sure of not being called Michael Fish" which only serves to mask those occasions when such warnings would be REALLY useful. Oh, I forgot, they can't guarantee their forecasts - See Note 1 Reminds me of my former work colleagues based in the Bolton area. They soon enlightened me to Bolton weather forecasting; If you can't see the TV mast on Winter Hill it's raining If you can see the TV mast on Winter Hill it's going to rain* * In my experience the second statement was almost superfluous although, to be fair, I didn't go up there often and the best bit of such trips was always the return drive home over the Snake Pass with a sandwich stop at the Ladybower reservoir. ION I know this sounds unbelievable but the sky was clear after sunset last night! The telescope was therefore dragged out and set up. Difficulties in polar alignment once again highlighted the frustrations incurred in using budget (read that as crappy) equipment. Actually, I'm convinced there would be many more people interested in astronomy and far fewer budget telescopes on EBay, Market Place etc if they sold better quality but less "feature packed" beginners equipment. Most newcomers will try them, fail to get any results through no fault of their own and give up and move onto stamp collecting or whatever. Only the cantankerous, tenacious and persistent few will struggle on to get some results "if it kills me". When you you do actually make some progress and recognise "it's not your fault" the rewards are great! Anyway I did get to take another look at Jupiter again before it (soon) disappears for a few months. Looking at Jupiter always pleases me. I also had a quick squint at the Orion Nebula but then the clouds rolled in and so it was pack it all away time. I had hoped to try and take a look at the Pons-Brooks comet (currently forming an equilateral triangle with Jupiter & Mercury) but by the time it was dark enough it was hiding behind next doors great big oak tree. The new RD brake pads have been fitted this morning although the correct tightening of all nuts, fitting of split pins etc and chain tensioning/wheel alignment have still to be done. The task entailed removing the other silencer in order to get the axle out. So, while it's off the bike, now would seem to be the obvious time to strip it and repaint it so that I have a matching pair. So that is a silencer and a weather van that both need cleaning and painting black. Now, where is my big box of motivation? Or shall I just watch the TV? TTFN

Afternoon! Parcelgate update: 3rd time lucky then! The pergola has now been official declared as Open. A supplementary exercise of refurbishing and re-siting the weather vane has now commenced. This will involve wire-brushing the old paint and rust off of the components, re-painting, mounting on a new steel pole and mounting said pole on the pergola. RD brake shoes dropped through the letter box at precisely the time RM predicted (take copious notes DHL). Now to peruse the workshop manual to find out how to fit them and get the RD on to the bike lift ready for surgery. TTFN

Evening all, very late on parade today. The first impossible task is to find any staff at all in most UK supermarkets now! ION Pergola re-construction is complete - Big tick Parcelgate ...... Pressie ordered for SWMBO. Eventually notification received that it would be delivered by DHL. Some days later DHL notification of parcel received. Yesterday Early morning received text saying it would be delivered between 14:00 and 15:00. 16:00 message received saying "We're running late". Website tracking information stated "Delivering parcel 65 you are delivery 89" 18:00ish Tracking information removed 19:00 message received stating "We've got your parcel in the delivery depot" Today Early morning received text saying it would be delivered between 18:00 and 19:00. Website tracking information eventually stated "Delivering parcel 29 you are delivery 105" 16:00ish Tracking information removed Waited until 19:30, put note on door stating "Can't wait any longer, leave it next door", went down't pub for a meal 20:00 message received stating "We've got your parcel in the delivery depot" What a bunch! Bedtime now. Night All

We had a very nice holiday in Worsted a few years ago. Stayed in a cottage very close to the church I seem to recall. Lovely bells!

