FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - August 2018

Summer is heating up but that does not slow down those telemarketers.  Oh how I hope these guys are working in a non air conditioned facility.  Even better if computers making robocalls are suffering in this heat.

2 August 2018
  310-849-1961  Beverly Hills, CA - Every time I see 1961, it reminds me of Mad Magazine issue #61, from March of 1961, the upside-down issue.  "The first upside-down year since 1881.  The last upside-down year until 6009".

Mad Magazine issue #61

That is about the only good thing about this call.  Telemarketers...fuck you!

  310-849-3019  Beverly Hills, CA - Making up for yesterday, I guess.  Fuck you!

  310-849-9376  Beverly Hills, CA - What, three calls in a day?  Well, fuck you...fuck you...fuck you!

4 August 2018
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - We all recognize this number.  Ah, but so does Call Protect.  That is why your ass was blocked, bitch.  Fuck you!

9 August 2018
  310-849-7714  Beverly Hills, CA - Still spoofing numbers.  At least they are switching up the last four digits.  Fuck you!

13 August 2018
  310-849-5339  Beverly Hills, CA - I wonder if there is a way to block all numbers with the same area code and prefix.  There are only 10,000 possible numbers...how many do you think they will go through until the move on to the next set of numbers?  Fuck you!

   310-849-8553  Beverly Hills, CA - Oh look, here is another number we can block.  Fuck you!

14 August 2018
   310-849-3667  Beverly Hills, CA - Looks like it is going to be one of those weeks.  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 047-050

Issues 047-050

Oh boy, this shipment of parts will test one's patience.  So far, these four issues have taken the longest time to assemble.  Let us get to it.

Issue 047 - Steering Column

Contents of  Issue 047

The steering column will build onto the dash assembly from the last shipment.  This issue is pretty straight forward. I noticed a misprint in the instructions where they shows AP screws to secure the steering column covers. As no AP screws are included with this one, you are supposed to use the BP screws.

The steering wheel and steering column are die-cast.  I think the steering wheel should have a little thicker grip, maybe smaller diameter.  But, great attention to detail on the indicator and wiper levers, they are movable.

Issue 048 - Dash Wiring

Contents of Issue 048

Look at all those wires!  These are not injection molded wires, these are real wires.  This is where you will need to be very patient and have a steady hand.  

Pro tip:  I highly recommend a good set of tweezers, good lighting, and no caffeine.  Since some of the wires look the same, it is a good idea to double check the part with the parts list and part number at the front of magazine.

Work in progress

This is about half way through the issue.  Those nine little wires need to be individually threaded through the bracket before mounting to the glove compartment door.

Finished assembly up to Issue 048

It took about an hour, maybe more, to complete the wiring fest of Issue 048.  Tiny wires need to be plugged into tiny holes.  A good pair of tweezers is your friend. I have not cut my zip ties since the wires themselves have not been secured down.

Excerpt from Issue 047

Normally, in the magazines, you have about 4 pages of build instruction and another 4-6 pages of behind the scenes production notes and articles.  Well, this issue used almost the entire magazine as build instruction with only one page of production notes.  On to the next wire-a-thon.

Issue 049 - Seat Belt and Center Console Wiring

Contents of Issue 049

Oh look, more wires.  Luckily, this one is not as difficult and patient testing as Issue 048.  Simple routing of the wires, locking in the wires (from this and previous issue) with brackets, and zip tying.

We get a new screw!  The IP screw is introduced in this Issue.

Issue 050 - Driver's Seat

Contents of  Issue 050

Uh, the seats are die cast metal?  Yes, the core structure is die cast with a vinyl like cover to simulate the leather.  There are even foam cushion piece in between the metal and vinyl to give it that plushy feel.

The seat it mounted to the interior floor.  Note the slots on the floor.  Yes!  The seats are adjustable...and you can slightly adjust the recline of the seat.  You get about as much movement as your standard airline seat.

Assembled parts up to Issue 050

Again, look at all those wires!  The two cable ties on the passenger side will be tightened and trimmed once the passenger seat is installed in next issue.

Front part of interior almost complete

I can only imagine the fun times Joe Walser and the Time Machine Restoration Team had when they had lay down the wires and cables in full size.

Not a lot of screws in this shipment.  They more than made up for that in wires.  There are more wires in this shipment than your average Yeun Woo Ping movie.

Here is the screw count so far:

46-AP, 12-BP, 2-CP, 12-AM, 11-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 17-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 13-FP, 2-JM, 2-HP, 2-GP, 3-NM, 1-MM, 3-KM, 1-LM, 1-IP

to be continued...

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines

Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines

I got this from my Eaglemoss subscription.  This is a collection of Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines, a collection of series of comic books that came out about two years ago.  The series is written by Back to the Future creator Bob Gale.

