Watched this last night on BBC4, James May re-assembling the Flying Scotsman train set he was given when he was nine.
Two problems I had with this show were
A. You had to believe that James May no in his fifties actually kept the train set he was given when he was 9.
B. That he actually took it all apart and then reassembled it.
A. is plausible, but from what we saw in the show, B was very unlikely, what you actually saw him do was fix the front bogie and the rear pony, oh and clean the commutator on the notorious Hornby XO motor, which had been stripped down to it's vital organs.
He did explain the quartering of the wheels, and had a nifty little gadget to help him, he did pop one of the connecting rods on one side, but yu never actually saw him fix them.
Most of the half hours show was padded out with him talking about a screwdriver that held the screws, ( available on E-Bay apparently), and waffling on about the Hornby ancestry and how Hornby today are just marketing name and have no relation to Frank Hornby, ( most of those watching would have been fully aware of this anyway)
But it passed half an hour away, and it may have done some thing to promote the hobby to a few.
Will watch it tonight SWMBO was watching something else so I recorded it.
Bob
Quote from: Crooked Spire on December 29, 2016, 11:37:54 AM
Watched it and thought it was very good.
I have no reason to think that the trainset wasn't his original set as he has used it in other TV programmes and why would he be dishonest about it.
No idea whether he took it apart but I see no reason to think that he didn't reassemble it.
Maybe the OP just likes putting people down
Colin
It's not a case of putting people down, it's just looking at modern TV with a cynical eye, and remembering the days of Blue Peter and the "here's one I made earlier" only to find out in later life that the BBC employed a professional model maker to produce the finished article and "the ones made earlier".
Plus hearing him waffle about the difference between a bolt and a screw seemed to deflect attention that he wasn't actually assembling anything.
I missed it, but I will catch it at some point :)
I don't see it as at all unreasonable to still have things from when one was 9 years old - I still have various bits of such "stuff" stashed away here and there.
Even if its not really is, it doesn't distract from the entertainment of such a show, and things like the difference between bolts and screws do seem to be lost on a lot of people today - I'm sure many ain't even sure which end of the screw-driver is the operational part :D
You seem to be forgetting one thing Graham: programmes like this are not meant to be a tutorial on stripping and reassembling the "thing" , they are for entertainment, and that means they have to appeal to people who are not necessarily interested in the actual object being worked on ;)
People make this mistake with programmes like For The Love Of Cars and Wheeler Dealers, which are made primarily to be entertaining, not as a guide to restoring old cars. If these programmes are too factual and in-depth it puts off all but the hardened enthusiasts, and TV is all about viewing figures.
Paul
Quote from: Sprintex on December 29, 2016, 01:27:13 PM
You seem to be forgetting one thing Graham: programmes like this are not meant to be a tutorial on stripping and reassembling the "thing" , they are for entertainment, and that means they have to appeal to people who are not necessarily interested in the actual object being worked on ;)
People make this mistake with programmes like For The Love Of Cars and Wheeler Dealers, which are made primarily to be entertaining, not as a guide to restoring old cars. If these programmes are too factual and in-depth it puts off all but the hardened enthusiasts, and TV is all about viewing figures.
Paul
Appreciate that Paul, and I would accept that argument if the BBC hadn't promoted BBC 4 as the place for specialist "niche" programs.
Just caught up with this programme on iPlayer whilst making some jam. Didn't James May use his childhood Flying Scotsman in a previous show about the longest model railway? What was fascinating was seeing how the hobby as developed in the last 40 years.
Quote from: Graham Walters on December 29, 2016, 01:36:01 PM
Quote from: Sprintex on December 29, 2016, 01:27:13 PM
You seem to be forgetting one thing Graham: programmes like this are not meant to be a tutorial on stripping and reassembling the "thing" , they are for entertainment, and that means they have to appeal to people who are not necessarily interested in the actual object being worked on ;)
People make this mistake with programmes like For The Love Of Cars and Wheeler Dealers, which are made primarily to be entertaining, not as a guide to restoring old cars. If these programmes are too factual and in-depth it puts off all but the hardened enthusiasts, and TV is all about viewing figures.