Morning* Afternoon All How little some know. Well done for enlightening them ! A roundabout on the A6 not a million miles from Puppershire has for the last 18 months or so been "Being improved". This has caused monumental delays and thus inconvenienced thousands of people (including myself). Thank heavens it is nearly complete. The improvements? Pedestrian crossings with lights on each of the 4 roads close to where they join the roundabout, 300-400 yards of immaculate new pavements leading up to the roundabout, a protection lane for entry into a nearby petrol station (that's a tick by the way), a resurfaced and (allegedly) slightly enlarged roundabout and some new white lines. The cost? £8 MILLION POUNDS according to reports!!! The justification? To increase traffic capacity and flow at peak times. Well, as the increase in size is extremely modest if indeed perceptible at all and the feeds to and from it haven't changed I can't see that happening. Mind you, all those light-controlled pedestrian crossings are going to aid flow aren't they? Luckily because of where it is there are very few pedestrians to press the buttons or indeed spoil all those nice new pavements. You may consider that to be a rant if you wish. That front axle is looking rather dodgy! I'm liking the concept of the double telescopic fork. Could be a patent in there somewhere. The super extended travel would help with the pot holes round here (but not on the A6 roundabout of course as that will be as smooth as a baby's b......) Interesting that the AI has no concept (yet) of why things are as they are in the images it uses to train hence all of the glaring errors in the images. Still, it's early days. ION I phoned the water company yesterday and the recorded message informed that they could provide a ring back service and I wouldn't lose my place in the queue so I thought I'll give that a go. Ten minutes later I got the (automated) ring back with just the same message telling me they even offered a ring back service if I didn't want to wait. For crying out loud, they rang me! 🤣 Anyway, I held the line and it was eventually answered by "Simon". Simon was extremely helpful. He looked at my bill and came to the same conclusion as me; the meter had ceased to be. He explained the process and consequences of the replacement and he outlined a more than satisfactory resolution to the issue of the bill so top marks to him and a whoopee from me! The afternoon yesterday was so nice I felt obliged to go for a thrash on the RD. As is often the case the route may have included dropping into Shuttleworth where I was treated to the added bonus of watching (and listening) to an engine test on the dH Comet. What a beautiful aeroplane that is. Back to today ... My neighbour invited me and a couple of mates to join him on the VMCC's** Thursday lunch run which was aiming for the Danish Camp. Well, it would have been rude not to join in the fun. The RD was going beautifully yesterday but on checking it over on my return I noticed that the rear brake had developed a tendency to stick on. No doubt the rear brake shoes have got to their wear limit so replacements have been ordered. So, an ideal opportunity to give the AJS a long overdue run. Having got it started the other day after its prolonged slumber it started first (proper) kick. We had a nice run out to the DC and I noted that the water level in the Great Ouse was back to something like normal today in marked contrast to our previous visit! Whilst there I bumped into one of my former work colleagues and member of another What's Ap motorcycle group I'm in. We'll catch up properly next week as he's organised a Pie & Pint night at a pub very close to Puppers' kennel 😀 It's all go being retired! We thought we'd round lunch off by dropping into Old Warden for a coffee on the way home. No sooner had we arrived than my rain detector started operating and as you know Puppers doesn't do wet. So we put our helmets back on and roared off for home. It was a shame as rumour had it that they were shortly going to wheel out the lovely Percival Mew Gull seen in the hangar in the background for an engine test. Anyway we managed to get home with out getting wet but guess what? The rain came to nothing ....... TCs! Oh well never mind. TTFN * It was when I started the post! ** Perhaps I ought to get round to actually joining the VMCC some time?

I didn't like to say ..

That's not this Puppers' garage! And what the heck is THAT thing holding the cutters! 🤣 Now that is just cruel. Fancy mentioning the G word when conversing with Mr Bear. A below-the-belt tactic if you ask me Now, on with the planning ...

