Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 106-109

Another shipment, another "skipment". 

Missing Issues:  076, 077, 085, 086, 087, 092, 095, 096, 099, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105

That is 15 issues missing...which in total, is more than 10% of the entire build.  Issues 099-105 were skipped since the last shipment.  That is seven issues!  Almost two full shipments.

Issues 106-109

Again, nothing I can really build because these parts assemble on top of parts we are missing.  Anyway, here is what you get in Issues 106-109:

Issue 106 - Rear Flux Boxes

Contents of Issue 106

Oh, more wires.  Maybe something lights up...who knows?

Issue 107 - Driver's Side Flux Bands

Contents of Issue 107

Looks like there are photoetched parts to create that 'holey' look of the flex bands.  I had photoetched parts on the Hot Wheels Elite Time Machine, and  as I recall, they were expensive to make.  So, on a positive note, Eaglemoss is spending money on photoetched parts.  Too bad they are no spending money on getting me the 15 missing parts.

Issue 108 - Passenger Side Flux Bands

Contents of Issue 108

Once you finish one side of flux bands, you get to do the other side of flux bands...that is, if you have all the parts.  Or, you can be like me and wait...and hope...for (usable) parts to come.

Issue 109 - Time Field Generator

Issue 109 contents

They call these hoses and cables "Time Field Generator".  I am not sure what they are talking about.  These are the cables and hoses that run from the top flux boxes to the rear deck. 

Apologies for another boring post with no real updates.  I know you are here to see the screw count. Unfortunately, one has to play with the cards that one is dealt, and I got nothing. 

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - February 2020

Since this year is a Leap Year, I wonder if I will get a call on Leap Day.

1 February 2020
  562-548-5014  California - First of the month...and on a Saturday.  Luckily, it seems like Call Protect is working again, and blocked the call.  At least we know that Call Protect is running again.  As for the telemarketer, you know the drill...fuck you!

5 February 2020
  310-272-9395  Beverly Hills, CA - I guess we area going back to the Beverly Hills number for this month. Boring. Fuck you!

10 February 2020
  310-849-9096  Beverly Hills, CA - Another spoofed number from a telemarketer/scammer.  Fuck you!

  701-989-7533  Bismarck, ND - This is interesting.  The call came through, yet also intercepted by Call Protect.

701-989-7533

No matter, since I 'missed' the call.  Looks like it will be a week of calls.  Stay tuned, and fuck you!

11 February 2020
  408-469-2252  Sunnyvale, CA - Could be a wrong number, but I am leaning to another spoofed number from your friendly neighbourhood telemarketer.  Fuck you!

19 February 2020
  559-596-3909  Dinuba, CA -  Dinuba?  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 093, 094, 097, 098

So, I kinda made the "Screw Count" my thing.  Speaking of screws, it feels like we are getting screwed here.  While we have another shipment of parts, we also have more issues missing and it keeps us from moving forward with our build.

This also means I get to introduce an new 'segment' on this build series.  In addition to "Screw Count" at the end of every post, I will have a "Missing Issues" at the beginning.

Missing Issues:  076, 077, 085, 086, 087, 092, 095, 096  

A total of  eight issues, which Eaglemoss could easily make up in two shipments.  Let us get to the latest shipment.

Issues 093, 094, 097, 098

At first, it looks like only issues 095-096 are on back order.  Well, if you remember, we last left off at 091...so they skipped 092. 

Heads up, this post will have no build comments.  Just me bitching this poorly handled subscription service.  Feel free to read on or skip.

Issue 093 - Front Bumper

Contents of Issue 093

It was pretty cool to see the front bumper when I opened the box.  I was a little excited, but knew only disappointment awaits.  There is additional wiring for the headlights.

In our current situation, we can assemble these parts, but really, what is the point?  We are unable to merge this to the main body without the missing parts.

Issue 094 - Front Valance

Contents of Issue 094

While this can be assembled and merged with 093, why bother?  Next step would be to mount on to body...which is not finished because of missing parts.  I would just be left with another part sitting off to the side.  We already have an abundance of parts that are half assembled. Better to keep these in their protective packaging than to risk possible damage.

Issue 097 - Right Rocker Panel and Step Plate

Contents of Issue 097

With 077, 087 on back order, I was expecting 097 to suffer the same fate.  I thought this would be something I could assemble on what I have.  But, without the right front fender, fitting these pieces is another no go.

