I have added a new SVN service to my server to host my code projects, it isnt public but its just more of a link for me.

Remote control cars.. i used to have an electric RC car when i was... i dont know about 12ish i guess but i always hankered after getting a nitro powered one.

I have thought about getting one time after time but could never justify the cost as they are quite expensive to buy a kit and run, that and then the fact i have no where to really give it a good thrashing.

However after looking around various model websites i found that i only live 20 mins from a proper RallyCross track at Nelson which got me even more intrested, perhaps if i was going to race regularly i could justify buying a kit!

So today i took Max(my 5yr son) down to Pendle & District Model Car Club over at Nelson for the day to watch the racing.

After a watching a couple of races i was absolutely fascinated by these little machines, it was clear to see that these were no mear toys! but proper little race cars. Watching the qualifying heats it was easy to see the difference between a well setup car and how it handled the bumps and getting the power down, to a not so well setup car. This got me hooked there and then

Well finally got my certificate from the DVLA to allow me to get get my number plates:) , nipped down to the local motor factors to get them printed, got home and they took far to bloody long to attach to the car!

Felt really good to finally get a proper drive in the car now i have had the proper Dynojet kitted for the carbs, the suspension definately needs some attention as the backend bottoms out far too early. But bloody hell is it a different experience to anything i have ever driven!, really need to keep the fireblade engine above ~6,000 rpm to get the cams on song and by jebus does it pull when you do, gave me a right grin from ear to ear!

Took the LocoBlade down to Chadderton for my re-re-test yesterday, just had to pass the noise requirement of 101db, i had ordered a DBkiller baffle insert but it just didn’t sound quite enough so i modded it with a bit of tubing to lengthen it and added a bung on the end to force the gasses round into the actual silencer though the perforated tubing.

When on the test the SVA chap said it was well under which in my excitement forgot to ask the actual reading!. Still its passed now so just the DVLA to deal with!

I had the SVA retest on Friday and it passed with flying colours all the points from the previous fail except the noise:(

Lined the bonnet with carpet and that only brought it down to 103DB! still need to lose another 2DB from that to pass.

On the plus side the LocoBlade is now fully insured so i could drive it the test and back. I must admit i was quite nervous about it breaking down! the only thing that did go wrong was the indicator switch came a bit lose but that was it so i must admit i was quite proud that, that was the worst to happen!.

Even though i failed it was an absolute joy to drive the car for the first time on the 70 mile round trip and boy does it shift :D

DB killer insert for the exhaust is ordered so i will be re-booking the test shortly once i manage to borrow a sound meter to ensure it will pass.

Today was the day i had been dreading for quite some time, for today was my appointment for the Locoblade to have its Single Vehicle Approval test so that i can drive it on the road...

It failed, however it wasn't as bad as i thought it could of been, passed somethings i thought would fail and some things didn't that i thought would.

My list of stuff that failed/todo:

1. Rear harness belts points need trim round them.
2. Steering wheel bracket needs foam round each end where its welded to the top rail.
3. Refix the mirrors to provide proper field of vision.
4. 4. Supply fuel hose cert and fixing pictures.
5. 5. Near side rear brake/side light need switching over so the correct bulb is switched on (swap wires!).
6. Rear fog light bottom edge to be rounded to 2.5 radius.
7. Brake fluid warning light needs to be illuminated (Get clear sticker over the top of dash).
8. Cannot see roll pins in balance bar. Get longer pins for balance bar or lock nut and pin ends.
9. Excessive nose 103db, limit is 101db, need to get exhaust wadding.
10. Excessive emissions over 3.5%CO.
11. 11. Setup Digidash so that MPH is displayed at all times, needs MPH sticker.
12. Remake brake fluid reservoir bracket.