Morning All! Main activity for the day is planning for a "Special Military Operation". No it's not a war 😂 After that I might go and survey the last two timbers for the pergola and think about finishing it off. Oh yes, I've got to phone the water company to suggest that there might be a teeny weeny error on their latest bill. TTFN

No not me Flavio 😁 Speaking of which; I was walking past a "Fried Chicken" outlet this afternoon (it wasn't KFC as it happens) and a customer staggered out clutching a big bag of "food". I thought to myself by the look of it you certainly don't need that ..... I know, it was very judgemental of me but I just couldn't help myself. Fortunately I only thought it but didn't say it and luckily the person concerned was not reading my mind 😂

Hook, Line and Sinker 🤣

"The Pot Noodle Museum" and "I went to the one in Osaka" (said il Dottore) now that has to be an oxymoron doesn't it? 🤣 Hey, nice E numbers! 😉 I've rumbled you Rick! This new "volunteering" business, protecting the coast is really just an excuse for a new form of train spotting (now there aren't many actual trains to spot) isn't it? Is there an equivalent of the Ian Allan Combined Volume for boats? ION A short thrash was thrashed with a stop off at a local bike shop. Each year in the summer they hold a "Two stroke" day and invite a number of interesting two strokes to be displayed. Seems like a certain ~50 year old, RD200 has got an invitation .... 😀 Mrs Puppers has just visited the garage ......... 😬 It would appear that I got a "Highly commended" for my Henry Hoovering this morning! Now that is a result! TTFN

I see it's left its mark just like all good Beezas should!

Morning! 30+ years ago I had a very "high technology" shed in the back garden for some work I was doing at the time. It was insulated, dry lined, powered, had a couple of PCs, Oscilloscopes, function generators, DMMs and other test equipment in it. It was great and the fact that the junior Puppers were about 5 and 2 at the time and the shed was some way up our very long garden (the plot was ~350' long) was entirely coincidental 😂 When we moved, the shed was disassembled and moved with us where further aeronautical research was conducted for a time. Unfortunately after that it just became a dumping ground for old carp and looking at the state of it now I fear its days are now numbered. Yes but it will forever be PAT testing. Now, I must get on with* the Hoovering ..... * Actually a slight fib 'cos I've already done it, see later We happened to be in Waitrose yesterday and I decided I could no longer hold out on the provision of some PCTs. The trouble was that when I found the most likely looking cabinet it was completely bereft of any such objects (or even the labels to go with them) and the remaining items didn't look anywhere near as appealing. We did buy some "Extra Fruity" Hot Cross buns though which we had for breakfast. They were a complete let down too! Oh, I think it does 🤣 ION I spent most of Sunday machining the new lens mount for the Telecine machine and yesterday I got the machine going again with some new belts (aka O Rings) and a couple of other tweaks and installed and aligned as best I could the new lens + camera + tube combo. Unfortunately despite some promising looking results from the original test lash-up the finished result doesn't cut the mustard and real sharp focus can not be attained plus there's some chromatic aberration to add insult to injury! 🤬 Looking more closely at the unmarked lens I'm beginning to think it was actually part of an old camcorder lens (knowing its source) and not a complete lens in its own right. No doubt other elements in the zoom lens corrected the observed aberrations! That' Turdy Curses with a capital T and a capital C! Oh well, the hunt for a suitable lens continues. What's the chance of me being able to re-use my new lens tube when I find one. Pretty slim I reckon but then I'm a glass 7/8 empty sort of person. Anyway, here's a few pics of the gadget and a sample capture (just to take our minds off food really) I have spent this morning cleaning up the swarf invasion in the garage following the turning exercise. @polybear will be pleased to hear that the lathe would now pass a Robbie Stancombe** muster for cleanliness with all tools cleaned and stored. Can't say the same for the rest of the garage, although Henry the Hoover has been working overtime on the floor for fear of FOD being transferred into the house with the resultant consequences for the ear 'oles! ** Late, great, turning instructor from Hawker Siddeley Dynamics, Hatfield in the '70s. Right, what to do next? I'm tempted to go for a little ride while it's still dry. TTFN

