Is it just me?
Discussion
I have been reading the article in WK? regarding the Luego build.
I can't understand how the builder can be so brief in what he writes.
He has dedicated a paragraph to fitting the engine. No problem if it was a simple fit, but he has had to make engine mount brackets and replace a chassis member!
He mentions about fitting lights and seat belts, saying to correct SVA standards. Which are?
He mentions fitting an air cooler??? (he means OIL cooler), then spend the rest of the paragraph telling us he went to the scrappy for 2 hours.
On the windscreen fit, there is still a piece of wood that I don't know what he has done with. It could still be there for all I know.
His paragraph on the dash is much more helpful, actually talking about making a template etc. But this seems to be the overall problem. He is more interested in showing how to make the finishing touches look good as opposed to how to build the thing.
IMO Things that need thinking about. Genuine issues that need overcoming are given such a brief overview I really don't think the article will help anyone building the car.
A friend of mine read the article. He said it reads like a 14-16yr olds essay telling you what they got up to over the summer holidays, not a proffesionally written article on a engineering subject.
Rant over.
I can't understand how the builder can be so brief in what he writes.
He has dedicated a paragraph to fitting the engine. No problem if it was a simple fit, but he has had to make engine mount brackets and replace a chassis member!
He mentions about fitting lights and seat belts, saying to correct SVA standards. Which are?
He mentions fitting an air cooler??? (he means OIL cooler), then spend the rest of the paragraph telling us he went to the scrappy for 2 hours.
On the windscreen fit, there is still a piece of wood that I don't know what he has done with. It could still be there for all I know.
His paragraph on the dash is much more helpful, actually talking about making a template etc. But this seems to be the overall problem. He is more interested in showing how to make the finishing touches look good as opposed to how to build the thing.
IMO Things that need thinking about. Genuine issues that need overcoming are given such a brief overview I really don't think the article will help anyone building the car.
A friend of mine read the article. He said it reads like a 14-16yr olds essay telling you what they got up to over the summer holidays, not a proffesionally written article on a engineering subject.
Rant over.
Is this the article by WK's new project builder? (Mr Sheen!)
Lack of journalistic experience is my guess.
Whilst someone could be a worldbeater in a workshop, it doesn't necessarily mean that they can write about it particularly well.
Journalism is a skill that has to be learned correctly.
They do say that everyone has a book inside them. Getting it out however, is not always that easy.
Lack of journalistic experience is my guess.
Whilst someone could be a worldbeater in a workshop, it doesn't necessarily mean that they can write about it particularly well.
Journalism is a skill that has to be learned correctly.
They do say that everyone has a book inside them. Getting it out however, is not always that easy.
If you want to see how to write a detailed article checkout www.spydercars.co.uk/ford_zetec.htm
There are the six articles published in Practical classics where they replaced the chassis in an Elan+2
Hugh
There are the six articles published in Practical classics where they replaced the chassis in an Elan+2
Hugh
FlossyThePig said:
If you want to see how to write a detailed article checkout www.spydercars.co.uk/ford_zetec.htm
There are the six articles published in Practical classics where they replaced the chassis in an Elan+2
Hugh
Wow!
Nearly enough to get me reading Practical Classics. It talks about the jobs that need doing.
It's not too in depth that a mechanic would be bored reading it, but enough info to help you complete the project.
Kit Car (or WK? if you are listening especially for the 5exi build), I for one would like to see nice in depth build stories.
As you know Mark, Tom is just starting a build of the Velocity and when WK? said they were going to build one I thought it would be a godsend, indeed had it been like the Avon write up I think it would've been. As it is it's fairly pointless....
He's just thrown money at it, highlighted the bit's that are not in the actual kit, and ended up with an unrepresentatively expensive car.
Big ego trip.....
He's just thrown money at it, highlighted the bit's that are not in the actual kit, and ended up with an unrepresentatively expensive car.
Big ego trip.....
Wacky
The issue is not the finished product.
