Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Peter_L]

At first glance, one may be forgiven for thinking what has this got to do with, cars.

https://www.bbc.com/news/education-46019429

I am of what I refer to as the "Meccano Age" a time before there were interlocking plastic blocks. Dexterity was the norm when using Meccano and that ability has still not left me even after well over 60 years. I have witnessed the inability of those who have to try both directions before managing to put a nut on a bolt let alone use a spanner in an inverted position and listened in amazement when a young man explained to me that he was trying to turn the wheel wrench the "wrong way" because it was opposite to the way he turned it on the other side... He put the 3 ft breaker bar facing towards the front and loosened the nuts, but when he tried it on the other side, no amount of jumping on it would break the nut loose.

But all that said, my father could run a plough behind two horses and my mother could hand sew in a straight line with stitches of the same tension and spacing. Except for the few who will live on to maintain and restore the classic machines that this site is known for, future generations will have no reason to remove a wheel or cylinder head, why would they when the technology that exists behind and below such tasks can only be serviced with the help from even more technology.

[Penman]

Hi

[Peter_L]

I can assure you that wasn't the case and would have zero knowledge of such technicalities.

[viteran]

Hi
I would completely agree. I am a retired veterinary surgeon and stitching is certainly a knack that needs to be learned, I am good with a curved needle but I certainly can’t do cross stitch like my wife. I expect things to heal !
Meccano certainly helped, that combined with my profession leads to a lot of lateral thinking, useful with old cars! Specifically that “ feeling” when something is about to break!
Ian
_________________
1937 Austin Seven Ruby
1935Wolseley hornet special
1953 Thwaites 3wheel Dumper
Petter TVO Stationary engine

[viteran]

Hi
I would completely agree. I am a retired veterinary surgeon and stitching is certainly a knack that needs to be learned, I am good with a curved needle but I certainly can’t do cross stitch like my wife. I expect things to heal !
Meccano certainly helped, that combined with my profession leads to a lot of lateral thinking, useful with old cars! Specifically that “ feeling” when something is about to break!
Ian
_________________
1937 Austin Seven Ruby
1935Wolseley hornet special
1953 Thwaites 3wheel Dumper
Petter TVO Stationary engine

[roverdriver]

I have never been a surgeon, Veterinary or otherwise, however I have had a lifetime of associations, one way and another, with things practical since my beginnings in the Meccano age.

Every task requiring some dexterity has taught me some sort of skill that I can recall, when needed, and apply to a different task. As well as Meccano, I grew up with a small steam engine, put-put boat, and similar toys. Among household chores I also had to split firewood from foot blocks. At age 7 I built a wooden wheelbarrow to assist me, using a 2 inch wide slice off a tree for a wheel. Later I engaged at various times with veteran then vintage and now classic cars, doing most mechanical jobs on them myself, I have dabbled with model railways, full scale railways, and a host of other interests. I have been lucky enough to work at a large variety of jobs. The only stitching that I have managed with any success is when I taught myself book binding.

I do fear for many youngsters today because they lack the self-learning that comes from those simple beginnings. I do know that a few use their hands for other than pressing buttons on an electronic device, and I say "keep up that activity and develop it further'.
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[alastairq]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45969676

The nub of my thinking lies about 10 lines down in the piece above.

[victor 101]

[Bitumen Boy]

[Peter_L]

Referring to the main context of BB's post (above). "Repair is not an option"

I had an electrical wholesale business, we would sell kettle elements and just the washers. The 2kw were a populat upgrade for the older kettles.


As to electrical safety, "smoke and mirrors" when it comes to electrical installations. The number one culprit for electrical fires is the appliance. Central Vac's, Tumble dryers, Freezers. Expensive but none are fitted with high temp cut outs. The North American continent rules the world for the most dangerous electrical system known to man. Over 80 years of zero improvement and an archaic 110V which means that the plug on your portable heater is going to get warm. Outlet design and wiring practices that are hopelessly out of date.

[Ray White]

My solution to the problem of dexterity (or the lack of it) would be to include a plastic model kit as part of students' course work. Airfix models (or similar) can keep me occupied for hours. Most recently I have assembled a Bullnose Morris, a Rolls Royce, a Mercedes 500k and a split screen VW camper. Cheap and cheerful but sometime throwing up problems and challenges requiring innovation. It is a clean and tidy little pastime and whether you like ships, planes, trains or cars I think it can help develop dexterity.

[Peter_L]

Hi Ray. I am the same, once built a replica Mk 1 Ford World Cup Rally Escort from a standard kit. Adding the flared arches, wider wheels, the "cow catcher" lights and the never to be forgotten external roll cage, that went from roof to front struts. Why... because it was a challenge, it needed thought and diversity of bits and pieces into other roles. It wasn't intended to show off, or be peer acceptable, it was fun....

[roverdriver]

You are so right, Ray. I ran a hobby shop for some time and encouraged youngsters to take up building plastic kits. As their skills improved, I would suggest working on something more challenging. many a young fellow started with the plastic aircraft model, and under my prodding moved to simple balsa flying models, then scratch building, designing their own, radio control etc., etc. and a few of them even joined the air force in various roles.
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[alastairq]

Of course, it can be said....that the penchant of young lads & lassies of the 50's, 60's and even 70's era, for the construction of airfix kits is somewhat paralleled by today's kids and their tech?
Locking themselves away in their rooms for hours on end, into the wee dark night......in our case, with the company of an open tube or two of polystyrene glue providing a heady atmosphere?
I just knew there was an added attraction to building plastic kits, beyond the fun of making....


_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Ray White]