Is it me or do those fines not have enough digits in them? A few 4 or even 5 digit numbers might*make the idiots change their ways! * A forlorn hope I suspect. ION A drawing has been drawn of a device to be whittled out of a chunk of aluminium to hold a lens and a camera in precisely the right position (OK, there's a degree of flexibility built in to get the focus precise) on the butchered 1960's Standard 8 projector aka the telecine machine. Much rooting around** finally produced an ideal chunk of 1.75" Dia ali bar for the item. It's been cut to length, set up in the 4 jaw chuck (it's a bit bigger than my 3 jaw ) and a start has been made to dress it up so that the travelling steady can be used to support it whilst it's machined. Proper machining starts next time. ** Puppers' stock pile of chunky ali bar is now sadly depleted after all those telescope and other gadgets that have been made over recent months. I need an economical source for a re-stock! Got our water bill today. According to the meter we've used 1m3 of water in the last year. I wondered what the smell was. TTFN

Test flight complete. All present and correct. Bike back in garage. Liquid sunshine has now fallen (with some vigour) and now replaced with the dry, bright variety. Now to tackle the Telecine machine's new lens holder. TTFN

Morning All! I was almost an ER this morning and I was up and out in the garden about 8:30. The neighbour currently has a not-fully-occupied skip on his drive and asked if I'd got anything I'd like to put in it. Well, one old broken up pergola and some old wooden garden furniture later ... I was going to lob it over the fence at a suitable position but then I thought the walk from the back garden out to the road and then down his drive would be good exercise so that's what I did. After that I re-fitted the silencer on the RD and made improved mountings for the head temperature sensors. The silencer looks good, sounds good and no longer emits blue smoke half way along its length. Me thinks a short test flight might be in order 😀 TTFN

Good news! The wallet survived the garden centre intact. As it turned into rather a nice afternoon and I haven't been out on the bikes for a while I thought a short bimble (a bimblette maybe?) was in order. About 20 miles to Old Warden and back. It would have been rude to miss a photo opportunity. TTFN

Morning All First, belated birthday and anniversary greeting to @New Haven Neil. It was a busy day yesterday with about a 6 hour stretch working on the pergola which is a very long stretch indeed for Puppers these days. I even missed my lunch! However, I'm happy to report that after some extensive Wysteria weaving the main part of the pergola is complete and doing its job. I've just got the extension on one side to do now which is one horizontal and one vertical. Still, that can wait for another day. Did I mention that a mate welded up a hole in one of the RD's silencers, I can't remember? Anyway having received back just before our trip away last week I thought I'd have a go at painting it with heat resistant black paint. I'd already wire-brushed all of the remaining black paint off (tougher job than I'd imagined it would be), roughed it up a bit with some coarse Emery cloth and it was dry and calm in the back garden. Until I'd got the Workmate out 🙄 My friend had recommended using Simoniz Very High Temperature paint available in a rattle can. He suggested warming the pipe up with a blow torch before painting so I did this particularly as the ambient temp was a bit on the low side. The paint seemed to go on well and it's looking quite reasonable. It's got to cure for 10+ hours so I'll leave it a day or two and then bolt it back on the bike and I can then go and make some more blue smoke. Then I suppose I ought to remove the other one and re-paint that just to balance it up. Whilst I was thinking about (and moving) motorcycles I thought I would start the AJ and the Beeza and get the oil lurking in their sumps back into their oil tanks, that's the trouble with old bikes. The AJ was a bit reluctant as the sump was quite full as its not run for several weeks but we got there in the end. I also noted that the battery is dead so it will need a replacement. The Beeza started second go using my newly devised "Put it in 4th and wind it backwards up to compression using the back wheel" aka the "Grubby Hand" method. This is only necessary because it doesn't have a decompressor fitted and the kick start gearing makes it very difficult indeed to turn it over with the starter and stop just the other side of top dead centre. The GH method saves Puppers from being worn to a frazzle trying to start it conventionally 😀 Right, I'm told we're off to the garden centre. Wish the wallet luck! TTFN