Note that this was not "bonus" issue.  I have seen a few 'complaints' about this on various forums and social media groups.  Apparently, you had a chance to opt out of receiving a copy of this, but I guess I missed that email.  You will be charged $24.95 for this graphic novel.  Good thing I did not have this yet.  Also note that that this is a special Eaglemoss Edition of the readily available graphic novel from IDW Publishing.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - July 2018

Oh snap!  We are half way through the year and well in to the Summer season.

2 July 2018
  607-542-3928  Corning, NY - Normally, I would be talking shit about a town named 'Corning".  I mean, there are many ways I can go with this.  But...I know that The Corning Museum of Glass is there, and that is an awesome place.  Not that I have been there, but I have seen many demonstrations, via video and live, of their work in glass.  Someday, I would like to visit the museum.  Oh, where was I?  Yes...telemarketers, fuck you!

Update:  I noticed I had a voicemail, three days after this call.  The phone transcribed the message, obviously from the middle of their generic recording.  I purposely have a long intro for this situation.

"serious allegations"

Dude, "four serious allegations pressed on my name".  What you mean by 'pressed'?  Like embossed?  At least they say thank you...Fuck you!

5 July 2018
  310-849-2682  Beverly Hills, CA - Good to know that telemarketers and robots get Independence Day off.  America, what a country.  But, right after the fireworks, these fuck nuggets are right back at it.  Fuck you!

Only unlisted numbers call me

  310-849-8148  Beverly Hills, CA - Ah, see?  Telemarketers and robots are just like us.  They get National Holidays off, but have a shitload to catch up on the next day.  So, I get a second call...as always, do not pick up unlisted numbers. And, as always, fuck you!

7 July 2018
  251-239-3024  Alabama - Sweet, Call Protect intercepted this one and labeled it as "Potential Fraud" and auto-blocked the number.   

251-239-3024

 Also, "Threat:  Severe" and 129 reports logged.  Fuck you!

9 July 2018
  310-849-3772  Beverly Hills, CA - Here I am, looking through photos on my phone.  All of the sudden, I get interrupted by an incoming call.  These fucking telemarketers.  Argh!  Fuck you!

10 July 2018
  310-843-5578  Beverly Hills, CA - Slightly different prefix, but same city...and same old shitfaced telemarketers.  Fuck you!

16 July 2018
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - Wait has it almost been a week since my last call?  Holy shit, you guys are slackers.  Watch, I will receive calls all week.  Anyway, we all know this number by now.  Heck, even Call Protect knows as it was intercepted by that fine app. Call Protect, thank you.  Telemarketer, fuck you!

  251-239-3024  Alabama - Two calls blocked by Call Protect.  Notice the call from earlier this month, also from Alabama.  I wonder if the telemarketer headquarters is in Alabama and they just forgot to spoof their number on this one.  Stupid idiots, fuck you!

24 July 2018
  310-849-2505  Beverly Hills, CA - Another week long break.  What, were you guys at Comic Con or something?  Fuck you!

323-723-3174

  323-723-3174  Los Angeles, CA - I love it when the phone tag these calls.  Fuck you!

25 July 2018
  304-553-0136  Charleston, WV - Who dis?

304-553-0136

Ah, 'suspected spam'.  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 043-046

Issues 043-046

The shipments are coming in a little faster than every four weeks.  I do not mind this at all.  Perhaps in a few months the wave one North America subscribers will catch up to the UK subscribers.  Keep it coming, as we are about thirty issues ahead

Issue 043 - Time Circuit Switch

Contents of Issue 043

Another exciting issue, the time circuit switch.  Pretty straight forward build.  Lots of great detail in the graphics and labeling of the parts.  The switched on the base are real switches that will no doube be turn on/off some cool stuff.

The parts assemble on the the center console from the last issue (042).

Issue 044 - Dashboard

Contents of Issue 044

Nothing fancy here.  Just three pieces that are screwed into each other.  Some of the detail is lacking on the sculpt.  For example, there should be speaker hole on the left hand (driver) side of the dash.  Only the right hand (passenger) side has speaker holes.  Some of the corners should also be a little more rounded.

Issue 045 - Binnacle

Contents of Issue 045

Like the Time Circuits, the Binnacle is back like with LED's mounted on a circuit board.  Even the top mounted digital speedometer is back lit.

The display in the binnacle has been corrected.  The earlier (UK) versions had an upside down DMC logo, which made it look like DWC.  Everything here looks correct, including the 95 mph speedometer.

The assembled binnacle is mounted on the dashboard.

Issue 046 - Plutonium Gauge

Contents of Issue 046

The plutonium gauges are back lit and 'linked' to the binnacle lights as the wires are directly connected to each other.  Connecting these two wires felt a little bit like Doc Brown on top of the clock tower.

Parts of this issue are directed mounted on to the dash.  The finished assembly of this shipment should look like this:

Assembled parts from this shipment

Neither the center console nor dashboard are ready to be mounted to the interior at this time.

Now, here is something you will really like...

45-AP, 11-BP, 2-CP, 12-AM, 10-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 16-DM, 2-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 11-FP, 2-JM, 1-HP, 1-GP, 3-NM, 1-MM, 3-KM, 1-LM

to be continued...