Issue 098 - Front Flux Boxes

Contents of Issue 098

Again, no right front fender means no place to mount these flux boxes.  Also, with 093 and 094 not joined to the main body, there is no way to mount the piping.  Of course, it would help to have the flux band brackets to mount the piping, but the Issue for those are on back order.

Well, there you have it, the latest shipment.  Not much to present.  Since I did not assemble anything, there is also no Screw Count as this time.  I could go on and on, but I think that is enough bitching for this post.  I will save it for the next shipment, as I am sure there will be Issues missing from that, as well.

to be continued...(hopefully)

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 088-091

Issues 088-091

Good news:  We have a shipment!  Remember I said the previous shipment might be the last of the year?  Well turns out that this came in whilst I was on holiday, so I did not get to it until the new year.

Bad news:  Still waiting on Issues 076 and 077

More bad news:  Also waiting on 085, 086 and 087.  So now, we are missing five issues.

Well, I guess we should get to what we can build...

Issue 088 - Seat Belts

Contents of Issues 088

This issue finishes up the interior around the doors, and has the seat belts.  While assembling and looking at the directions, I noticed some pieces missing on my build.  I figured these were included in 076 and 077, parts that should have been here months ago.  Anyway, we build on.

Issue 089 - Engine Cover

Contents of Issue 089

Other than the small QM screws, this is a very easy assembly.  All that is done is mounting the hinges on the heavy die-cast engine cover with tiny tiny screws. 

Issue 090 - Engine Cover Fittings

Contents of Issue 090

At this point, I realized that I was missing more than just Issues 076 and 077.  There is a lot of pieces  missing and assembly that is has yet to be done.  Now five issues behind, I am unable to complete some of the assembly

Issue 091 - Air Filter, More Wiring

Contents of Issue 091

With the five issues missing (I am just going to mention it every chance I get, thanks Eaglemoss), the only part I can move forward with is the air filter.

I still have remaining parts from 078 that have been sitting since November...but I should have received those parts in 2018.

This kinda messes up the screw count as some parts could not be assembled.  But, from the bags that were accessed, this is the latest screw count:

72-AP, 20-BP, 2-CP, 22-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 27-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 19-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 11-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 3-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 3-QM, 1-LP, 4-MP

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - January 2020

I started logging every received telemarketing call in late 2010.  So, I have been doing this shit for almost ten years, and I know this will never stop.

Through the decade, we have tried answering the calls and kindly asking them to stop calling. Attempts of reporting numbers to the Do Not Call Registry with, surprise, no results. In the last couple of years, we have technology to 'help' us, such as apps like Call Protect.  While it works on occasion, unwanted calls still slip through.  Additional technology like "Silence Unknown Numbers" do work.  As mentioned, this setting prevents the calls from coming in, but you get a notice of a missed call.  At least it does not disrupt your moment, and you only really know of the call when you happen to check your phone hours later.

Nothing has stopped or slowed down the telemarketers.  Those fuckers are always a step ahead, with sneaky tactics such as spoofing.

While I enjoy writing snarky statements with each call, it is hard to come up with exciting and engaging statements for...well, really no one but myself. Maybe it is time to retire this series.

4 January 2020
  855-454-7088  Unknown - First of the year, first of the decade...and on a fucking Saturday.  Other  numbers with different suffixes are linked to telemarketing scams.  So, it is safe to assume that this is also a Nazi terrorist telemarketer.  Fuck you!

7 January 2020
  855-454-7048  Unknown -  Oh, I see.  We are just gonna have to sit through all the 855-454-70XX numbers.  Fuck you!

8 January 2020
  818-309-2710  Unknown - This came up as 'unknown', but I am pretty sure the 818 area code is Los Angeles.  Search results rate this number as a 'negative' call.  So, fuck you!

9 January 2020
  855-448-1348  Unknown -  I guess this is the month that we get calls from the 855 area code, Virginia.  That is all we "know" of the "unknown".  Fuck you!

10 January 2020
   855-454-7086  Unknown - So far, the theory of using up these all these numbers is holding water.  Fuck you!

13 January 2020
  855-454-0920  Unknown - Okay.  Seems like 2020 is looking to be the year of Virginia based calls.  Keeping it consistent, good New Year's resolution. Fuck you!

23 January 2020
  855-448-2317  Unknown - Could this be, a ten day gap between calls?  This is one of the longest call droughts in recent memory, other than me turning off the phone whilst on holiday.  Ten day gap pretty much guarantees  a shit load if calls coming my way.  As you can see, the Virginia numbers are still being used this month. Fuck you!

24 January 2020
  855-454-0915  Unknown - Fucking Virginia.  Fuck you!

27 January 2020
   267-435-9464  Flourtown, PA - Flourtown?  Not Virginia?  Obviously, I searched for the number, and the first result to come up was obviously...wait for it..."Robokiller Lookup".  Well, the robot left a voicemail.  Not that I listened to it, I just skim through the transcript.  Here is the voicemail they left:

267-435-9464

So, they call from one number, but want me to call back to a different number.  This number, 949-668-7772 is in the Costa Mesa, CA area.  That is on the other side of the country!  First result of a search..."Student Loan Scam".  Ha, jokes is on you if you think that 1. I have an education.  2. That education is/was worth paying for.  Fuck you!

29 January 2020
  562-226-7389  Norwalk, CA - Looks like they are spoofing numbers again.  Done with Virginia, moving to California.  Fuck you!

  530-623-5909  Weaverville, CA -  Weaverville totally sounds like a made-up Dr Seuss town. 

A call from Weaverville,

I wonder who.

Does not matter if spoofed or not

So, fuck you!

  650-362-6493  Redwood City, CA - Whoa! Three calls in a day from three different parts of California.  No wonder people hate Californians.  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 081-084

Still waiting on Issues 076 and 077.  But, at least we have something. 

Issues 081-084

This might be the last shipment of the year.  So, here we go!

Issue 081 - Engine Surround

Contents of Issue 081

Not sure why they call this "Engine Surround".  This is known in the the DeLorean world at the (rear) pontoon. Very easy build in this issue, with only five parts.  The 'BBQ grill" is three parts that requires no screws, while the two "cake molds" need two screws.  Done.

Fun fact.  There were two basic pontoons available for the DeLorean.  The early 1981 models had the rare textured pontoons while later 1981 (and on) models had smooth pontoons.  There was also at least two known texture patterns on the textured pontoons.  The screen used DeLorean Time Machine has the common smooth pontoons as represented in this model.

Issue 082 - Wires, Canisters, and Pucks

Contents of Issue 082

They also called this issue "Engine Surround".  Everyone will refer to this as the hockey puck issue.

We have a new screw!  The MP screw is a tiny screw and the first silver (nickel plated?) screws.  These are used to screw the three tiny sets of wires to three red canisters.  That is nine total screws and wires.  Fun times!

Issue 083 - Green Tubes

Contents of Issue 083

Again they call this "Engine Surround".  Come on, once you mention "Green Tubes", everyone will know what you are talking about. 

This issues has more wires, if you are in to that.  I kinda dig the coiling of the wires on this, attention to detail is amazing.  Of course you have the green tubes.

Fun fact.  The green tubes were originally from a fighter jet...or was is helicopter.  Pretty sure it was an F-16 fighter jet.  When the Time Machine Restoration Team was working on the green tubes, they found the manufacturer to make new ones.  But, since they were from a classified area of a military aircraft, they could not make any for the team.  Luckily, the original green tubes were modified before being attached to the car. So, the team convinced the manufacture to make a set, then modify the tubes.  That way the tubes were no longer 'classified' information.

Issue 084 - Engine Bay

Contents of Issue 084

Okay, we can go with "Engine Bay" with this one.  After all the complexity of wiring and small screws, this is a relatively easy issue to assemble.  Lots of molded in detail along the walls of the engine bay.  They only separated part is the old coolant overflow tank.  They even painted it to match the original 'aged-yellow plastic' colour. 

Once these parts (Issue 081-084) are assembled, it should look like this...at least this is what I ended up with.

Assembled 081-084

Hoping the 'missing' issues (076 and 077) arrive with the next shipment.  Also hoping that there will be no five or seven month delay next year. 

The end of the year screw count:

70-AP, 19-BP, 2-CP, 22-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 26-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 18-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 11-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 2-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 2-QM, 1-LP, 4-MP

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - December 2019

Last month of the year, and making that final push.

2 December 2019
  909-287-1515  Chino, CA - I wonder if Chino pants originated from Chino, CA.  Fuck you!

  424-353-0526  Los Angeles, CA - Looks like I have been 'naughty' this year...or, is this what one gets for being 'nice'?  Two calls in one day.  Fuck you!