Paul
Appreciate that Paul, and I would accept that argument if the BBC hadn't promoted BBC 4 as the place for specialist "niche" programs.
If it's about railway modeling, they almost see it as a 'niche' program already - without even considering the type or class of any aspect of the items modelled.
I guess I'm going to get blasted for this as I haven't got time to view the programme yet but, I guess the BBC have to appeal to the largest possible viewing public to make the programme worth doing or considered for doing more of this type of programmes with James May as the presenter. I'm can see both sides we would have enjoyed a little bit more time seeing the stripping and or rebuilding taking place but most people these day's just want to see the end product.
They could have done this programme over 30 minutes or 3 hours but most people as a 'Tune in once' kind of thing won't sit for long viewing in depth train building. Like at the parent's trying to viewing anything train related on television ends up with a 'Ah not again' so guessing keeping to a minimum approach might of been the main requirement to keep people interested?
Quote from: Rowlie on December 29, 2016, 01:49:32 PM
.. Didn't James May use his childhood Flying Scotsman in a previous show about the longest model railway? ...
Yes he did. In
James May's Toy Stories, Episode 6 'Hornby' (2009) the record attempt failed. A second attempt in
Episode 7 'The Great Train Race' (2011) was successful. And he's done a show involving a model train running around a workshop (relaying the ingredients for a meal IIRC). There's no doubting he has a genuine interest, beyond professional, in engineering of any scale. So I don't doubt that he still has cherished toys from his childhood too.
When I marched off to join the RAF at 16, all my (OO) trains were put in the loft. My parents later moved house leaving them there! Had I chosen a different career path and/or my folks been less nomadic, I'd probably still have my childhood trains.
He does come across as one of those who would keep the boxes etc from gifts, Present's or something he has purchased himself. Which I guess we probably all were lol
Well, I enjoyed it. A lot.
Bit of fun, mildly instructive, and very entertaining.
And I have three different sized 'captive' screwdrivers, which I have used to tighten screws and bolts of all types. Magnetic drivers are commonplace now but useless on aluminium and brass, for instance. So I echo his enthusiasm.
Quote from: daffy on December 29, 2016, 03:48:21 PM
.. Bit of fun, mildly instructive, and very entertaining. ...
You've hit the nail on the head @daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) - these shows are produced to entertain a family audience, not instruct the enthusiast. Though, there's always the chance that some might be entertained enough to ignite a spark of enthusiasm for a subject they hadn't previously considered.
Thanks RG. :)
I doubt there is a single mass-market TV channel today that broadcasts or produces programs that are presented in anything but a predominantly generalistic manner.
The only programs that did go against the grain, in my view, were the Open University broadcasts that the BBC put out during the wee small hours back in the 80's and 90's when I was doing an Open Degree course specialising in geology. These were highly instructive, detailed, and usually accompanied by a companion text. Some of these were very good at sending even this late-blooming geologist to sleep.
That's the trouble with highly technical and/or specialist or 'enthusiasts' presentations, be they lectures, weighty tomes, or broadcasts - they can bore or tire even the ardent, and they assuredly lead the general public to leave the hall, put the book down, or reach for the remote.
I've literally just finished watching it and noticed a lot of nostalgia and liked James was smiling like he was truly enjoying building the set and thinking back on memories playing with it as a child
Quote from: Crooked Spire on December 29, 2016, 04:49:05 PM
It took him 7 hours 42 minutes to reassemble. So if they had shown the whole process it wouldn't have finished till 2:45 am in the morning
As with the previous series of this I thought the programme was excellent and very enjoyable to watch.
Next week it's a Food Mixer.
