Toftdale

The red really looks fantastic in the Sun - Andy

That sums it up perfectly. Unbelievable amount of detail in the engine bay, even for a 1/12. Thanks for posting - Andy

Me too....wasn't expecting a mainstream release of this. - Andy

Thirded (if there is such a word). Thats another one of my achiles heals when making a model, very often if I try something and it doesn't work I just keep repeating the same method and am constantly surprised that it fails again and again and again until real frustration kicks in and thats when I really muck it up . Great progress, its almost going to be a shame and put the body over all you work - Andy

You've certainly achieved that, looking forward to see what you do with the carbon fibre - Andy

She's coming together nicely, I particularly like the interior - Andy

A deserved winner great model and with just one and a bit walls you've created a real atmosphere to the whole thing - Andy

You've certainly done that. Somewhere I have a lago Talbot by SMER, which I believe is originally from the same stable as you Alfa. I can honestly its probably the most basic and awful kit I own. So real congratulations to have achieved the great level you have - Andy

You certainly can't and great idea to photograph your Mini in her natural environment - Andy

I certainly did and picked up several tricks along the way watching the full length videos, all ready subscribed - Andy

See I told you it would be ok , I Still think you're slightly mad for trying. But I'm glad that it worked out ok - Andy

I've lost count on the amount of times whilst making a model when I knew what I was going to do was going to make the situation worse, but still gone ahead and proven myself right. Also I find flocking to be one of the most frustrating processes as in theory it looks so easy, but in practice I've never achieved anywhere near as good a result as you've done. Top work - Andy

Looks totally awesome, perfect foundations to build another stunner- Andy

I'm bit late to the party, but had to praise your Unbelievable transformation - Andy

It was fantastic. However it was tinged with a fare bit of trepidation as this is believed to be to most original steam car that is still runs, the good news its still as original as it was - Andy

Throughly enjoyed the two interviews on the brown leather chairs. I can believe the amount of abuse he received when Ed left Wheeler Dealers, there are some absolute Idiots out there - Andy

For those of you who don't remember (and why should you ) I inspect pressure systems for a living, including steam boilers. Last week on Friday I visited one of my favourite clients as he had a new toy. A 1936 Sentinel Steam Lorry Whilst waiting for the boiler to get up to pressure I noticed this in the back of his garage. An Ogle SX1000 He's temporarily storing it for a friend and it holds no interest to him so he knew nothing about it. It fascinated me, as its a lightweight racing car based on a mini and I don't think I ever seen one in the flesh before. Just when I didn't think my day could get any better, he told me his Brooks steam car was upto pressure and he let me take it out for a little spin. I'm left handed so It quite tricky for me to drive as its a hand throttle on the right, but as you can see I loved every minute of it - Andy.

I'm also not entirely convinced that all the work force were entirely as conscientious as they should have been

The red paint looks to have been alot of unnecessary hassle, but the result is perfect. The dashboard looks spot on too, its a nice touch that they included decals for the heater controls - Andy

If you're trying to get a tight bend, then you only want to heat a very localised spot. If you use hot water or a hair drier you end up heating the whole pipe and find it very difficult to get a neat bend. Personally I prefer a tea light over a lighter as this means you have both hands free. I also find that rolling the pipe over the flame helps get the heat evenly into it. Try using some old sprue to practice on, good luck - Andy

Thanks Steve, much appreciated. I'm nowhere near the end, but I'm definitely feel that I'm getting there - Andy

She certainly deserves to do well at the auction, simply stunning - Andy

Will be watching with interest as I would have just dismissed this kit out of hand due to its snap together nature - Andy

There's more about the car here https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/256399-world-cup-rally-mini-1970-london-to-mexico/ Andy

Glad you like it. My understanding with regards to the head gasket was that although it was the engines achilles heal it was never really a design fault, more the fact that Rover in their wisdom just used the cheapest materials they could find! So now the engine is better than new (fortunately no other damage occurred), ready for many high revving miles ahead - Andy As ever thanks for your kind words, if I hadn't have solved this one the interior just wouldn't have looked right - Andy.