12 December 2019

  213-810-7579  Los Angeles, CA - Even on holiday, these guys will get to you. Phone was turned off, but when I turned it on, I found a voicemail from this number. Only thing that was recorded on the voicemail was the robot hanging up thine phone. Fuck you!

20 December 2019

  213-802-9254  Los Angeles, CA - Still on holiday. Same MO as the last call, voicemail of nothing. Fuck you!

  800-632-2737  Unknown - Yeah, “unknown”. This one also left a voicemail...another one of those Chinese marketing scams. Fuck you!

27 December 2019

  763-244-3272  Cambridge, MN - Used the Google machine and this came up:

763-244-3272

"Robocaller Warning!"  "...most rated as negative Unsolicited call."  Fuck you!

30 December 2019

  213-417-9921 - Los Angeles, CA - One more before the end of the year?  Fuck you! 

  562-299-8634 - Downey, CA - Oh, really cramming it in before the new year starts.  As I mention before, I had not been getting calls whilst on holiday.  I wonder if there location tracking has something to do with telemarketing calls.  It could be coincidence...you never know.  Fuck you!

31 December 2019
  310-979-8984  Los Angeles, CA - I hope someone sticks a fireworks up these telemarketers' asses, and light them with a flame thrower.  That would be a great way to ring in the new year.  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 074, 078, 079, 080

Good news:  we have another shipment.  Bad news:  they skipped some issues in this shipment...again.  Just one you think you are on track.  Issues 076 and 077 are missing, so we 'fast forward' to 079 and 080.

Issues 074, 078, 079, 080

As mentioned, there were problems with Issue 074.  Looks liked they solved the problems and also included an extra parts bag for 074.  I will get to details later.

Shipment included two parts bags for 074

Issue 074 - Fitting Passenger Door

This is just like the Driver's Door from Issue 070...way back in April.  I waited six months for these parts.  Finally, we can finish the door.

Contents of Issue 074

Oh, remember the T-Panel from 075?  If you were impatient, like me, and installed it, you will have to remove it to install the passenger door.  Just keep track of the screws and reinstall after 074.

Here is my theory on the delay of 074, the QM screws.  If you recall, I mentioned that the QM screws were kinda small to hold up the doors.  Well, looks like the 'fix' was to give us new QM screws.  I am guessing the reason for the two bags...so you have an extra bag of screws??? Why not just send us a new dine bag of QM screws.  Then again, I could be totally wrong and they just did not make enough copies to fulfill subscriptions and subscribers like me are ten months behind thanks to these totally controllable situations.

New QM (left) compared to old QM (right)

Anyway, the new QM is shorter have a wider head (see above).

Pro tip:  Change out all the old QM from your driver's door to the new QM.  This includes the strut plate.  Being a shorter screw, the plate will actually sit flush with the frame.  While still small, the new QM will hold the door hinges better and be more flush when you mount the struts to the doors.

Issue 078 - Left Rear Panel Parts

Contents of Issue 078

So, you will need the Left Rear Panel first, before you tackle these parts.  Hold on to these and wait for 076 and 077.  Argh, so frustrating!

Issue 079 - Right Rear Panel

Contents of Issue 079

One large piece of metal and a small piece of plastic.  This is one is simple.

You can see an 'L-bar' in the photo.  I have no idea what this is, it does not fit into anything from this shipment and does not appear on the parts list.  Again, best to set it aside.

Issue 080 - Right Rear Panel Parts

Contents of Issue 080

Lots of small parts, lots of small screws...and a new screw comes in, the LP!

There are many fluxband brackets in this bag.  Pay attention to the instructions as the brackets are individually labeled.  Pretty exciting to see the car take shape.

Once completed, you get to mount this on the frame.  Just need 076 and 077 for the other rear panel.  It should look like this:

Almost there

Another pro tip:  I use rubber bands to keep the hood (bonnet) and doors from flopping around.  Also be mindful of the side mirrors as they are flimsy and you can break them off.  Ask me how I know.  I suggest you remove the mirrors and set them aside until the body is mounted to the chassis.

The current extra screw count:

65-AP, 18-BP, 2-CP, 20-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 25-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 18-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 11-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 2-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 2-QM, LP-1

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2019

With the end of Daylight Savings Time we go back to "Standard" time.  Fun fact:  Standard time is only "standard" from November to March...just five months.  Daylight Savings Time while not the standards lasts seven months.  I have a many thoughts on time change if you are really interested.  Anyway...