I'd have stayed up late to watch that Colin. Don't think I would for a magimix though! :sleep:
I'd have stayed up to watch it too but realistically it was a taste of the hobby very interesting to watch and not boring to me anyways
At the turn of the century, Mark Evans (ex veterinary surgeon) presented the 15 part series A Car Is Born for Discovery. In the show he built an AC Cobra replica kit car. The show covered virtually every nut and bolt of the assembly. Further series would see him birth another 3 cars, 3 motorbikes, a plane, and even a helicopter! Unfortunately he never got around to birthing a train.
As an engineer, I found them highly entertaining. MBH would cite such viewing as one reason why I was still single when we found each other.
While I can't see Discovery producing/commissioning similar strip-down/build-up shows again - YouTube seems to have cornered that niche - they do rerun the originals often. Meanwhile, Mark Evans seems to have returned to his former career in part and can oft be seen stripping down large animals to constituent parts. :o So if you ever wondered how a whale works... :goggleeyes:
Here we go, Another slamming coming my way. I did enjoy the AC Cobra Build but I preferred the Jag E Type something about stripping and rebuilding appeals to me more than just a simple build. I wonder if he still has any of the projects he's build over the years?
I totally agree BBC Youtube maybe for a small series?
All I can say surely that's quite a lot of blubber :doh: lol
Let them slam! :D I saw the Cobra, 4x4, plane, and helicopter. I don't know if Mark kept any of the builds, but I do know the plane was CAA registered (G-OIZI) but never flew.
That's a real shame if it never flew I would of expected some use after all the effort Mark put into it. A real shame :(
I would expect that the production company bought and owned the kit. I wouldn't be surprised if the production company didn't even bother to recoup some investment by selling the finished build. I read once that the complete set for Robot Wars was discovered under dusty tarps at the back of a warehouse!
I find it amazing that something a lot of people would have loved to own back when it was popular now seems to be forgotten about and left. May'be a comeback is on the cards ;)
MBH worked in TV before we met. She's rightly proud of her work and talks fondly of the times. I see a lot of waste and financial incompetence in TV production, but better hold my tongue on that one. :-X
Quote from: RailGooner on December 29, 2016, 05:44:57 PM
Let them slam! :D I saw the Cobra, 4x4, plane, and helicopter. I don't know if Mark kept any of the builds, but I do know the plane was CAA registered (G-OIZI) but never flew.
The plane was also registered as G-KIRB, the CAA record is here:
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB (https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB)
It has the same Construction Number as G-OIZI, PFA 247-13615, and the owner is in the town of my birth.
As to whether the other reg ever flew remains unknown, by me at least.
Working in TV must be a really good job, Never the same day twice in guessing depending on your Mrs role. Always nice to hear the other half positively talking about past times :beers:
@RailGooner (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5427) it's amazing what you can find out at your finger tips
@daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) We have an aviation fan ;)
Quote from: daffy on December 29, 2016, 06:18:48 PM
The plane was also registered as G-KIRB, the CAA record is here:
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB (https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB)
It has the same Construction Number as G-OIZI, PFA 247-13615, and the owner is in the town of my birth.
As to whether the other reg ever flew remains unknown, by me at least.
Do you ever go back @daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) ? Any chance you could report on the size of Mr Handford's shed? :D
Quote from: RailGooner on December 29, 2016, 06:26:01 PM
Quote from: daffy on December 29, 2016, 06:18:48 PM
The plane was also registered as G-KIRB, the CAA record is here:
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB (https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=KIRB)
It has the same Construction Number as G-OIZI, PFA 247-13615, and the owner is in the town of my birth.
As to whether the other reg ever flew remains unknown, by me at least.
Do you ever go back @daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) ? Any chance you could report on the size of Mr Handford's shed? :D
He lives, or lived, less than half a mile from where I was living just over three years ago. There is no shed on his housing estate property large enough to hold a plane on the aerial map I'm looking at, but Sywell Aerodrome (home of The Blades Aerobatic Team amongst others) is a few miles up the road, so if he still has it i suspect that's where it will be.
