Blag o' dkam

I managed to strip one of the four 1.5mm titanium screws used to hold down the cover for the transmission cover.  I know, I know. But I did. I tried super gluing an Allen key into the screw’s head, but it was no good. Actually, it just didn’t dry completely I think. 

 It’s hard to see it in there. Should have used a macro lens. I headed down to Bunnings to browse the tool section, searching  for some likely looking tools. I got myself a 2mm screw extractor, a 1mm drill bit and a triangle file. I had a couple of ideas about how to get the sucka out.  I started with the simplest.

The screw head poked out slightly from the side of the housing, so I used the triangle file and carved a slot into the side of the screw head. Then a got the screwdriver, located the flathead in the slot, then tapped it with the hammer. Once it had moved around far enough, I cut another groove into the side and tapped it again with the screwdriver and hammer. 

It worked out quite well. Above you can see the number of slots cut into the side. It’s actually quite a small screw:

Ian introduced me to this concept. I have to say it looks like fun. These guys are flying their planes via a wireless camera and a set of video googles. They also have gyros on their heads, such that when they move their head right, the camera pans right.

Apologies in advance for the terrible music.

This is the first video I saw — so cool.

Went out driving our RC cars today with Josh. Took a bunch of photos. Here’s a selection.

First up we have Josh about to nose dive into the ground:

Next, we have Josh jumping my Baldre off the track.

I should add that jumping off the track was a very common occurrence. After the race track we headed back to the BMX track & half pipe. I really enjoy driving on gravel surface — very slippery and you’re often sideways. It could also be that it seems to be the only surface that I manage to beat Josh on. Josh has an edge over me on packed dirt and asphalt.

The Half-Pipes are so much fun, but a breakage is likely. Here’s Josh getting his car off the ground:

Not to be out done:

And lastly, I had to break my car. Again. Luckily I guessed this might happen and had replacement parts on the ready.

What I didn’t expect was the pin which holds that part to the car bending. After much straining with a Leatherman, we got the pin straight enough to put everything back together.

Well, I’ve painted the shell and put the stickers on. Looks finished now.

Added an extra sticker. I’ve had so many of them lying about — this is the first time I’ve ever used one.

Went out driving RCs with Josh today. Found a nice half pipe. Weren’t too many pesky kids. Managed to snap the front right wheel off again. Then again. And Again. Then one last time before it really became tedious. Parts are ordered. Well, they were ordered last Sunday when it first happened. Still haven’t shipped.

Anyways, we had some pretty good fun while it lasted.