4 November 2019
  614-407-8577  Unknown -  Came up as 'unknown', but the Google says the call originates from Ohio.  I say this is another telemarketer.  Fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - This is apparently a toll free number.  Search results in suspected spam with over 12,000 detected calls.  Fuck you!

5 November 2019
  310-922-3053  Los Angeles, CA - I kinda miss those old Beverly Hills numbers. Wait, did they finally run out of those numbers to spoof?  Fuck you!

  719-401-9026  Peyton, CO - Nothing came up on initial search.  So, we default to spoofed number.  Typical, fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - Well, we know who these guys are, they called yesterday.  I have a feeling they will be calling a few more times before the month is over. Fuck you!

  844-209-3433  Unknown - Argh, I need to remember to block these numbers as soon as possible. Twice in one day and three times in two days. Fuck you!

12 November 2019
  310-820-1834  Los Angeles, CA - Update:  I blocked that 'unknown' number last week...been call free since.  So, I guess it took them a week to get their shit together, using another (I assume) spoofed number.  Fuck you!

14 November 2019
  711-711 - Another one of those automated texts.  But sadly, it was not from 7-Eleven informing me that I had just won a lifetime of Slurpees.

711-711

 Surprise, I did not sign up for anything.  What the fuck is 7Rewards?  Not even going to Google it.  Oh, wait, 800 points?  Clearly, this is telemarketing.  I mean it says right there, "opt-in to SMS marketing"...which translates to, "reply so we can confirm your number to telemarketing".  Fuck you!

25 November 2019
  951-902-5519 - Another text message.  But, this one is a bit different.

Looks like ten other people were also attacked on this mass text...as if we all know each other.  I can see it now, some fucking idiot is going to 'reply all' and we all know how that goes.  Fuck you!

26 November 2019
 424-419-0154  United States - Why do some of the search results lead to site with Russian writing.   Uh, no.  Fuck you!

29 November 2019
  818-533-9125  Los Angeles, CA - A Black Friday call?  Wait, do robocallers celebrate Thanksgiving with other automated systems?  I am surprised to not receive calls yesterday.  Seem like it would be a good time to call since everyone would be home with their families.  Anyway, this is another (I assume) spoofed number from the Los Angeles area. Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 071, 072, 073, 075

Well, look what finally showed up after more than five months.  The last shipment came in late April.  If you recall, last year, I also had to wait five months for parts as there is was delay from July to December.  I am pretty much expecting another five month (or more) wait next year.  I really hope Eaglemoss gets their shit together. 

Issues 071, 072, 073, 075

Here are the Issues in the shipment. Oh wait.  Do you see something missing?   The problem is with Issue 074.  This is what caused the delay in the first place.  Apparently, after five months, Eaglemoss still has not fixed the matter with Issue 074.  I have no idea what the problems are, whether it is with parts....which, by now, should have been solved.  Or, with the printed portion...again, should be been solved by now.

By the way, if you remember from the last shipment, we assembled the Driver's Side Door.  This shipment is, of course, the Passenger Side Door.  Issue 074 is the head liner, which is basically Issue 070, but flipped.  Anyway, we should get to the build.

Issue 071 - Passenger Door Details

Issue 071 assembled

Yeah, it had been so long, I totally forgot to take the parts contents photo.  As mentioned this is the same as the Driver's Side Door, just mirrored.  No real surprises.

Issue 072 - Passenger Door Lights

Contents of Issue 072

Hey, I remembered to take a photo this time.

Issue 073 - Passenger Door

Contents of Issue 073

Again, pretty straight forward here.  Just think, the last time I worked on this, it was about two weeks into the NHL playoffs. Right now, we are two weeks into the new season. 

So, after you are done with 073, you need 074 to install the passenger door to the frame.  You are kinda stuck here with another piece that you need to store whilst you wait for the next issue.

Pro tip:  Use the vacuum-formed tray to store your assembled door.

Issue 075 - T-Panel

Contents of Issue 075

You can assemble and install the T-Panel without installing the passenger door.

While there are no new screws in this shipment, Issue 075 does introduce the first pair of fluxband brackets. 

Look! Fluxband brackets!

Here is the current extra screw count:

62-AP, 18-BP, 2-CP, 20-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 23-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 18-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 10-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 1-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 1-QM

to be continued...