Of Rockets, Books, and Men

 This week we take a look at a book. (why did I suddenly go into Dr. Seuss mode?) Anyway, I just finished this book written by Vern Estes and his daughter, Betty Estes Geer. 

If you were a kid in the 50s and 60s the space race was pretty all consuming. Space was featured on TV, toys, hobbies, and even international politics. In the late 50s, kids were handling (and igniting) dangerous chemicals in metal tubes to get their own space programs going. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between what they were making and a pipe bomb, and several kids were very badly hurt and even killed. Early hobby rockets sought to take care of that issue by producing safe kits made from lightweight materials (cardboard, balsa wood) that used single use replaceable rocket motors. G. Harry Stine and Orville Carlisle invented the system, but it took Vern Estes to create a workable company to produce and promote them.

I can remember reading my cousin's Estes catalog (I think it was the 1972 catalog 1972 Estes Catalog) and being thrilled with the wonders in it! A year or so later, my journey into model rockets began!

This book looks at the founding of the largest model rocket company in the world, Estes Industries and the blood sweat and tears (literally) that went into it. 

The title, "Dear Mr. Estes" is based on the general premise of the structure of the book, which is a young rocketeer (much like a Mouseketeer, but with fewer ear hats) would write to Vern and ask him about some aspect of the founding of the company, and he would reply with a chapter of the book. It's an interesting idea, but I don't think the book gains much from it; especially when you learn that several of the "letters" were based on memories of letters he received over the years and not actual mail. Still, it works.

The book is a pretty easy read, although it's fairly clear that the authors are not overly polished in the writing game (Vern himself says he didn't do well in English classes as school). Still, it's interesting info, especially to a kid from the 60s. 

I found out things I didn't know. For example, Vern shares how "Mable," their rocket engine making machine got it's name and how it almost killed not one, but two operators. Most of the facts were less exciting, though, but the story of the family's journey from a building contractor business in Denver to a small model rocket business in Penrose is worth the read.

So, I recommend this book, available on Amazon. 

By the way, the rocket in this picture was produced by the Semroc model rocket company a few years ago. It's based on the cover art from an early Estes catalog. VF-261 means "Vern's Fantasy February, 1961"

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

When Volvos Weren't So Safe

 Greeting from the attic!

Man, is it HOT up here! But I'm going to take a few moments away from my constant fanning to share yet another item!

Yay!

Today I have a Corgi Toys Marcos Volvo 1800! These were made from 1966 to 1969 and I had one as a kid...although not this one. What happened to the old one? Let's just say that fireworks and toys don't mix (although it's about the most American kid thing ever to try to combine them, sadly). I found this one, an exact match to mine, on eBay a few weeks ago...

Now this one isn't in the best of shape either. That windshield crack alone is pretty tough. Still it HAS a windshield, which as I recall is better than mine ended up. Still, I paid under ten bucks for it, and it rolls well and a cheap "roller" is good enough for me!

As a kid, I bought it because it looked cool. I had no idea what car (if any) it was actually based on. So, I decided to do a little research. This is what I found:

" It is a die-cast model (roughly 1:43–1:44 scale) of the Marcos 1800 GT, a British sports car introduced in 1964 by Marcos Engineering.

Key real-car details:

Fibreglass body over a unique plywood (marine plywood) chassis in the early cars.

Powered by a Volvo 1.8-litre B18 four-cylinder engine (from the Volvo P1800), producing around 96–108 hp, with an overdrive gearbox and (initially) a de Dion rear axle.

Very low-slung design with fixed seats and an adjustable pedal box; top speed roughly 116 mph (187 km/h).

Only about 100 of the Volvo-engined 1800 GTs were built before Marcos switched to Ford engines (the later 1500/1600 models). The 1800 remains the only Marcos eligible for many historic racing series and is highly regarded today.

Wikipedia"

Now fiberglass over plywood doesn't exactly sound safe, and I'm pretty sure airbags were out of the question. Also, at 86-108 hp, this was NOT a muscle car by any means, but it was probably very light, quick, and maneurverable, which is more important than raw power in European racing.

Corgi released this car in two colors, blue and white. Obviously, this is the blue one, which is slightly rarer than the white version.

More research (how DOES he do it?) shows that even in this condition they go for 20-40 bucks, so I got a good deal, I guess. 

All in all, it's a pretty cool car that fills a whole in my childhood Corgi collection, blown there by an "errant" firecracker! Kids are dumb.

Anyway, keep searching for treasure (and don't blow it up!)

Crazy (Car), Man!

 Today I'm going to feature a book that I've had a long time and is almost really cool...but not quite. 

In the late 60s and early 70s, car culture was everywhere. The wild custom "show car" craze was born on the west coast and spread over the entire U.S. By 1973, government regulations had put a huge dent in the muscle car industry, but the show cars were still going strong. It was at this moment that "The One and Only Crazy Car Book" by Sloan Walker was published.

I picked this up at a garage sale years ago, and assumed it was a Scholastic book. (I used to love those order forms that would be handed out at school every so often- and waiting for your order to come back was heaven!) However, upon closer indpection, I see it's a Young Reader's Press book. Anyway, let's take a quick look, shall we?

Upon opening, we find...

They feature the most popular show rods, plus a few lessor known builds such as the Anycar...

Both of these (and many others in the book) were plastic models. Oh, and don't read the text. You might lose a couple IQ points. I know it was written for kids, but still...yeeesh!

Zingers are kinds cool. The idea is simple; make the engine look huge by scaling down the car. By the way, I once read that an owner of a real Zinger said that while they do run, they are NOT fun to drive!

The Boothill Express is probably one of the most famous show cars ever.

I remember the Blue Flame as a kid. This was back when land speed records made national news!

Of course...

I thought it was interesting to see what the brand new presidential limo looked like in 1973.

And I really don't think "NASA specs" had much to do with this show car...

So there you have it! There are other cars that I didn't show, but you get the idea.

Now I said this book was not quite really cool. Why? Well, first the text really talks down to kids, I think, and second is that they cheaped out and printed it in black and white. One of the main attractions of these cars is their fantastic paint jobs! In this book, you would never know that.

Still the book sits in my book shelf as a testiment to a time when the crazier the cars got, the better we kids loved them!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

Four Times as Fun!

 I mentioned that I have a quadrophonic stereo system that I've built over the years. Here is the paper insert from a quad album that explains about quad and features receivers that used their SQ playback system. I think it's pretty interesting...

You can click on it and zoom in to read it. It's interesting that the record company felt that people needed this information to understand the idea of quadrophonic sound. Now, of course we have surround sound, which uses 5 channels, plus a sub woofer. And that's just on our TVs! But in the late 60s to early 70s it was a really revolutionary idea. Heck, stereo (two channel) had only been around a few years at that point!

Unfortunately, quad would fail as a consumer stereo option. The different systems (QS, SQ, CD-4) were confusing and most systems could only decode one (although my Sansui receiver does all of them, it was very unusual). The systems were expensive, and the idea of surround sound was years away. 

Still, it's fun to mess with, and this humble sleave is a nice view into a time when consumers were offered an item that was poorly thought out, and they didn't want anyway!

Yay!!!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

Who Loves Ya Baby?

 Today I have an item that I picked up at a thrift store years ago, just because I'd never seen it brfore. It's a mint, still in the shrink wrap, kid's record of.....Kojak!

Yes, in 1977 Peter Pan Records decided that kids loved the TV derective so much that they would buy a full length album with four "exciting" stories about him!

Now, I don't remember being all that interested in Kojak (I was more into Barney Miller, I guess), but apparently some kids liked the lollypop sucking detective enough to sit through four stories (with sound effects!) featuring actors who had never actually been on the show. 

Here is the back of the album, in all its comic book glory.

I've never opened this album (maybe I would if it were Barney Miller). Anyway I happened to find it on You Tube! I started to listen, but I got distracted by having to clip my fingernails or something. However, in my efforts to give you the ultimate experience....Well...

Here you go.

Kojak!

If you listen to all of it, let me know if I'm missing anything interesting. If you don't, I totally understand. 

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

One Degree of Disneyland

 Today's post has nothing to do with me directly, but a lot to do with my heirs!

You see, my daughter and son-in-law (Jess and Josh) happened to wander over to France (and Italy) with my grandkids and a highlight of that trip (which they're still on) is this...

Disneyland!    Paris style!!!

Now, I have very little data on these few pictures that I'm sharing that they sent me (actually they sent me more, but these are a nice collection), but I'll do what I can. I'm pretty sure there's going to be long stories to go with these...

Phantom Manor!  Tony Baxter said, "What if the Haunted Mansion had more of a story and a really creepy zombie ending?" Ok, he didn't say exactly that, but that's what happened...

Speaking of "endings" this is the exit to Phantom Manor...

Big Thunder? I think so... It goes under the lake and back up to the island. Kinda cool...

So THAT'S what they did with the Disneyland Pirate ship!

The Fantasyland entrance doesn't seem very fancy, but that's ok...

Jess scores a Pooh-Bee hat! I like saying that! Pooh-Bee, Pooh-Bee, Do!

This is why that unfancy entrance doesn't matter. The castle more than makes up for it!

My grandson, Ayden, might not have become the ruler of the kingdom, but everybody kinda is anyway, and he looks really cool trying!

My granddaughter, Kyrie, trys a bit of Disneyland Paris sweetness. She looks unsure...

It's a Small World hits a bit different in another country...

And a French "See You Later" for the fam!

As I said, she actually sent a lot more. Maybe I'll share more later! 

I might be slightly envious, but I'm mainly proud that they were able to go! Maybe someday Laurie and I will get over there too. Hopefully so!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

Zowees! Little Cars, Big Fun!

 Greetings Atticites! 

Today I'm going to share a little collection I have that highlights how Mattel was cashing in on all things "Hot Wheels" in the late 60s and early 70s. You see, they had several lines of vehicles that weren't actually "Hot Wheels," but shared the branding. Today we will look at the Zowees!

The Zowees were little cars (about half the size of a regular Hot Wheels) that were first offered as premiums at Shell gas stations in 1972. You got one for free with a fill up, or you could plunk down .49 for one without buying gas. 

Here they are!

When I say they were small, I mean small!

Here is the insert that came in the baggie...

The cars were so popular, that they were released for retail sale in 1973. The main difference is that the 1973 cars are taller. I've heard it was to get around toy safety regulations, but I don't know for sure. Here we have two versions of the Good Knight. The 1973 version is on top, and the original Shell version is on the bottom.

Here is another shot of the Shell Good Knight.

The Red Lighter. This is the Shell version.

The Desperado. The Eagles named a song after it. (Not really). I think this is the 73 version with the tall hat.

The Diablo, Shell version.

The Baby Buggy, Shell version.

The Bumble Seat, Shell version.

The Covered Draggin, 1973 version. (You can tell by the long antenna)

The Beddy Bye, Shell version.

There were additional cars released in 1973. These were the Fire Truck, Goin' Fishing, Home Sweet Home, Light My Fire, Numb Skull, and Shifty. I don't have any of them because, first of all, I was originally fascinated by something that was given away at gas stations. That really spoke to my childhood. And secondly, they are stupid expensive. You can get a Beddy Bye for under twenty bucks, but  Shifty can set you back over a hundred. That's because the retail cars were only made one year. I think they're cool...but not that cool!

So there you have it! A bit of Hot Wheels history in an itty-bitty package!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

A Weighty Issue

 As you may or may not know, I have assembled a Sansui quad hi-fi system, which was top of the line in about 1974. The final piece of the puzzle was a quad stylus and cartridge for my turntable. I ordered an Audio-technica AT14Sa catridge and an LP Gear Vivid Line ATN14 stylus... and got the wrong ones. After a bit of back and forth with the vintage parts company, I finally got the right ones! Yay!

Except...it didn't exactly work. Quad uses four channels: front right and left, and rear right and left. My front left channel was silent when I played my quad Jethro Tull Aqualung album. Wha????

I mean, these parts ain't cheap! I was in for over 200.00 just on the cartridge and stylus alone. I REALLY wanted it to work! 

I did a little research and found out that the stylus needs to be weighted properly to play all four channels. You see, the diamond needle has four surfaces that have to perfectly touch their spots on the album's groove. When they don't, a channel may not play. And the channel that usually doesn't? The front left. It said that the proper weight is around .75 to 1.75 grams, with heavier being a little better. But how could I make sure it was the right weight? Do they even still sell stylus force guages?

Yes! And guess what? They're cheap! I picked one up for about 13 bucks on Amazon! Here it is!

My stylus and cartridge:

...and setting the proper weight!

Now I know that weight looks a little heavy, but in reality the number was jumping around a bit while I tried to take the picture. It's right about 1.75g. 

And did it work? I put the album back on and all four channels jumped to life! Success!

Now I only have two quad albums, the Jethro Tull album which is CD-4 and a Greatest Hits of Earth Wind and Fire album which is SQ. All quad formats are not created equal, with CD-4 being the best, but SQ being still good. Different companies embraced different formats. Fortunately my receiver will play them all!

Anyway, now it's time to start buying that media! Including quad reel to reel (more on that later)!

Until next time, keep searching for treasure!

On Time?

 Well, I'm actually a little late, but the post is literally on "time" so.... Uh... I'm confused now.

This post ran late because I was waiting on the US Mail to deliver something. You know how I got the huge Mickey watch wall clock (if you don't, just look at last week's post). Now it didn't work, so I figured I would just grab a new quartz movement, slap that sucker in and Presto! I'd have a working clock! Yay!!

Well, in reality, not so much "Yay" as "Yuck." 

You see, life teaches us many lessons. Don't spit in the wind. Don't touch a hot stove. Don't assume a quartz clock movement from forty years ago is in any way "standard." 

First, after removing the little black box movement out of my clock (which was about the only easy step in the process), I took it to Hobby Lobby where I found that they only sell two movements that are even close. Neither of them had the shaft size (the shaft is the part the clock hands fit onto) that would fit Mickey's hands. 

Ok, no problem. That's why God gave us a ruler and Amazon, right? I measured that stupid shaft (length and diameter) and ordered...the wrong one. Twice. 

I was getting a little discouraged, but I was determined that my clock would work...and that I would not waste twenty bucks. 

I then had the great idea to take a picture of what I wanted, along with a ruler beside it, and let AI tell me where to get it! AI gladly told me to order...the wrong one.

I was now really miffed and peeved (and disappointed in our computer overlords). I decided that it was close enough that with a little whittling with an Ex-Acto knife, I just might be able to get the hands on it. I didn't want to damage the hands, so I focused on the shaft.

And....

I won! Now, it isn't "factory perfect," but the hands stay on and it keeps time! Yay!!!

Some pictures...

This is the broken movement I replaced. It's in two parts because I wanted to see if I could switch the shaft out into a working clock. Nope! If the outside ain't standardized, you can sure bet the inside isn't either!

The new movement mounted in the back of the clock. Note the little piece of wood shim on the left. Even the box sizes were close...but not perfect...

Flipping it around you see the front with the hands in place. When I first put them on after trimming down the shaft diameter, the second hand would move, but not the hour and minute hands. I found the trick was to gently push the hands on the shaft instead of firmly. Now it works! If we had a bad earthquake the hands might fall off, but we never have, so I'm not that worried.

And mounted on the wall, ticking right along! I actually let it run all night before I posted this to make sure it really really worked. It really really does!

So there you have it! My twenty dollar clock ended up costing me closer to fifty bucks when it was all said and done, but I think it's worth it!

So until next time, keep searching for treasure!