Quote from: Drakken on December 29, 2016, 06:22:39 PM
Working in TV must be a really good job, Never the same day twice in guessing depending on your Mrs role. Always nice to hear the other half positively talking about past times :beers:
Yes, we can each make the other laugh with our reminiscences.
Quote from: Drakken on December 29, 2016, 06:22:39 PM
@RailGooner (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5427) it's amazing what you can find out at your finger tips
@daffy (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) We have an aviation fan ;)
Mea culpa :-[ 1/72 kits of Spitfires as a schoolboy became 12" to the foot Phantoms as a man (well OK, still a boy since I joined the RAF at 16). And while I'm confessing, I might as well fess up that I've spent a few hours today searching for detailing etches for my (many) 1/144 VC-10s. :-[
It's all gone well off topic.
Back with Mr May, I enjoyed his programme a lot and will be watching the rest of the series - perhaps not as avidly for the food mixer I must admit, but watching nevertheless. Next one after the food mixer is a mini motorcycle.
QuoteWorking in TV must be a really good job, Never the same day twice in guessin
Realy? Try 7 hours filming for less than 2 minutes of air time,going over the same thing over and over again,the only good point is the catering is always good
For me that's what made the programme very good in hindsight still smiling after 7 hours James much have really enjoyed it as none of it looked fake to me the enthusiasm or smiles
When you try for perfection takes time and food for 7 hours sounds good ;)
Although I did try to get the same amount of ballast grains inbetween each sleeper before I started with pill boxes the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday thing but that was OTT and not true to scale lol
Wandering slightly off topic again...
Quote from: daffy on December 29, 2016, 04:34:44 PM
The only programs that did go against the grain, in my view, were the Open University broadcasts that the BBC put out during the wee small hours back in the 80's and 90's when I was doing an Open Degree course specialising in geology. These were highly instructive, detailed, and usually accompanied by a companion text. Some of these were very good at sending even this late-blooming geologist to sleep.
I slept through those too! Despite that, OU second level geology was a great course, enhanced by the fact that love blossomed between me and the now current Mrs A at Durham Summer School... :heart2: :heart2:
Anyway, throwing the points swiftly back on-topic again, we watched the programme last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. James May is a thoroughly entertaining presenter once he is away from Hammond and Clarkson, and, all right, I suspect some of what we would have found interesting was edited out, but some of the asides were fascinating. I never had Hornby Dublo, so I never realised how they made their 'chuffing' sound, or that they had modelled a fire in the grate. And it does show how far model railways have come since then.
Looking forward to the next programme, which, being a Kenwood mixer, will be right up Blanche's street!
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: themadhippy on December 29, 2016, 07:26:12 PM
QuoteWorking in TV must be a really good job, Never the same day twice in guessin
Realy? Try 7 hours filming for less than 2 minutes of air time,going over the same thing over and over again,the only good point is the catering is always good
The catering is not always good. We nearly lost the Silverstone Grand Prix one year because the chicken was off. Fortunately they ate it on setting up day and not the practice day.
Quote from: RailGooner on December 29, 2016, 05:01:46 PM
I'd have stayed up late to watch that Colin. Don't think I would for a magimix though! :sleep:
I would - SWMBO has a 30+ year old Magimix that I still have to maintain for her occasionally, as it's in daily use - being French, parts are still available!
Sadly my Hornby -Dublo
Duchess of Montrose was long ago disposed of so child-me could fund the purchase of a Scalextric set... I still have the Scalextric, though... ::)
I would like to challenge James May to reassemble a fixed-spool fishing reel.
I managed it when I was 11 years old but I doubt that I could do it now.
Best regards,
Joe
...or a Vauxhall Victor engine, put it back in the car, and still have 18 assorted small parts left over while driving off. I did and it stayed working while I used it for the next year. (Till the body rotted off)
Tonight (Wed 04,01.17)is episode 2 reassembling the food mixer on BBC4 at 21-00