DeLorean Splinters

If you are cursed with DeLorean ownership, surely you have dived into the fuse and relay compartment a few times.  Because of the awesome materials used and detailed finishing, you no doubt have received a splinter or two.

Luckily, for me, I have avoided the being stabbed by Dunmurry plywood...until now.

Casualties of DeLorean ownership

No big deal.  It could have been worse.

Lifting Rear Deckboard

But, I have noticed that every time I needed to plunge into the fuse and relay compartment, I always almost embed a wooded shard into my hand while lifting the passenger side Rear Deckboard.

Rear Deckboard - #106176

Every time I run my hand around the edge of the plywood cover, I run the risk of getting splinters...like I did today.

Ah!  There is a simple solution!

Hockey sock tape

All you need is tape.  I have a few rolls of clear hockey sock tape that I never use for hockey.  I use reusable straps to secure my socks. One time purchase and no waste of tape or money.

Where was I?  Oh, any thick plastic tape that is about an inch wide will work.  

Taping the edge

Center the tape along the edge and tape around the perimeter.  I started around the bottom left and followed the edge, all in one long strip.  You will want to make this in one pass so the tape edges do not get caught on the parcel shelf carpet.  Avoid stretching the tape too much while laying it down.

Finished laying tape

No need to tape the bottom edge.  Make sure the tape is centered on the edge of the plywood.  Once the tape is laid down, it should look like the image above.

Cut darts

Now the fun part.  Use a knife or scissors to cut darts in every corner, both sides.

Starting with the long curved side on the left, start folding over the tape on both sides of the deckboard.  On the top curve, cut two darts about 1cm from center.  See image above.

Finally, wrap over the straight edges...and you are done.

Finished deckboard

Now, your hands are protected by splinters.  Bonus:  Your carpet is also protected by the rough edges of the plywood.  You will notice the deckboard will easily glide along the carpet the next time you remove/install the #106176.

I do not access the other side that much, but a good idea to tape that up as well and save some skin and carpet.

Hanging Out with the Co-Founders of Bremont

The English Tour with Bremont co-founders Nick and Giles English hits the West Coast this year.  Along the way, they stopped by Feldmar Watch Company on Pico in Los Angeles.  I got a chance to attend and meet Nick and Giles.

Bonus:  The event was also the unveiling of a new Limited Edition watch.

Nick's 1970 Series II Jaguar E-Type

Nick brought his Jaguar while Giles drove his Porsche

Giles' 1973 Porsche 911T

Since Feldmar does not have a parking lot, the boys parked their cars right on the sidewalk.  I thought about bringing my car, but the lack of parking changed my mind.  I found out later that they would have let me park in front, too.

Mingling at Felmar

Karaoke

I know it looks like Nick and Giles are doing a karaoke duet.  But, they did a quick intro to the brand and their tour.  A video was shown to get the crowd of about 50 pumped up about the brand.  I was already pumped to be there.

Carol, Giles, Scott (owner of Feldmar) and Nick

Giles and Mark Healey

The team introduced new brand ambassador Mark Healey.  Mark is basically Aquaman.  He surfs huge 60 feet waves, free dives to 160 feet deep, holds his breath for 2 minutes under water (over 6 minutes on land).  These photo are rare images of Mark on land.

Fish and Chips

After a brief introduction we were presented with a video about the new Limited Edition Waterman.  Limited to 300 pieces, based on the S2000 with GMT (like the Terra Nova and Endurance LE's). A white dial with blue lume, sapphire crystal and bezel, with sapphire display caseback.  Oh, and the strap...a black nylon strap with red stitching.

Kevin unveils the 2018 collection

Kevin, the new North American Director of Sales was there.  He unveiled the 2018 collection along with the new Limited Editions.

Limited Edition Waterman

Look at that strap!

I was the first to try on the new Limited Edition Waterman.  This was a prototype as it did not have markings on the back.

Limited Edition 1918

Had to check out the rotor on the Limited Edition 1918.  Such a beautiful piece.

Photo with Mark, Nick, and Giles

Spent some time looking at the other Bremonts on site as well as other watches that were on the floor.  I brought my Bremont cap for the boys to sign...and a silver pen.  Nick remembered me from the last Bremont event at Feldmar, over two years ago. 

Nick signing my Bremont cap

Argh, I forgot to ask Nick and Giles about getting a Bremont MBI on Tom Cruise for Top Gun:  Maverick.

Wrist shot

The obligatory wrist shot.  Nick is wearing an AIRCO MACH 1 with grey canvas NATO strap. I am wearing n MBIII with grey canvas NATO strap.  Giles has the U-2 on a Hambleden leather NATO strap.

Waterman

One final shot of the Limited Edition Waterman with my signed Bremont cap.

Thanks to Nick, Giles, Carol, and Kevin, and everyone at Bremont.  Also Scott, Jamie, Ben, Fred, and everyone at Feldmar Watch Company for hosting a wonderful event.