I can see in the way he writes and with other products he's been involved in that the 'look' is very important to him.
My issue is that I would like to see build diaries (especially those done in mags) to be in depth enough to actually help someone who is building (or thinking of building) that car. Obviously then some of the tips (if)used can be of help on other builds too.
I reckon Ferg's son Tom could of written just as good an article with just the build manual in front of him.
By the replies though, I must say the majority of people don't seem that bothered.
The issue is not the finished product.
I can see in the way he writes and with other products he's been involved in that the 'look' is very important to him.
My issue is that I would like to see build diaries (especially those done in mags) to be in depth enough to actually help someone who is building (or thinking of building) that car. Obviously then some of the tips (if)used can be of help on other builds too.
I reckon Ferg's son Tom could of written just as good an article with just the build manual in front of him.
By the replies though, I must say the majority of people don't seem that bothered.
detailed build diary on the web for a dax and westfield
try this site www.hoverd.org/Tim/
1st class warts and all build diary
try this site www.hoverd.org/Tim/
1st class warts and all build diary
Ex-Biker said:
Wacky
My issue is that I would like to see build diaries (especially those done in mags) to be in depth enough to actually help someone who is building (or thinking of building) that car. Obviously then some of the tips (if)used can be of help on other builds too.
Couldn't agree more.
This is where journalistic experience comes in..... to turn a practical, informative build diary into a magazine article that appeals to readers accros the b oard. Not as easy as some people think.
As for the 'nice' blue gauze on the dcoe trumpets.That will do the world of good for filtration and flow.The exhaust went from a nasty collector 'thing' to what I saw at Stoneleigh a deformed bunch of unequal lengths on tat piping.Can't really say that it gave me any kind of 'detail' I would put in the same county let alone garage.Nice colour tho'.
Ex-Biker said:
[quote=FlossyThePig]
Kit Car (or WK? if you are listening especially for the 5exi build), I for one would like to see nice in depth build stories.
The 5EXi is being built by John Watson who is not only skilled in the garage, but also good with a pen. Rest assured that it will be in depth and very helpful (I have part one on my desk as we speak). You'll see for yourself soon!
What I will say, though, is that writing build stories is a skill in itself. I've just written part one of our Pilgrim Sumo build and striking the balance between including enough detail without making it sound dull is a fine art. Hope I got it right!
Adam.
>> Edited by AdamWilkins on Friday 28th May 12:38
AdamWilkins said:
I've just written part one of our Pilgrim Sumo build and striking the balance between including enough detail without making it sound dull is a fine art. Hope I got it right!
Adam.
[pedanticmode]
But I didn't think you were building the Cobra?!
Actually.... that's another point... (I hasten to add, that I'm not trying to turn this into a Mag Attack)
The article promoting the Pilgrim build says something like "to show that a builder with average skills can take on a project like this"
Yet the Project builder appears to be a seasoned professional?
Not got a problem with that, but if any "niggling little problems" crop up during the build.... having to fabricate a small bracket for example.... a seasoned professional would just take that in his stride, wheras an enthusiastic amateur might see that as a "Am I doing something wrong?"
>> Edited by meeja on Friday 28th May 14:17
[quote=meeja]
But I didn't think you were building the Cobra?!
[quote=meeja]
Hmm... but we've already established that you guys want build stories to be well written, and Richard (Tilly) admits that he wouldn't be the man for the job. He is, however, better suited to building the car than I am.
[quote=meeja]
Actually.... that's another point... (I hasten to add, that I'm not trying to turn this into a Mag Attack)
The article promoting the Pilgrim build says something like "to show that a builder with average skills can take on a project like this"
Yet the Project builder appears to be a seasoned professional?
[quote=meeja]
I see your point and, yes, Richard is an experienced kit car builder (he has actually built a Sumo before, as pointed out in the article to which you refer). But he's approaching it as an amateur would - ie following the build manual closely, not making any modifications, using standard donor parts and so on.
