Yesterday, I heard from SAM Publications that I will be allowed to refer readers of this website to past publications of F1 model articles I have written, within magazines in their publishing group (Scale Auto Modeller and Scale Models International).

I hope therefore to do this within the limitations of copyright, as set-out in communications with SAM Publications. Watch this space!

Today, in celebration of Emerson Fittipaldi’s birthday, the full text content and a good selection of photographs of the 1/12 scale McLaren M23/5 is available for your enjoyment; look under ‘Cars’ etc if you want to go the long way round. This was Emerson’s 1974 title winning beauty.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to the Racing Lotus Film Festival on Saturday November 13th, (the event being first held in 2008). This year, the Lotus 72, Jochen Rindt and the Lotus 18 (Lotus’ first really successful race car) were all celebrated in films. Additionally, guest speaker panels (mechanics and drivers) Bob Dance, Tony Robinson (Lotus 18), Gordon Huckle, Dick Scammell, John Miles (Lotus 72) and Erich Walitsch (www.jochen-rindt.at) each contributed in a most fascinating way with reminiscences, technical discussion and nostalgic recollection of working together. There were books for sale (Hortons) and also a photographic gallery (Jarrotts). This was followed by a gala dinner on the Saturday evening at which Bob Dance was guest speaker. The whole event was hosted by accomplished  author Michael Oliver (Lotus 49 – the story of a legend and Lotus 72- Formula One Icon). I was able to exhibit my 1/12 Lotus 49/R1 to enable those who worked on the real car to enjoy nostalgic recollections. The venue was Eynsham Hall, near Witney, Oxfordshire.

Today it is my twin sons Philip and Thomas’ 16th birthday, also the anniversary of Jochen Rindt’s fatal accident at Monza in Saturday practice (Italian Grand Prix 1970), driving wingless Lotus 72/2; thoughts also for Nina his wife.

September Diary

Visited Goodwood Revival, purchasing some goodies, walked round the circuit and spent quite a lot of time examining and photographing a wonderful demonstration of 1960’s and especially 1970’s BRM’s. Met up with a few folk (Kerry and Ted from Adams McCall Racing), discussed trying to find a Hewland TL200 gearbox (Shadow DN5) to examine (uninstalled) – anyone any ideas where I can find one of these?