And, because he knows his stuff, he can point out areas that might puzzle a less experienced builder. I'll be interested to see what you think of the first part of the build story when it appears in the July issue.
Adam.
But I didn't think you were building the Cobra?!
[quote=meeja]
Hmm... but we've already established that you guys want build stories to be well written, and Richard (Tilly) admits that he wouldn't be the man for the job. He is, however, better suited to building the car than I am.
[quote=meeja]
Actually.... that's another point... (I hasten to add, that I'm not trying to turn this into a Mag Attack)
The article promoting the Pilgrim build says something like "to show that a builder with average skills can take on a project like this"
Yet the Project builder appears to be a seasoned professional?
[quote=meeja]
I see your point and, yes, Richard is an experienced kit car builder (he has actually built a Sumo before, as pointed out in the article to which you refer). But he's approaching it as an amateur would - ie following the build manual closely, not making any modifications, using standard donor parts and so on.
And, because he knows his stuff, he can point out areas that might puzzle a less experienced builder. I'll be interested to see what you think of the first part of the build story when it appears in the July issue.
Adam.
AdamWilkins said:
The 5EXi is being built by John Watson who is not only skilled in the garage, but also good with a pen. Rest assured that it will be in depth and very helpful (I have part one on my desk as we speak). You'll see for yourself soon!
What I will say, though, is that writing build stories is a skill in itself. I've just written part one of our Pilgrim Sumo build and striking the balance between including enough detail without making it sound dull is a fine art. Hope I got it right!
Adam.
It's good to hear from you on here Adam, especially if we get previews of what's up and coming in the mag
AdamWilkins said:
Hmm... but we've already established that you guys want build stories to be well written, and Richard (Tilly) admits that he wouldn't be the man for the job. He is, however, better suited to building the car than I am.
Hence my smiley in the original post!
AdamWilkins said:
I see your point and, yes, Richard is an experienced kit car builder (he has actually built a Sumo before, as pointed out in the article to which you refer). But he's approaching it as an amateur would - ie following the build manual closely, not making any modifications, using standard donor parts and so on.
And, because he knows his stuff, he can point out areas that might puzzle a less experienced builder.
In that case, it should be a perfect feature for many of the WK readership! Good luck!
AdamWilkins said:
I'll be interested to see what you think of the first part of the build story when it appears in the July issue.
Don't worry, we'll tell you.......
Adam
I must agree with what Meeja is saying about the differences between the pro and the first timer.
The 5exi is my first attempt at a build and I do look at it as if there is something wrong if it doesn't go together as per the manual.
So yes, more in depth when it comes to 'needing to modyfy that bracket' etc (please)
BTW is John Watson making any extra 'notes' on his build that might help me and others? He might even want to venture onto http://forum.madabout-kitcars.com/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=f9b47961cb5dffd0121ccc3f65a1b8b7 and look at what some of the 5exi builders are talking about.
Doesn't John live and work in Cornwall?
Off subject:
Can I just say there will probably be some swipes towards you and WK? at times on here. Don't take them personally and don't bite back. Also don't antagonise Den, he's actually a nice chap you know.
Please tell Fibs that his stats column each month is boring
and any anyone can use stats to their advantage.
I must agree with what Meeja is saying about the differences between the pro and the first timer.
The 5exi is my first attempt at a build and I do look at it as if there is something wrong if it doesn't go together as per the manual.
So yes, more in depth when it comes to 'needing to modyfy that bracket' etc (please)
BTW is John Watson making any extra 'notes' on his build that might help me and others? He might even want to venture onto http://forum.madabout-kitcars.com/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=f9b47961cb5dffd0121ccc3f65a1b8b7 and look at what some of the 5exi builders are talking about.
Doesn't John live and work in Cornwall?
Off subject:
Can I just say there will probably be some swipes towards you and WK? at times on here. Don't take them personally and don't bite back. Also don't antagonise Den, he's actually a nice chap you know. Please tell Fibs that his stats column each month is boring
and any anyone can use stats to their advantage. Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff