aqua shoes

Easy Guide to Checking Negative and Neutral Feedback

2010-08-19T06:55:00.017-07:00

Your finger is poised on the mouse, ready to click on the Bid or Buy button
but you have your reservations about the seller. You can see they have a few
negatives or neutrals but you don't have hours to sift through thousands of
comments to find the red

sky yellow house card free view 20 pounds!!

2010-08-19T06:55:00.015-07:00

get a sky card direct from sky this will give free to air and free to view channels. all bbc itv ch4@5
copy right SKY!
"I already have digital satellite equipment - what else do I need?

All you need to get access to the free channels available on the digital satellite platform is a freesat viewing card which costs just 20."

call sky on - 08702405651

microphones

2010-08-19T06:55:00.013-07:00

Its Too good to be true!

Having just read the one about the guy who bought a fake shure sm58, i have worked in the music retail business for many years, and because i know some of these products are less than Trade VAT price, it seems quite obvious to me that there is something not quite right. Before purchasing a microphone, check the web prices with established music retailers, anything more than a couple of quid cheaper and you are probably looking at a fake. profit margins on genuine mics are quite low, so if its really cheap, it probably is not the real thing.

A simple, no-nonsense, begginers guide to SLR lens

2010-08-19T06:55:00.011-07:00

From personal experience, I know the daunting feeling when you own your first SLR camera and have absoloutely no Idea which lens you should purchase. That is why I have decided to write this article, to help new-comers to this amazing new world of expressive imagination.

The Single lens reflex (SLR) camera.

This amazing machine is unlike any other camera, by doing something so simple as to press a button, turn a lens and put on another lens, you have been transported into another world. Because the point of an SLR is to have interchangeable lenses, most manufacturers sell numerous ranges of lenses. Canon and Nikon are two companies who are praised for this.

Which lens?

There are different categories for lens which are all designed to do something different. I am only going to inform you on the basic categories.

Primes - This is a very vague category, It means that it only has one FOCAL LENGTH. This is a fancy word for a lens that does not zoom, and only magnifies to one consistent magnification.

Zoom - The opposite of Prime, it can change from one focal length to another, these are more convenient than primes but often have lower optical quality than primes.

Wide angle - The name really gives this away, these lens are designed to get as much 'Picture' in as possible, however can sometimes be distorted and make the image slightly round.

Fisheye - These lenses give the image an almost completely round characteristic and make very good distorted or sometimes even 'wacky' photos!

Telephoto - This means that a lens that has a long focal length therefore they bring subjects that are far away closer
however this doesn't actually mean that lens has a zoom feature.

Macro - These lens are primarily designed to photograph very small subjects from a very close distance, these are also good portrait lenses.

Purchasing a lens

I have informed you on the basic types of lens so that you have an idea of what you probably want, you should now seek professional advice. However, I would like to give some last 'survival tips!'

Do's and Don't's

Buying a lens that was originally designed for a 35mm SLR (Film SLR) and then fitting it on a compatible digital SLR will often increase the focal length, for example, fit a compatible 35mm lens onto a Canon EOS 350D (Digital SLR) and the focal length shall be multiplied by 1.6!

Cheap immitation lenses are a flase economy! You often have an incovenient 'Push and Pull' zoom mechanism instead of a turning mechanism, there is no auto focus so you have to use manual focus. This will result, especially in action photography, in disappointing photos. They are much larger than 'proper lenses' and the low quality optics will only result in tears.

If you have purchased a lens online (WarehouseExpress.com is great for the British, they ship world wide,) you should:

Put the box on a soft surface, such as a bed, making sure though that the box does not roll away.

Inspect the packaging, has the box been opened or resealed? If so, do not proceed, get the ordering information and contact the seller immediately.

If the packaging is good then proceed to open the package CAREFULLY, do not use a knife or any cutting tools!

Lenses are fragile pieces of precision optics, pull the lens out of the box gently.

Inspect the physical condition of the lens, if it is damaged, or is scratched or has any imperfections then do not proceed, get the ordering information and contact the seller immediately!

Gently shake the lens, listen to make sure that there are no broken internal components.

Lenses are not usually sold with an extensive user manual, this of course, calls for celebration! In your parade, ensure that you do not knock the lens onto the floor, as this would be dissapointing!

If you are as unfortunate as to receive a long manual, then just read the quick start guide.

Installing a lens should be covered in the quick start guide! If it is not:

Take your camera, and press the lens eject button followed by twisting the lens anti-clockwise. Remove the lens, immediately install both lens caps and the body cap. Put the lens somewhere safe such as a camera bag.

Take the new lens and remove both lens caps and the body cap, carefully but swiftly Insert the lens where it fits and turn the lens clockwise until it moves no further, you should probably hear 'click'. Turn the lens onto Auto-focus mode (if it has it) and then test the new lens!

I wish all the best luck to new SLR camera users, I am serious, these are bundles of fun that turn sliced break into tea-coasters!

THE ANTI-STATIC SOLDERING IRON GUIDE

2010-08-19T06:55:00.009-07:00

Anti-Static Protection: If you're interested in soldering a lot of static-sensitive parts (e.g. CMOS chips or MOSFET transistors), more advanced and expensive soldering iron stations use static-dissipativematerials in their construction to ensure that static does not build up on the iron itself. You may see these listed as "ESD safe" (electrostatic discharge proof). The cheapest irons won't necessarily be ESD-safe but never the less will still probably perform perfectly well in most hobby or educational applications if you take the usual anti-static precautions when handling the components. The tip would need to be well earthed (grounded) in these circumstances

Sealing a sink or bath

2010-08-19T06:55:00.007-07:00

In conjunction with the other guide on this subject, the following make for a perfect seal without the need for a steady hand :-

1 Use a mould resistant silicone sealant and do not be afraid of the more expensive brands, cheap sealants are often inferior.

2 Dip your finger in clear handwashing solution before smoothing out. This will prevent any sticking to your finger and ensure the surface is very smooth at the end

3 Use masking tape to define the line to be sealed. This will prevent any excess sealant ending up where it is not wanted. After removing the masking tape, run a finger along the sealant again. This will smooth out the ridges left by the tape and gives a second seal, further protecting against leaks.

4 When sealing onto tiles, ensure that the grout goes to the bottom, otherwise the water may find its way behind the sealant and leak into the room below.

GOWINGS STORE - WARNING

2010-08-19T06:55:00.005-07:00

I ordered a gamecube game for my daughter's birthday from Gowings Store on eBay.

When the game arrived it was damaged.

I sent several e-mails to Gowings Store to ask for a replacement, but my e-mails have been totally ignored.

Crest Strips

2010-08-19T06:55:00.003-07:00

Since I have been drinking a tons of green tea, I have found its starting to
stain my teeth. (I'm a tea addict..what can I say)I use the usual tooth
whitener tooth paste, and I have them polished at the dentist. But they
embarrassingly go back to their horrible colour. Now I have used a lot of
whiteners that "claim" they will make my teeth pearly white, you know the ones
with the trays that make you dribble like some mad person with
rabies.Then I saw these Crest strips, being a bit dubious it took some
time before I parted with my cash. I purchased some on Ebay (the premium ones),
and tried them out as soon as they hit my doormat.I have to say these
are absolutely wonderful, ..after the 2nd day of trying, my teeth were starting
to look whiter. You get 2 lots of strips, 14 for the tops and 14 for the bottom
teeth. You have to careful when you peel the gel strip off, if you get
distracted the thing tends to stick to everything else. Also if you have sores
on your gums, or cuts I would advise for you not to use them. Lets just say, I
had a cut on my finger and a bit of the gel got in it...it stung like
crazy.I also have sensitive teeth, and these strips are perfectly fine. I
have had no side effects when using this product. Its not advisable to try and
answer the phone when you have the bottom strip on, other wise you end up
sounding like Janet Street Porter!I would certainly recommend these to
all out there who have stained teeth, who want that dazzling smile..and not have
to pay wads of cash on getting them done professionally. (Oh and a litte plug for someone ) The best place
on Ebay to get these... Chemist-4-u

fake aftershaves/perfumes

2010-08-19T06:55:00.001-07:00

the seller 777punto777 is trading and selling fake aftershaves/ perfumes, he sold me 1 and refunded mymoney, other ebay members have experienced this as well, he has made his feedback private as he knows e is guilty though he is still trading, i have reported this to ebay,

Anthony/Tony Robbins UPW List of Songs / Music

2010-08-19T06:54:00.034-07:00

If you already have been to UPW event (Unleash the power within) by Anthony Robbins in London, you know how fun it was and so many great dancing songs were played.

Pleasetype the following link toyour address barand the list of the songs will appear on your screen:

Please note thatthis list is only to help you find the songs easier by having the name of them.

Love and Light

Delbay.co.uk

renault dti cam belt failures

2010-08-19T06:54:00.033-07:00

had a dti 1.9 laguna on a v plate,80k miles,full service history etc,etc.there is a common fault on these engines i found to my peril.the cam belt had been done by the main dealer at 71k,that was fine.

the problem lies with the alternator tensioner,it has a plastic pulley which fails!!you get no warning when it may go.mine collasped threw the belt which coils round the crank pulley,and in turn throws the cam belt off.nasty,cost about 1800 in the dealer,i repaired it my self and itstill cost 600 in parts alone.so please be careful when buying the dti engined renaults,if you get one replace the tensioner at least,cost 150 from dealer.

get rid of those fleas without spending a fortune

2010-08-19T06:54:00.031-07:00

has your dog got fleas then try these home remedies they really work and will save you a fortune.

tried and tested

Fleas and mange ( this one works wonders give it a go)Add a little vinegar to your pet's drinking water to fight fleas and mange.

Repellent ( This is a relly good one)2 cups vinegar, 1 lemon juice, 1 cup warmwater, 1 tbsp. Eucalyptus oil, 1 tbsp citronella oil - Put in a spray bottle and spray dog's coat. spray each day for a week.

Fleas in the home ( not tried as i dont allow the dogs into the main house area)For your house: be inhospitable.Try this recipe if your house has already been overrun with fleas. Mix 1-1/2 pounds of diatomaceous earth, 1-1/2 pounds of natural borax, and 1 cup of salt. Put some of this mixture in your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum all carpets thoroughly. If needed, you can also sprinkle a little of the mix into any confined areas that your pet can't get at, such as closets or small crevices behind furniture. It may take weeks or even months of weekly treatments to get rid of all adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.Make sure to purchase the diatomaceous earth and natural borax at a garden store, not at a pool store. The type of diatomaceous earth sold at pool stores has a high crystalline silica content that is dangerous to humans and pets. Buy only diatomaceous earth with a crystalline silica content that is less than 3 percent.

Shea Butter - a natural moisturiser

2010-08-19T06:54:00.029-07:00

Making your own soap and cosmetics is very rewarding and these guides look at some of the ingredients sold as an addition for soap making and cosmetic making.

Shea Butter

Grown in Africa, particularly Ghana, Shea nuts are cold pressed to produce Shea Butter.

Traditionally used in Africa as cooking and heating oil, it has for centuries been used as a decongestant, as a healing salve, and as a skin care lotion.

Recently discovered in the west, Shea butter is widely used to moisturise, protect and regenerate the skin.

Shea butter helps cell regeneration and capillary circulation. This favours the healing of small wounds, skin cracks and crevices, and skin ulcers. In the cosmetic field, this property is an asset against skin aging. It has restructuring effects on the epidermis, also on dry and fragile hair. It also has natural sunscreen properties and so is ideal for use in soap making and cosmetics.

Nigerian Fraudsters- their methods as i know them...

2010-08-19T06:54:00.027-07:00

I have been using ebay for quite a short amount of time and have mainly only bought things. Which, i have to say has always been an easy an enjoyable process. Until...
I tried to sell something.
I had previously seen some advertisments from sellers expressing in BIG BOLD letters; RELISTED DUE TO FRAUDSTERS! But i never really understood what this meant and found the seller to be somewhat off putting. Little did i know that this was the only obvious indication that there is something seriously wrong with the whole process of selling your goods on ebay. And silly me, i should have scoured the internet for clues as to what this could mean. The fact that i didn't has cost me a fair bit of my much needed cash.
But should i; an honest and trustworthy user of ebay be entirely responsible for protecting myself from scammers? For when one doesn't know of such things one doesn't tend to look into them.
I decided to sell my Sony PS2 Slimline console and naively assumed that things would go as smoothly selling as they had done when buying. This was my mistake. Or should i say that i think that it was ebay's mistake. For they do not warn you. In fact they offer you many expensive listing options. Which, i decided would be best to utilise seeing as i believed it would all be so easy and that it would be well worth it. Now, i will get to the individuals who believe they can get away with scamming people on a daily basis in a moment..
Firstly i will touch on ebay's innefficiency when it comes to policies and protection of it much needed users in regards to this problem. Ebay are simply making a killing out of this. You pay the listing fees, scammers end your auction early using buy it now or just waiting until your auction ends. Then you have to relist. At a cost. And guess who gets those expensive relisting fees? Ebay.
Now, i don't wish to imply that ebay are involved with these particularly odious individuals. I merely wish to convey that their apparent inability to sort out this behaviour just happens to work in their favour. I am not able to list my item any longer, so i have lost out on my chance to sell my item but i have also lost a sum near to 20. That was what a week of stress cost me. To no avail. EBAY: SORT IT OUT!! How can you expect people to sell their goods on a site solely based on trust when your users no longer trust you?
Now, after much ear bending, i come to my knowledge of these fraudsters who seem to come out of Nigeria.

Firstly, they tend to have joined on the very day they "bid" for your item. They also tend to be registered in the united states. And when they win your item(s) you will usually recieve an e-mail similiar to this...

Hello dear seller. Seasons greetings to you. I am currently serving our beloved nation in iraq with the united nations and i have bought this for my daughter who works (somewhere in africa) It is her birthday this coming weekend and i don't want her to be dissapointed in me. PLS send me the invioce so i pay immediately. this is urgent.

The daughter thing is a re-ocurring theme and i have had my listing distroyed 5 times from people sending me variants of this email after bidding on my item.
One other thing... As a result of this sort of behaviour i now think that using the 'buy it now' tool is no-longer applicable as it is like painting yourself red, waving your arms up and down screaming in an enclosure with a bull. Your going to get rammed.
Come on ebay. I just wanted to sell something. Not pay you money to allow scammers to take advantage of me. I feel victimised and foolish and i'm sure there are others out there like me. How long before everyone is unhappy?

Rip of postage costs

2010-08-19T06:54:00.025-07:00

Im sick of people quite clearly charging over the top postage on there items.

Dvds, ps2 games or anything with that size case only cost 75pence to post your envelope which are about 30pence yet people charge you 3.00 postage and dont even bother to walk to the post office to post your item for a couple of days.

Even guitars and ornamental things from china the postage is always something ridiculas like 199.

I you want something for a certain price then put the correct postage and start the auction from the price you want.

Ive just bought a psp memory stick and the postage was 12.99 so I would expect express delivery but it didnt even arrive the next day even though I paid at 8.30am. If this is a business like they said then they know ive just paid cause they sell hundreds every week so they must check all the time.

I think ebay should do something about these scamming peasants. We should be allowed to claim postage back if we think we have been over charged by these money grabbing vermin scumbags.

If you think the postage is overpriced then tell the seller and look elsewhere. There is always someone else selling something you want at a reasonable p p cost.

If you disagree with my comments then chances are your probably a seller and that just tough.

Unless your happy to pay high postage costs then your just a fool.

COLIC-( DR BROWN'S

2010-08-19T06:54:00.023-07:00

Hi just read a very useful guide about colic babies(angielondon) and would just like to add that the drops take up to two weeks to work, were the bottles start to work more or less straight away.

I found the tommee tippee health check bottles best for me, but you do have to do certain things when making them up.

* Make formulawithout the wheel, tubeand valve in first.

*Then when reheating bottle unscrew the lid so that the valve doesn't expand.

*The teat has a cross instead of a hole (you may have to break the seal first!) this means that baby has to suck for the milk ,like they do from the breast.

*Theyhave a helpline that you can use, i recieved replacement valves and advise on how to stop them expanding.(try not to use very hot water when cleaning the valves)

MAMAS AND PAPAS REFUND/REPLACEMENT/FAULTY PRODUCTS

2010-08-19T06:54:00.021-07:00

HI I JUST WANTED TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM I FOUND WITH MAMAS AND PAPAS AND HOW THEY RESOLVED IT.MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT A PLIKO TRAVEL SYSTEM FROM MAMAS AND PAPAS IN YORK.WHEN WE GOT IT HOME AND UNPACKED IT WE FOUND THE SECURITY TAGS HAD ALL BEEN LEFT ON.I IMMEDIATLY RANG THEM UP AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL WOOLIES TO REMOVE SECURITY TAGS FOR US.AS WE LIVE OVER 50 MILES FROM YORK.WE ALSO RECIEVED A TEN POUND GIFT VOUCHER FROM MAMAS AND PAPAS.ALSO WHEN A FAULT DEVELOPED WITH THE PLIKO 3 MONTHS LATER I RANG THEM AND THEY SENT A COURIER TO COLLECT AND RETURNED THE PLIKO ALL FREE OF CHARGE AND REPAIRED.I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW A COMPANYS POLICYS COULD CHANGE AS MUCH AS PEOPLE ARE SAYING IN THE OTHER GUIDES I HAVE READ.ALL I CAN SAY IS I THINK MAMAS AND PAPAS ARE A GOOD STORE.

SCOOBY DOO FIGURES

2010-08-19T06:54:00.019-07:00

SCOOBY DOO single figurescan be purchessed at Tesco for 3.97 including scooby, shaggy and two different monsters,a lot cheeper than some.Tesco is also on the net

SPOTTING A SHILL BIDDER - THE EASY WAY

2010-08-19T06:54:00.017-07:00

Hi all traders I used to love Ebay -what a fantastic way to make a bit extra and the little buzz you get when your ad sells-you did something right! Sadly these days it seems to be changing due to shilling and unfriendly traders eager to sabotage your feedback and those charging over the odds -I recently found 2 dvd sets online free postage and extremely cheaper than those advertised on Ebay-these are listed in the tv drama guide.

Shill bidding -has anyone ever noticed when you are bidding on something big, say a dvd box set as I have previously,reserves not met up toa point and then in comes a new bidder just joined a day or so ago with no feedback-hmmm!This has happened to me a no of times,I've asked myself is it a genuinenew trader or are the sellers shilling-or is it a saboteur asI too haveexperienced? Then the 2nd chance offer comesdays after the listing ends.Oh and the newbie does not bid ever again as I have painstakingly checked this with my new found tool and friend -details below

I since foundthis fabulous website not affilliated with Ebay at all but WoW you will be pleasantly surprised at what it can do-such as filter out the shillers and bag you a bargain -I'll leave you all to make up your own mind.

Goofbay.co.uk

Its my first guide so hope I've been interesting/helpful or both ha!

Regards Posh

beware of purchases from China-sellercn2005

2010-08-19T06:54:00.015-07:00

I MADE THE MISTAKE OF PURCHASING AN ULTRASOUND MACHINE FROM EBAY POWER SELLER IDsellercn2005 BASED INCHINA.

ITEM WORKED GREAT FOR FIRST 3 MONTHS THEN DEVELOPED AN ELECTRICAL FAULT.I CONTACTED THE BUYER WHO ADVISED ME TO SEND THE ITEM BACK AND HE WOULD REFUND OR REPLACE THE ITEM.

HOW STUPID DO I FEEL? : PURCHASED ITEM POSTAGE COST POSTAGE COST TO RETURN NO ITEM OR REFUND NO REPLY TO EMAILS.(LOST IN TOTAL AROUND 200.00) AS ITEM WAS OVER PURCHASED OVER 60 DAYS,NO HELP AVAILABLE FROM EBAY OR PAYPAL.

AS FAR AS I AM AWARE THIS IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN WARN PROSPECTIVE BUYERS FROM THIS EBAYER WHO IS STILL TRADING.

IRON OILS AND THERMODYNAMICS

2010-08-19T06:54:00.013-07:00

GHD THERMODYNAMICS

GHD have just launched the thermodynamics range in this range are the new 3 thermol protectors for use during and before styling ,available in 3 variables for maximum protection for your hair type.each formulated for added control for unruly hair while adding sustained moisture when used with heat styling tools.

Normal to fine hair.light weight protection formulated for fine to normal hair, with ingrediants that deflect and absorb heat with an added UVA protector, meadow foam oil maintains moisture and help keep the elasticity during heat styling

Dry, Course hairControls unruly hair and add sustained miosture when styling with this light hold thermol protector, contains ingrediants that deflect and absorb heat and protect the hair shaft and contains a UVA protector

Weak and Damaged Strenthens and nourishes the hair and is an medium hold thermol protector that deflects the heat protecting the hair shaft, contains a intensive strengthening ingredient designed to deliver optimal anti-breakage benefits,building strength and producing a film aroung the hair shaft to protect the surface of the hair.SHE IRON OIL SHE iron oil is for all hair types, protecting the hair shaft from the heat given off by hair irons and then producing a light invisable film around the hair to protect the surface of the hair from the heat of the irons, this light invisable film also help to keep the hair straighter for longer creating a barrier in damp weather.Directions for all: Spray onto clean hair prior to blow drying or use on each section of dry hair prior to straighteningIRON OILS AND THERMOL PROTECTORS

Booking paintball games via ticket agencies

2010-08-19T06:54:00.011-07:00

Generally speaking you cannot beat booking a paintball game with any one else other than direct with the site owner themselves, if you dont and book online with a ticket agency or similar then there is a very good chance you could be paying well over the odds and maybe missing out on a GAME ORGANISERS DEAL, something that most independant site owners offer as standard. Atour site for exampleI offer the following

Book 10 players: You get a free day and 500 free paintballs

Book 20 players: You get a free day and 1000 free paintballs

Book 30 players: You get a free day, 2000 free paintballs and a free set of goggles with a built in fan and thermal lense

Book 50 players: You get a free day, 2000 paintballs AND a free set of goggles with a built in fan and thermal lens and an entry level paintball markerthats yours to keep (not just for the day)

We also recently introduced a GoldV.I.P membershipcard that gives you 100 free paintballs when you come again and a Platinum V.I.P membership card that gives you 200 free paintballs when you come again.

Try getting anything likethat online with a ticket agency......... (GOOD LUCK)!

The only reasonwe do this is because if you have ever organised a group outing such as a paintballing day then you know just how much damned hard work it is for the organiser, by giving you these deals its just our way of saying "thanks for the effort mate". When you book a days paintball with any site you ring them , enquire about a certain date, we either say "yes thats ok" or not, if its ok then we pencil you in the game diaryand sit back waiting for the deposits to come in, at that point thats our job done, but foryou as the organiser thats where your job gets harder, you are the one that has to organise how many people want to go, possibly organise transportAND try to collect the deposits in {thats the hardest bit} then when you`ve got them inyou then have to get the cash to us or send a cheque etc etc. So basically what im saying is look in your local Yellow Pages,Pink directory, Thompsons local, BT phonebook or any similar publicationfirst and find the nearest independantly owned site to you andbook with them direct. Dont assume that booking online with a ticket agencyis cheaperbecause itsNOT!! If you are going buy gift vouchers or tickets make sure you buy them from the site you are going to, its always better and cheaper

Speaking directlyto the site owner or siteoperator you will alwaysget more comprehensive, truthfull and importantinformation than you will by trying to book online with a ticket agency and you willalso find out if the site you want to play at do a similar offer or deal tous that you may otherwise have missed out on.Try to forget booking via ticket agencies particularly most of the ones on Ebay as they are basically and mostly more expensive than booking direct with your local paintball site. Ticket agencies such as Go Ballistic, Minisrty of Paintball, Nationwide Paintball andInternational Paintball Group or IPG/DELTA FORCEas they are also knownwill tell you to expect to get through a "minimum of 400 to 600 paintballs for a full day session" or A"minimum of 200 to 400 paintballsfor a half day session" when infact almost all paintball sites you go to you should budget for around 500 paintballs for half a day and 1000 paintballs for a full day even for a first timer!!! We even get some new players get through 2000 paintballs in one day, and recently one guy got through 3000 before lunch!!! Agencies use the words "expect" and "minimum"to makeit sound cheaper than it really is justto get your interest.. I CAN TELL YOU NOW ABSOLUTLY NO ONE CAN MAKE 200 PAINTBALLS LAST AN ENTIRE MORNING OR 400 PAINTBALL LAST AN ENTIRE DAY..Even if you hide at the back of the playing field you will still need to shoot at the enemy team when they come to get you or your flag!!!You willalso need towatch out for the booking charges/feesagencies hit you with after you have bought the entry tickets, IT ALMOST ALWAYS WORKS OUT 10 PER PERSON MORE EXPENSIVETHAN BOOKING DIRECT AT YOUR LOCAL SITE {even with your first 100 SO CALLED "FREE PAINTBALLS" }!!!

Thanks for reading this I hope this guide is helpful and happy paintballing to you wherever you are.

Regards

External Hard Drives

2010-08-19T06:54:00.009-07:00

This guide should help you decide on a few factors when choosing an external storage solution!1. Storage Space Size is the most obvious and important factor when choosing an external drive.There is plenty of choice, usually ranging from between 40GB-1TB (1000GB)You can work out how much storage space you will need. It is dependant on what you will be saving on the drive.For example if you are going to be using the drive to store music.. you can store 5,000 tracks for every 20GB on the drive. So you would choose the size accordingly.If you are to be saving video on the drive you will need more space than a music drive.Simple word documents and spreadsheets take up very little room and so a smaller drive is required.Most people, however, like to store a bit of everything on their drive. Or use it to back up all their files!In which case the bigger the better.It also gets cheaper 'Per Gigabyte' the more you buy.e.g80GB might be 55 (which is approx 68p per Gigabyte).120GB might be 70 (approx 58p per Gigabyte).The more you buy the more you save.2. Connection ("Bridge")Your choice of connection between the computer and the drive will be dependant on your computer system.If your computer has a firewire port, try to find a drive with firewire connection. This method of connection gets the fastest transfer speeds. Otherwise, make sure your system has USB ports and buy a USB connection drive. Below are the average speeds of USB/FIREWIRE on an XP computer with AMD ATHLON 1700 PROCESSORFIREWIRE - READ - 38MB/SecFIREWIRE - WRITE - 24.4MB/SecUSB - READ - 30.1MB/SecUSB - WRITE - 24MB/Sec3. Cooling Method

A cool drive, is a reliable drive. Basically if your drive gets too hot, it will become corrupt or loose data.Many external drives now come with a built in fan. These cool the disk very well but can make unwanted noise.Some drives are made of highly heat conductive alloys and dispurse heat by simply transfering it into the air.There is a heat sink in contact with the drive which draws the heat to the outer casing where it is cooled by surrounding air.If you dont mind a bit of extra background noise, choose a fan as these are the best cooling method.Some of the more expensive non-fan models are just fine at cooling themselves silently! Others will not last long

Now that you have decided on the above three variables

for example.. you may have decidedYou need 1TB for maximum storage capacity of media etc, a FIREWIRE connection bridge and a BUILT IN FANThis would be at the higher end of the price spectrum but will give excellent performance.

You may need only 40GB for backing up word documents etc, a USB connection bridge and NO FANThis would be a budget way to back up files and should still be reliable if the heat sink is effective

Once you've made up your mind, search away on eBay! There are many sellers which provide excellent service and top quality products.I Believe RPM SYSTEMS are the best. Providing next day delivery on both FAN and NON FAN drives. Plenty of storage space options and firewire and usb options. They are well priced and all come with a 12 month warranty! Check their items out here.. RPM SYSTEMS

I hope you found this guide useful and you get along well with your new drive!

Dodgy Oakley Sellers/Buyers

2010-08-19T06:54:00.007-07:00

To anyone who reads this!

I have been trading for around 4 years now since I was diagnosed with cancer, it gives me something to while the time away with and of course hopefully make a bob or two, now there are a lot of Genuine Sellers/Buyers out there.....but there are a lot of Con-Men/Fraudsters out there, I have lost count of how many emails I have received supposedly from eBay/PayPal, Luckily for me I can spot them a mile away and forward them on to eBay/PayPal respectively, what are they doing to stop this, well as far as I can see absolutely nothing, I am still receiving them daily, if you read this and want any help with any aspect of eBay/PayPal please drop me an email and I will help you as much as I possibly can, so please remember when in doubtabout an email delete it, eBay/PayPal will never ask for your details! now I have just sold another pair of Genuine Oakley this morning {those of you who have bought from me in the past will know that mine are GENUINE } the buyer questioned wether they were real or not as he/she had read somewhere that genuine Oakley do not have stickers on the lens, well some genuine Oakley do! Flak Jacket come with a HDO sticker on the left lens, disproving that theory, if you are looking at a pair anywhere on ebay and are wary about buying/bidding on them drop pleaseme the item number and I will tell you if they are Genuine or NOT

Regards

Robert Shevill

robshev12@btinternet.com

Air Hockey Rules

2010-08-19T06:54:00.005-07:00

The Cowshed Air Hockey Tables

The rules of air hockey

An air hockey table can be considered an investment in entertainment. You'll get hours of fun for years to come when you add an air hockey table to your game room. Whether you play air hockey for leisure, social fun, or for competition, knowing the official rules as established by the United States Air Hockey Association will only add to the overall enjoyment of your air hockey table.

Making house rules

Of course, you may feel free to establish your own house rules, since the main idea of playing air hockey is to have fun. If house rules will preside over your air hockey table, be sure that both players know what they are and agree to them before facing off.

United States Air Hockey Association rules

The following is an interpretation of the standard rules of air hockey to get you started. For the complete list of rules and sanctioned equipment, consult the USAA's Web site.

1. A player may stand anywhere around the air hockey table on his or her side of the centerline. He/she may not stand past the centerline.

2. If any part of a player's hand, arm, body, or clothes touches the puck, a palming foul should be called. This is one of many very important rules.

3. The air hockey puck may be touched with any part of the mallet but the bottom surface.

4. The puck can't be topped by lifting the mallet and placing it on the top of the puck to slow or stop it while the puck is in play on the air hockey table. This can't be done at any time, either before a serve or during play. Any violation of this or other rules constitutes a foul. However, using the mallet to bring an airborne puck to the table or toward the opponent's goal is not considered a topping violation no matter which side or edge of the puck is contacted.

5. Only one puck can be in play at a given moment.

6. A player may use only one air hockey mallet on the playing surface at one time. A violation of this rule or other rules results in a foul. Players may choose how to hold the one air hockey mallet.

7. When the puck enters a player's goal, the puck must drop and remain in the goal in order for the goal to count. The player's opponent receives one point for a goal scored, unless the offensive player committed a foul-breaking the rules-during or prior to making the shot.

8. A player has seven (7) seconds to make a shot that crosses the centerline of the air hockey table. The rules state that the seven (7) seconds begin as soon as the puck enters and stays on that player's side of the centerline. A violation of this rule, like other rules, is a foul.

9. When the puck is in contact with any part of the centerline, either air hockey player is entitled to strike the puck.

10. The player who is scored upon receives possession of the puck for the next serve.

11. Rules state that when a player is scored upon, he/she has 10 seconds to remove the air hockey puck from the goal and place it in play. The 10 seconds start as soon as the puck has fallen entirely through the goal and is available for the player to place into play. This rule is suspended during a time-out.

12. A player may hand serve the puck (use his or her hand to set the puck in front of his or her mallet) only after he or she has been scored upon.

13. Rules entitle each player to take one timeout per game. The timeout may be no longer than 10 seconds.

14. A player may use his/her timeout only when the air hockey puck is in his/her possession or not in play.

15. A player must make a clear indication of a timeout so that the opponent understands the other player's intention.

16. The first player who scores seven (7) goals is the winner.

17. After each game is complete, players change table sides.

The Cowshed Air Hockey Tables

Thank you for reading my guide. If you foundit to be informative or helpful, Please click the "YES" button below, your vote is appreciated.

Paypal steal your money

2010-08-19T06:54:00.003-07:00

AS A SELLER ON EBAY I THOUGHT PAYPAL WOULD BE THE BEST OPTION, WASNT I WRONG THEY ALWAYS SIDE WITH THE BUYER IVE FOUND ON ALL OCCASIONS AND THE REFUND THE MONEY FROM YOUR ACCOUNT BACK TO THE BUYER AT ALL COSTS.ONE OCCASION I SENT AN ITEM WHICH WAS SIGNED FOR, THE BUYER SAID HE HADNT SIGNED FOR IT, SOMEONE ELSE MUST HAVE,LOW AND BEHOLD A DISPUTE WAS OPENED AND EVENTHOUGH I PROOVED TO PAYPAL I HAD SENT THE ITEM AND THE TRACK AND TRACE SHOWED IT HAD BEEN RECEIVED STILL PAYPAL REFUNDED THE BUYER LEAVING ME OUT OF POCKET AND DOWN BY AN ITEM, NOT IMPRESSED.OTHER OCCASION WHEN I PAID 260 FOR A STEREO AND DIDNT RECEIVE THE ITEM, A MOMENT OF MADNESS ON MY BEHALF THE SELLER WAS A 0 FEEDBACK CROOK, I RECEIVED BACK 105 AFTER I INITIATED A DISPUTE, PAYPAL THEN INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD TRY TO RECLAIM THE REST OF THE MONEY IF THE SELLER WAS TO RESELL ON EBAY, NOT LIKELY EH, THE NEXT TIME 14 DAYS LATER I LOOK AT THE DISPUTE, PAYPAL HAD CLOSED IT. WELL THANKS THEY HAD THE SELLERS DETAILS WHY COULDNT THEY HAVE REVERSED THE PAYMENT THAT TIME??I RARELY SELL ON EBAY NOW THESE DAYS BECAUSE OF IT AND IF I AM TO START AGAIN WILL CERTAINLY NOT USE PAYPAL AGAIN, EBAY LISTING FEES ARE ENOUGH WITHOUT GIVING THEM MORE OF MY MONEY TO PAYPAL TOO, WHICH IS OWNED BY EBAY, AND THE FEES PAYPAL RECEIVE, DO ME NO GOOD WHEN I NEED HELP, PAYPAL IS USELESS WITH A CAPITAL U.ANOTHER EXAMPLE I SENT A SEALED INK CARTRIDGE TO A BUYER WHO OPENED A DISPUTE THAT THE ITEM WAS NOT AS DESCRIBED,HOW THEY WORKED THAT ONE OUT I DONT KNOW, I PHONED PAYPAL AFTER A DISPUTE WAS OPENED THEY SAID THIS OFTENHAPPENS WHEN BASICALLY SOMEONE BUYS SOMETHING THEN DECIDES THAT THEY DONT THEN WANT IT,SO A WAY TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK , ANNOYED AT THE FEES I HAD PAID FOR THE SALE I AGREED THAT IF THEY SENT BACK THE ITEM THAT I WOULD REFUND IT UPON RECEIPT, PAYPAL TOLD THE BUYER TO SEND IT BACK RECORDED, FAIR ENOUGH.A WEEK OR SO LATER I SIGNED FOR AN ITEM WHEN I OPENED IT IT WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL ITEM I HAD SENT THE BUYER I IMMEDIATLY CONTACED PAYPAL, WHO TOLD ME THAT VIA THE TRACK AND TRACE THEY COULD SEE I HAD RECEIVED BACK THE ITEM AND THEY REFUNDED THE BUYER, I WAS LIVID, I LOST OUT ON MY ITEM AND MY MONEY ONCE AGAIN, JUST BY PAYPAL BACKING THE BUYER AT ALL COSTS, THE FACT THAT I HAD 99%FEEDBACK ON OVER 1000 ITEMS DIDNT MATTER AND THE BUYER HAD A RATING OF AROUND 60%ON 30 ITEMS, BEWARE ALL SELLERS PAYPAL ARE CROOKS THEY BACK BUYERS AT ALL COSTS IF YOU USE THEM YOU WILL LOOSE MONEY AT SOME POINT GUARANTEED.

Table Football - Official Rules

2010-08-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

There have always been a lot of arguments about the rules of table football, in the old days each pub or cafe had its own house rules, and even recently different table types and national associations had their own sets of rules.

All this has now changed, as the International Table-Soccer Federation has brought rulemakers from all major traditions together to formulate a universal set of Official Rules of the game, which have been adopted worldwide, and on all types of table, in 2007. These run to a total of 17 pages, and can be found at:

http://www.table-soccer.org/rules

The following is a simplified set of rules, based on the ITSF rules, which should cover play in non-official circumstances, e.g. at home, school/college, pub/club or workplaces. For official tournaments players should familiarise themselves with the official rule book.

Basic Foosball Rules

1 No Spinning it is a spin if the rod rotates more than 360

THE 10 BEST

2010-08-05T06:59:00.021-07:00

This guide is actually a continuation of the related guide I have here on ebay entitled: ARE CELL PHONES DANGEROUS TO YOU

Tiffany Necklaces Bracelets etc.. Ebay Good or NOT?????

2010-08-05T06:59:00.019-07:00

Tiffany Necklaces come in all shape and forms here on ebay

Do You know what your buying?????

Well i didnt when i purchased from a power seller here on ebay and i found it wasnt all it cracked up to be

So what can You do??

Tiffany brand new is Far to expensive!! Ebay you dont know what you are getting???

How about a Prefered online supplier who has brilliant service and great products based in the UK but ship worldwide

Well i found them i was going through google and there great and sell loads of other stuff too

Its PVCKING.CO.UK Dont forget the 3 w's in front as i cant put them on here as it wont let me

I and many more have ordered and been Very happy

Hope this helps

SOME LIGHTER OVERHAUL TIPS

2010-08-05T06:59:00.017-07:00

1-YOU CAN SWAP OVER A LOT OF THE RONSON LIGHTER TOPS IE STANDARD WITH WHIRLWIND-

2-KEEP THAT WD40 HANDY-AMAZING FOR FREEING MOVEMENTS

3-YOU HAVE THAT BADLY ENAMELED LIGHTER-ACETONE WILL TAKE ITALL OFFOFF VERY WELL(MUST BE THE REAL MACOY NOT SUBSTITUTE)-SAVES SCRATCH MARKS ON LIGHTER!!

4-SWAP RONSON VALVES-TWO BASIC TYPES-YOU HAVE THIS VERY NICE PREMIER FANTASTIC BODY BUT FAULTY VALVE-TAKE ONE FROM A COMET OR A RONSON TABLE LIGHTER AND REPLACE-EVEN THE 83600 ELECTRNIC RANGE ALL TAKE SAME BASE VALVES-THIS ALSO APLIES TO THE BURNER VALVES

5-OF COURSE NEVER STORE LIGHTERS WITH FLINTS STILL IN -WE ALL KNOW BUT DO THIS!!!

6-YOU HAVE A GAS/FLINT LTR -NOT ELECTRONIC-AND NO GAS COMMING THRU-WARM BASE UP IN HOT WATER -SUPRISE!!REPEAT DO NOT TRY WITH PIETZO OR OTHER ELECTRONIC LIGHTER

7-NEVER DRILL A GAS LIGHTER TO TAKE JAMMED FLINT OUT-(YOU WILL HIT THE TANK -BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE)-TAP FOM TOP WITH TINY JEWELERS SCREWDRIVER

8-GETTING A BAD SPARK FROM WORN FLINTWHEEL-TRY ONE OF YOUR OLD MOULDY FLINTS-ONE ALWAYS HAS SOME AROUND-

9-WHEN BUYING-ALWAYS ASK IF WORKING-OVERWISE (BIT LIKE BUYING A CAR WITHOUT AN ENGINE)-SUPRISED HOW DIFICULT IT IS FOR SOME TO SOURCE OUT WHERE TO BUY GAS-THIS BUSINESS ABOUTBEING A NON SMOOKER -OR HAVE NO GAS-THEN SELLING A 50 LTR -!!!

10-WHEN BUYING OUTSIDE EC REMEMBER CUSTOMS WILL HIT YOU FOR DUTY-YESTERDAY I PAID 14 FOR A BATCH VALUE $60 FROM STATES-YOU EVEN HAVE TO PICK UP FROM POST OFFICE YOUSELF-

REGARDS BARRIE-ALL COMMON SENSE

Fake Links of London Sweetie Bracelet

2010-08-05T06:59:00.015-07:00

I was thrilled when i recently purchased my LL sweetie bracelet only to find upon taking it to the shop that it was a fake.

I had my suspicions when i opened the parcel to find the bracelet was wrapped in plastic packaging which i thought was quite odd, after much speculation i took it to the Links of London store within Selfridges manchester and the kind lady took one look at it and confirmed my suspicions. The points to look out for are:

1) the engraving on the fake LL sweetie bracelets are quite faint, the real ones are boldly engraved

2) on either the left or right side of the clasp normally two rings in, there should be a stamp/hallmark

3) the weight of the fakes are much heavier than the real ones and they have a tinny sound if shaken

4) No real sweetie bracelet is sold with a charm already attached apart from the childrensversion.All charms are sold separelty and retail at 40

5)If bought from a LLstore will be packaged with a black bow

6) The silver on the fakes is poor quality and the colour will start diminishing after a few weeks in some cases turning black

I hope the above points will help you save your hardearned cash from being spent on a fake item. I paid 65 for mine but i felt much more satisfied going tothe store and spending an extra 30 on the real thing(plus i really wanted the cute little box to show off to my friends)

Many thanks and good luck xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Guide to identify

2010-08-05T06:59:00.013-07:00

I love experimenting with Mac pigments ,they are such fab product,here is a little info to help you avoiding the pitfalls of buying counterfeit Mac pigments.Sadly MAC PIGMENTS are the most counterfeited MAC product!Below is a photo of my fav shade MAC Pigment"Dark Soul"
Authentic Mac pigments retail for around 15 each so as ask yourself how can someone afford to sell 20 brand new pigments for 49?Here some info : MAC doesn't sell wholesale to distributorsIn the UK a MAC Pro card gives a maximum discount of 35% pigments are 9.52 each a Staff Discount card gives 60% discount - pigments cost 5.87 each ,so if you see them sold very cheaply your alarm bells should be ringing loud and clear.I would be wary of buying from anyone who has lots of "very rare" or "hard to find"pigments ask yourself how did they acquire these "rare pigments"?

Buying a Landrover Discovery? - What to look for!

2010-08-05T06:59:00.011-07:00

Having seen many poor Landrover Discoveries on Ebay lately i decided to enlighten buyers with a quick checklist on exactly where to look for the all too common problems associated with these vehicles.It might look tidy and clean on the outside but underneath may be a different story!Mechanically a landrover is usually cheap to maintain or repair but bodywise, its a different story with many discoveries suffering from serious hidden corrosion in many places. The common places (and expensive to repair) are the sills, wheel arches, inner wings, boot floor and rear crossmember. Here is a quick rundown on the problem areas.SILLS:- It takes but a few minutes to inspect the sills, ensure they are firm and not holed. A light tap with a small hammer will let you know the condition. Check the condition along the seam where inner meets outer sill, This should be straight and not bubbled out, a sure sign of impending replacement needed. There should be no corrosion around the base of the door pillars at the front and middle and likewise where the baseplate meets and fits under the sill. There is a drainhole at the base of the pillars, pull the plastic plug out and see if its full of rust or mud. The middle pillar also has the seatbelt mount behind it on the floor, corrosion in this area of sill, pillar or floor will be an MOT failure.INNER WINGS:- Very common to find these holed or non-existant in places. They should be sound and rust free and i've had many pass an MOT with corrosion and likewise fail, its the MOT inspectors discretion here but still looks unsightly if holed. Below the brake servo where the inner wing meets the bulkhead is a common rust-trap and an MOT failure, also awkward to repair and usually ends up in a new innerwing being fitted along with a bulkhead repair. Parts of the brake pipe system are supported by clips mounted on the wings, also the battery tray and surrounding areas should be sound, last thing you want is to hit a bump and end up flattening your battery....literally!REAR WHEEL ARCHES:- Open the rear doors (5-door only) and inspect the top of the arch, this should be sound as its within 12" of a seatbelt mount and will fail if rusty or holed. The bottom is usually hidden behind the plastic trim and is a common rust trap area. Checking from inside the wheelarch will give a fair indication of condition, likewise from underneath when inspecting the sills. There is a splash panel at the bottom front of the arch, this also covers the rear of the sill and is very commonly holed or in extreme cases missing. The rear of the arch also has the mudflap brackets bolted onto it and frequently rots there too, leaving not only a loose mudflap bracket but also an insecure body side panel. looking around the inner, lower edge of the arch where above where the suspension spring is, corrosion here usually means the rear floor has started to rot and this is a potentially expensive repair often requiring patching or in worst cases a new arch and floor panel.3-DOOR:- The rear of the sill is hidden behind the body panel and is a serious problem area. Signs of corrosion on the bottom of the body panel are a sure sign of serious rot inside. There is no cheap solution to repair this, i've seen some with the panel cut away and then chequer plate covering it, the other way is to unstitch the panel from the middle pillar, pull the panel out and replace the sill that way. Either way is a lot of work and not a cheap fix.FRONT PANEL:- Corrosion here is usually the headlight boxes and front chassis mounts, its common for the headlight boxes to have no bottom and the chassis mounts to be totally gone, leaving a couple of rubber bushes and bolts showing. MOT failure here if this is the case!REAR BODY:- The rear body panel beneath the rear bumper has two body mounts, these frequently rot out, leaving no means of supporting the rear body. The chassis crossmember is also a common fault, more so on earlier models. Open the rear door and inspect the surrounding, common problems are at the top on both sides where the join between roof and pillars is, at the bottom on both corners and along the leading edge where the bootfloor starts. Corrosion here has been the end of many discoveries! BOOT FLOOR:- If corroded, then this is the biggest job to replace in my opinion. Around 150 spot welds that need removing to get the panel out, less if corrosion is severe. Care needs to be taken when drilling over the fuel tank as its very close to the floor and a careless drill bit will punture it. The floor has 3 supporting bars, one of which has the rear flexi brake pipe attatched so care needed when exposing this area. Often the surrounding floor panels need repairing as the rot spreads, theres a few sellers on Ebay supplying formed metal to replace these parts but they will require the floor being cut and then welding in before refitting the floor. In serious cases a floor repair panel or floor and arch panel will be needed. Expensive items though so many Discoveries get patched up here. A good tip when taking the floor out is to clean and paint the top edges of the chassis and also changing the much neglected primary fuel filter, located in front of the fuel tank, on the chassis itself. Many Landrover parts suppliers forget there are TWO main fuel filters on the discovery, you buy the filter kit and get ONE! ITs a common find to see this missing and a joint pipe replacing it as its so often neglected that its impossible to change and needs the entire housing replaced, hence the pipe being fitted.Above are the common areas of rot, most you will not see if you dont look for it. Ive bought a few discoveries lately, sold with bodywork in "good condition", with MOT and you would think Fred Flintstone owned it!, i can picture the feet on the tarmac now hehe. Terminally rotten thoguh as its beyond economical repair so only good for parts. The amazing thing is the previous owner says he used it daily.....frightening!!All too many have excellent bodywork due to them having aluminium body panels, a wash and polish brings them up well and the prospective buyer is dazzled with the stunning looks. If you dont look underneath, then there is no-one but yourself to blame if its a rot-box.A rough indication on parts

Fraud memory sellers like bobob_uk

2010-08-05T06:59:00.009-07:00

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/bobob_uk/

Sells unbrandedchinese memory as quality graded memory.

bobob_uk is a chinese seller despite having a London Office.

He has been reported to ebay and paypal repeatedly, including myself, with evidence of these frauds, but continues to be allowed to sell fake items fraudulently.

See here for just the last 30 days of his antics reported by buyers who know enough to test. His frauds go back farfurther.

see www dot toolhaus dot org/cgi-bin/negs?/user=bobob_uk

***Note

Ebay appears to be regularly blocking access to this sellers feedback from toolhaus. This would appear to be furtherevidence of Ebay's complicity in this sellers frauds.

Superbikes 1970s Benelli, Kawasaki, BMW, Honda etc

2010-08-05T06:59:00.007-07:00

Superbikes 1970s

This is one of many illustrated classic motorcycle guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic 1970's motorcycle art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features several classic motor cycles of the 1970s.

Benelli 750 SEI

The Benelli 750 Sei was launched in 1975. With smart styling, Italian racing red paintwork and the unique attraction of its six-cylinder engine, emphasized by an array of gleaming chromed exhaust pipes, the Sei looked to be a world beater. Sadly its engine turned out to be softly tuned and the bike was no faster than Honda's CB750-four of six years earlier. On the plus side the Sei was supremely smooth and comfortable and was commendably narrow for a six. Its air-cooled 12-valve SOHC transverse six engine produced 71bhp @ 8,900rpm and gave a top speed of 118mph (189kph).

BMW R90/S

The introduction of the /5 series in 1969 marked a new era for BMW with new machines, such as the R75, marking a radical departure from previous BMW practice. Bright colours, a splash of chrome, light frames and resolute engines all added up to quick, good handling machines that retained the reliability and quality of the previous models. In 1974, to keep pace with the competition, the R90/S was introduced. Its 900cc engine fed 9.5:1 pistons through 38mm Dell'Orto pumper carbs and it used a new five-speed transmission to propel its 500 pounds (wet) through a quarter-mile in a mere 13 seconds.

Ducati 750 Sport

Ducati had been building single-cylinder bikes with shaft driven camshafts for fifteen years when they decided to move into the bigger bike market. The 750GT, announced to an impressed public in September 1970, was effectively two singles mounted in a 90 degree V, a layout that was to become a Ducati trademark. There were plenty of other V-twins around, but the Ducati was different from all of them. Moto Guzzi's transverse vees (Le Mans apart) were more touring biased and Harley-Davidson's twins, although longitudinal like Ducati's, were worlds apart in terms of character and intended use.

Honda CB750

In 1969, Honda changed the face of motorcycling forever with the CB 750. The CB750 Four offered a combination of hardware never before seen on a single machine. For the first time, four cylinder power and smoothness were joined by a five-speed gearbox, an electric starter and a front disc brake (the first ever on a street machine), and all at a reasonable price. The CB750 was the firm's first attempt at a big bike and it set new standards for performance, practicality and reliability in the big bike class - the era of the production superbike had begun.

Kawasaki 750 H2

In 1969, Kawasaki launched the Mach 3, a 500cc no-holds-barred speedster with exceptional performance, it was capable of a quarter-mile run in under 13 seconds and a maximum 120mph (193kph), flat-out. When therefore, they showed the seven-fifty version (Mach 4) in early 1972, the motorcycling world gasped in disbelief. Crammed into the lightest motorcycle in its class was the most bristly engine ever seen from Japan. There were three 250cc air-cooled cylinders sitting side-by-side across the frame with a claimed output of 74bhp at 6,500rpm. A surprising example of the early seventies superbike.

Laverda Jota

Laverda's reputation as a builder of classic superbikes began with an 80bhp machine in 1972. A twin ohc 1000cc triple powered it to 125mph (201kph) and not only was it faster than the Japanese superbikes, it had handling to match. Known as the 3C, it spawned the UK only, Jota (developed by Laverda importer Roger Slater), the 1200cc Mirage and the later more civilised 120-degree crank versions. Released in 1976, the Jota was just about the fastest production machine of the day. Capable of almost 140mph (225kph) and coupled with well proportioned, yet racy lines, it is no wonder the Jota soon became a motorcycling status symbol.

Moto Guzzi 750S

The Moto Guzzi 750 S was one of the most eye-catching machines of its era. Finished in all black with violent red, orange or green flashes across the tank and side panels, it used the familiar Moto Guzzi 748cc V-twin ohv engine mounted in a twin-cradle frame. Producing 53bhp @ 6300rpm, top speed of this highly desirable superbike was 123mph (199kph). By the seventies handling was an Italian speciality. Firms such as Moto Guzzi were showing the Japanese that there was more to motorcycle design than simply putting a potent engine between two wheels.

MV Agusta 750S America

The name MV-Agusta is a legend in motorcycling, for the company from Gallarate in northern Italy won no fewer than 37 World Championships and over 100 National titles. They produced their first sporty four-cylinder road bike in 1971, which used the shaft drive of their touring 600 but with increased capacity and compression. The 750 S America was produced in 1975 and, as its name suggests, was aimed purely at the American market. It was finished in standard trim. Extras available included gold magnesium alloy wheels, a disc rear brake and full fairing.

Norton Commando 850

The 850 Commando was launched in 1973 and this was to be the final incarnation of Norton's classic vertical twin. The 828cc engine was a solid design although by now was approaching thirty years of age and consequently competing with more sophisticated Japanese four-cylinder power, was a difficult taks. Power output had risen to 60bhp @ 6000rpm but there was no significant improvement in performance over the 750, with a top speed of 115mph (185kph). Nevertheless, the 850 Commando found a loyal following for those motorcyclists looking for torque and generally unfussed cruising.

Suzuki GS750

Introduced towards the end of 1976, the GS 750 was Suzuki's first large capacity four-stroke motorcycle. Needing something special to replace the three-cylinder two-stroke GT750, which had become a victim of rough emission control regulations in America, the GS750 proved to be not only the fastest seven-fifty on the market but the most compact and best mannered big bike to appear from Japan to date. The company realised that what was needed in the 750 class was a machine with superior roadholding and manageability as well as more power and the GS750 had all of these attributes.

Triumph Trident T150

The Triumph Trident, when released in 1968, made a genuine impact on the motorcycling world. It was fast, storming up to 100mph (160kph) quicker than the competition and unlike some other "superbikes", it also handled well. The sound of its three-cylinder engine howling its way up to 8000rpm was unforgettable. It is sad that Triumph's industrial troubles kept development of the Trident to a minimum. The T150 ran until 1975, with various styling upgrades until the final Trident, the T160, appeared in 1975. Potentially a great machine, it was sadly let down only by sloppy production quality and faded from the scene after 1976.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Cmos CCTV Systems being sold on Ebay June '09

2010-08-05T06:59:00.005-07:00

Hi, we have several guides on ebay with reference to choosing a suitable CCTV system for Home or Business use. This guide is an attendum to those guides as a result of numerous listings which have started appearing on Ebay.co.uk and Ebay.ie for 4 camera complete systems which are actually cmos based.Firstly - there are numerous professional CCTV companies with good customer support and experience who sell on ebay - this guide is strictly a warning about the CMOS type systems which have stated to appear - none of which appear to be being sold by any CCTV seller but mainly by sellers whose main product range has nothing to do with CCTV.

Triumph Motorcycle - Speed Twin, Tiger 100, Club, 110

2010-08-05T06:59:00.003-07:00

Triumph Motorcycles

This is one of many illustrated classic motorcycle guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Triumph motorcycle art featured in this guide please click here.

The first all-Triumph motor cycles were made in Coventry as early as 1904. Following a number of notable models, not least the 1925 494cc side-valve Model P with its absurdly low selling price of 42, it was in 1937 that Triumph finally took the motor cycling world by storm with the Speed Twin. This guide details six of Triumph's best loved models from the "classic" post-war period.

Triumph Speed Twin

The Triumph Speed Twin was probably the best known motor cycle of the immediate post-war period. Strikingly good looking and built to a high standard, it was chosen as the mount for the London Police. A vertical-twin layout, it featured an all-iron block and head. Light and simple, the engine was virtually a single with two pistons travelling in unison to give even firing intervals and impelled by a 360 degree crankshaft. over output was approximately 25bhp at 5500rpm, which was enough to power the bike at up to 85mph.

Triumph Thunderbird

Born out of demand from mainly their American customers, Triumph enlarged the Speed Twin in 1946 by 150cc and called it the Thunderbird. Both bore and stroke increased from 63 x 80mm to a nearer "Square" dimension of 71 x 82mm, giving 649cc and a power output of 34bhp @6300rpm. The 8hp advantage over the 500 produced a noticeable surge of mid-range torque and a road performance superior to the Tiger 100.

Triumph Trophy

Triumph on-or-off road bike, the Trophy was first listed in 1949. A combination of the Tiger 100 and Grand Prix detuned to one carburettor, and running on a compression ratio of 6:1, the engine was carried in a specially shortened high-clearance frame with a siamesed exhaust system tucked above the primary case and ending in a lightweight silencer. Light and manoeuvrable, the Trophy was equipped with a detachable lighting set making it a practical all-rounder for everyday use and weekend sport.

Triumph Tiger Cub

Derived from the Terrier, the Tiger Cub came into the post-war world in 1954. Not merely a sports version of the 150, the 199cc Triumph obtained much of its extra speed from its extra capacity. An inclined overhead-valve single with unit construction for a four-speed gearbox driven by a non-adjustable chain, the Cub had an oval timing-side casting and a very neat appearance. It was equipped at first with plunger rear springing, later with pivot-fork type. An excellent performer, top speed was 68mph and with plenty of acceleration, it could outpace most two strokes of comparable size.

Triumph Tiger 110

In the immediate post-war market Triumph got going with the Speed Twin and the Tiger 100 twins and although these were perfectly acceptable to the British, the Americans were soon demanding more performance. Edward Turner obliged with the 649cc Thunderbird and then later evolved from a high-performance edition which he named the Tiger 110. Engine changes included the beefed-up crankshaft, larger inlet valves and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The T110 in Britain found its niche in production-machine racing, aquitting itself well at Thruxton in 1955.

Triumph Tiger 100

The high performance version of the Speed Twin, the Tiger 100 returned post-war in 1946. Changes were light, and mainly concerned the position of the dynamo, now at the front of the block and a reduction in the level of external oil piping. As before it had an eight-stud fixing for the cylinder block and polished flywheels and connecting rods. Considered as one of the handsomest Triumphs of all, the T100 had a top speed well in excess of 90mph. With the exception of the Vincent Rapide, which had twice the capacity, it represented the fastest standard tourer available.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Buses In Britain 1960s Leyland AEC Routemaster Daimler

2010-08-05T06:59:00.001-07:00

Buses In Britain 1960s

This is one of many illustrated classic bus guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic British Bus art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features a number of classic British buses from the 1960s.

AEC Regent V ( East Kent )

Based in Canterbury, East Kent covered a wide area of Kent, bounded by the sea on three sides and fellow BET company, Maidstone and District, to the west. The AEC Regent 5 LD3RA double-decker entered the East Kent fleet in 1958. The MkV Regent had the largest number of options and variations of any Regent produced. There were three different engines available together with monocontrol and synchromesh gearboxes, air pressure and triple vacuum servo-assisted braking.

AEC Routemaster ( BEA )

The advent of AEC's Routemaster vehicle was probably the greatest step forward in bus design not only in London Transport's history but for the bus world in general. In 1966 B.E.A. ( British European Airways ) took delivery of 65 RMF type Routemasters fitted with 27ft 6in bodies for operation on the Airport service from Gloucester Road to Heathrow. These had provision for the luggage to be carried in a two-wheeler trailer towed by the bus.

BMMO D9 ( Midland Red )

Midland Red were interested in developing a 30ft long high capacity double-decker as far back as 1951, but it was not until 1956 that such vehicles were approved. The 30ft D9 prototype appeared in 1958, a remarkable advanced integral 72-seat machine fitted with the new BMMO KL 10.5-litre engine coupled to an electrically controlled self-changing gearbox. Production vehicles were introduced in 1960, and over the next six years a total of 345 examples had entered service.

Bristol Lodekka ( Hants

How to Design a Custom eBay store! (FULL TUTORIAL)

2010-08-05T06:58:00.027-07:00

I'm sure a lot of you have seen those great eBay stores, with custom designs, and thought, how the hell did they do that? I bet you've done a search for it, and onl found a bunch of sites of people trying to get hundreds of from you in return for a design. Are you one of those people who can design a store, but don't know how to do the code? Well this guide is for you! I am going to supply you with step by step information on how to create your very own custom store design.PLEASE BE SURE TO ADD A "YES" HELPFULNESS VOTE IF YOU READ THIS GUIDE! I HAVE WORKED HARD TO MAKE THIS TO HELP PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO MAKE AMAZING EBAY STORES/SHOPS.Firstly, you will need an eBay store active, in which you have full access to. You will also need some kind of server where you can host a .CSS file in which ebay can load for the colours. If you do not have webspace, please feel free to email me at ash.pearson1@gmail.com or send me a message on ebay, and I will supply you with some free webspace to host your .CSS file and images if you so wish.Now lets start with Setting up your eBay store from the start. If you have already done this, please scroll down to our custom design section and read on from there to begin your custom designing.Firstly, check out http://pages.ebay.com/storefronts/bestinstores.html for some ideas on how to create a nice looking store.(Copy and paste the link into your browser in a new tab or window)Now, once your eBay store is all set up, with the "Quick Store Setup" option, we will begin to Manage our store. You can do this by logging into your ebay summary, scrolling down and clicking "Manage my Store" on the left navigation bar.Now you will find yourself on the page in which you will edit your store, and add features. The first thing you will want to do is add some categories to your store. You are allowed to create up to 300 different store categories for your new eBay store, so don't worry about making too many. You can add as many categories and sub categories as you want. You can create categories by clicking "Store Caegories" on the left navigation.You can now click the Add Category button and create your category, giving it an appropriate name. You can create 5 categories at a time.Once you have made your 5 categories, you can add more or click a particular category link to access that category and create sub-categories inside it. This is used on my own store.Example: Servants of the Betrayer Loot Cards Epic Cards Rare Cards Uncommon Cards Hunt for Illidan Loot Cards Epic Cards etc etc.Once you have created all your categories, you can move onto the next step. Don't worry if you can't think of a particular one. You can always come back later and add/remove categories.DISPLAY SETTINGSYou are now going to want to edit your Display Settings.The Display Settings allow you to Add a title to your Store, view your Store URL, or change it, make changes to your Store Logo, and Add/Edit your Store Description.Store Name: Give your Store a good name which includes what you sell. Such As World of Warcraft TCG - loot cards, spectral tiger etc.Store Logo: Choose a logo from your PC, enter a URL, or choose a basic eBay one for your store. Size must be 310x90 pixels.Store Description: Don't put something like "Welcome to our store, enjoy your visit". Be abrupt, explain what you sell and use keywords for what items you sell as this will help with your Search Engine Placement on sites like Google, Yahoo and loads more. This could bring you potential customers to all of your items on a huge scale if the right keywords are mentioned.THEME AND DISPLAYThe Theme and Display section allows you to edit your store theme, edit Left Navigation Bar settings, and make changes to the Store Header Display. It also allows you to change the way items are listed on your storefront.Store Theme: Choose a theme from eBay. If you are planning on customising a theme for later, and creating a custom theme, this section doesn't really matter. Just choose something that looks nice, and matches the colours of your items in some way.Left Nav Bar Settings: Choose to show your Search Box, Choose which categories to show, and Choose to show Store Pages and Buyer Display options.Store Header Display: Turn the Store Page Header on. (Turn this off if you are going to create a custom store. We will be making our own), and choose which type of eBay header displays. You can only change this with a premium store.Item Display: Choose whether to show your items on your store as a list, or in a Gallery View. I recommend gallery view, as it looks like an online store, and looks nicer.PROMOTION BOXESPromotion Boxes allow you to place small pieces of information on your store in different places. These could include a small piece of information about items on Sale, or a great postage offer you currently have going. You can also use Promotion Boxes to create slideshows of items which you are currently selling, and create Countdown Timers for items which are ending soonest. The Options are all pretty self explanatory.CUSTOM PAGES (THIS IS THE START OF THE CUSTOM DESIGN!)When you create your store, you will end up with a nice looking storefront, with nice colours. But then when you see other peoples shops, and they have created a fully self designed store, with header display, flash and loads more, you really wish you could do it. There are thousands of you out there who can design the store you want, but don't know how to embed it into ebay. Well this is how you do it my friends.Now all sections will assume you have HTML code ready, including images, your design, and a .CSS FILE. If you do not have a CSS file, please scroll down to that section and read about that, because it is required to create a decent storefront.Now, we will start with the Header.Once you have your Header image uploaded to your file server, or a site such as Photobucket, Imageshack, or Tinypic, and have your HTML code ready, go to Manage My Store

Is BT's interpretation of the word 'unlimited' legal?

2010-08-05T06:58:00.026-07:00

WARNING ABOUT - VAN TRADER UK - vantraderuk

2010-08-05T06:58:00.025-07:00

They do not have the 5000 vehicles they claim to have and I don't even think they have a garage.

- Vehicles listed are not available

- Vehicles are located all over the uk

- They buy the vans once they have your money

- Pictures of the vehicles do not represent the actual vehicle you buy

FOOT GAUGE 8- L@@K

2010-08-05T06:58:00.023-07:00

VERBAUDET SELL FOOT GAUGES FOR 8.00 P

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SELLING CLOTHING/TEXTILES

2010-08-05T06:58:00.021-07:00

This is a quick guide to help you stand out from the hundreds of thousands of items on ebay, and to boost your sales. There are five areas you need to address when selling any item of clothing on ebay. Although this guide is mainly for clothing, it can relate to almost all items sold on ebay.1. A TRAFFIC GRABBING TITLE2. GOOD ITEM DETAILS3. DECENT PHOTOGRAPHY4. DE-CLUTTER YOUR LISTING5. HONESTY1. THE TITLEA huge mistake new sellers make when listing is to use decribing words or what they think are attention grabbing words like 'L@@K' or 'SEXY' or 'BARGAIN' or punctuation. Nobody searches for these terms, and punctuation is a waste of space. Celebrity names are also usually a waste of space. You need to make sure that your listing has as many search engine submitted words as possible to make sure that your item comes up in any many searches as possible. In your title all you need is : Condition, Fabric, Brand, Size (In numbers and letter), Colour. If you have space, you may now put season, item style, occasion and patterns if there are any. Remember you only have 55 characters to work with. For example if you are selling an old lipsy dress, you can say 'LIPSY CHIFFON BLUE MINI DRESS SIZE 10 M LAYERED SUMMER'. This is better than 'Only worn once stunning lipsy dress size 10 or medium'. The second example only conatins three popular searches '10' and 'lipsy' and 'dress', whereas every word in the first example is a popular keyword.Just think about what you search for when looking for items. Do you search for exclamation marks or 'stunning' or 'fantastic'? No, You don't. 2. A great description-Make sure you use the drop down menus and fill them up with information. This is also submitted to the search engines so you can grab even more traffic by filling these in correctly. -Use bullet points wherever possible as most people are just skimming and don't want to read a 1000 word essay on your old jeans. All you need in the description is: 'Welcome to my auction', A quick snappy description, what the item will go well with, and NEVER FORGET TO SAY 'have a look at my other items'. Most people forget to explore buyers items, and this little reminder could double your traffic. 3. Decent photographyThis is where most new buyers lose sales. The biggest mistakes are cluttered backgrounds and blurred photographs. You wouldn't buy an item you can't see, or one from a person with cigarette butts scattered around next to the item (it's been done).Take the photo on a plain background. Avoid using flash for cd's, dvd's, and shiny/sequinned clothing, and instead use natural lighting. This is because the flash usually obscures and blurs the picture on these items. With smaller items, you can use a sheet of white paper, but for larger clothing items you can use a plain bedsheet or take a photo against a wall.Although it is usually best to use a model as it gives a better idea of the clothing, if your model is out of shape and the clothing sheer, revealing or tight, it won't make people want to buy it. Just use your judgement. If you think it looks good, most people will too, but if it's showing lumps and bumps, take a photo of the item laid flat.4. DE-CLUTTER- You need a Clean, clear layout. Resist the urge to use silly layouts
with flashing lights, slides and music. These take ages to load and not only are they
offputting, they also make you look like an inexperienced, unreliable
seller and people will be less trusting of you. Black text on a white background is best.5. HONESTY- Resist the urge to describe a used item as 'new without tags', as you will get caught out, and recieve bad feedback- Try not to keyword spam i.e. saying an item is from topshop when it isn't. Not only will your buyer be annoyed when they recieve it, but ebay will give you a violation and reduce your visibility in the searches.I hope this guide helped you get started. If so, please remember to give me a thumbs up.

How to confirm Royal Worcester is real or not!

2010-08-05T06:58:00.019-07:00

Porcelain marks or manufacturers marks not only tell you who made what and when, but these also indication to the standard of the piece as well. These are known as FIRST QUALITY and SECOND QUALITY.

IFYOU FIND THIS USEFUL PLEASEVOTE YES BELOW TO MAKE THIS VISIBLE TO OTHERS

FIRST QUALITYThis is when a piece is of best quality and often indicated by a complete Porcelain mark or manufacturers mark.

SECOND QUALITYThis is a factory second and often sold as such by factory shops. Manufacturers always indicate these items by marking, scratching or disfiguring the Porcelain marks.

Wedgwood, Royal Albert, Paragon, Doulton, Worcester all indicate seconds by grinding out part of the mark. I have come across all these and it is pretty obvious from first glance that this was deliberate.

Advise to buyersYou will come across many examples on eBay and my advise is to purchase after examining a clear image of the Porcelain mark or manufacturers mark so you can decide if it is what you want. Remember that a piece of SECOND Quality will not command a premium and a auction that does not show the Porcelain marks will be hard to verify manufacturer, date of manufacture and standard of quality.

Advice to sellersAlways include images of the Porcelain mark or manufacturers mark not only to verify the manufacturer but also to help the buyer to date it and verify its quality. A knowledgeable buyer, if given a choice, will always go for an item with a picture of a manufacturers mark.

Genuine Juicy couture watches

2010-08-05T06:58:00.017-07:00

I FIND LIKE WITH ALOT OF STUFF ON EBAY THAT AGAIN YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING

ALL JUICY COUTURE WATCHES COME IN COLOURFULL CASES AND MOST RETAILERS WILL BE ABLE TO TELL YOU THAT THERE ORIGIN IS LA - SO IF YOU SEE MADE IN CHINA YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHICH IS FINE AS LONG AS YOUR NOT PAYING OVER THE ODDS FOR IT, I FOUND JUICY WATCHES FROM 49.99 WITH FREE POSTAGE AT A WEBSITE CALLED

PVCKING.CO.UK

CHECK IT OUT ITS WORTH A VISIT AND IS BASED IN THE UK!!!!!!!!

COLCO/MAPLIN LAMA 5 HELICOPTER ....HOW TO GUIDE

2010-08-05T06:58:00.015-07:00

READ THIS ONCE YOU HAVE READ THE MANUAL SUPPLIED WITH THE HELICOPTER.

This guide is intended to introduce you to the COLCO LAMA 5 (sold in the UK by MAPLINasLAMA 5)

IT IS ALSO SOLD BY CENTURY IN THE UK, REELY AND CARSON IN GERMANY and probably a load of others ,., however it is not a german or english helicopter .. it is pure chinese and it really is excellent .. some say better than LAMA V4 from ESKY.. which is pretty good.

It will help you run your helicopter efficiently, explain what the parts do and solve most of the problems that are encountered when flying a model

Mostradio control helicopters are not a toys, they require maintenance and care to keep them flying .. just like the real thing. When we talk of maintenance for this helicopter we mean a little bit of oil or grease here and there and replacing parts as they do wear out. This will be covered later.

The Colco LAMA 5 is a simple helicopter easy to fly and simple to maintain, it has a sliding swashplate (low number of parts), twin motor, twin servo, co-axial blade system (4 blade), it is a real 4 channelhelicopter. it comes with a 4 in 1 receiver unit which controls the speed of the motors (ESC), servos and a gyro for stability.

WHEN YOU GET YOUR HELICOPTER ....

The body of the helicopter is tied in to the box with a tie wrap ..... cut or remove this tie wrap before removing the helicopter ... else you will break the tail. It may seem simple .. but yes it has happened once.

A FEW TIPS.

BATTERY .... do not pull the battery or hold the battery by its wires .. when handling always pick the battery up by the body part.. when plugging and unplugging always use the connectors not the wire. The wires on the battery are fragile and will break if not handled properly. If you putevo stick or some other non conductive filler that hardens to cover the battery end of the wires it will help the longevity of the connections.When you slip the battery in to the helicoper always have the wires facing backwards, when you connect it up to the red connector on the helicopter try and wrap it round the landing gear somehow so there is no slack in the wire .. this will stop it from moving around and in fact shifting the centre opf gravity... if you dont the battery has a tendency to move backwards and the heli will tend to move backwards in the air too due to the shifting weight.

BATTERY STATUS LIGHT

... this section refers to the light on the receiver on the helicopter.

WARNING .. if you discharge the battery too much ... it will not recharge ... at about 3 volts per cell the battery cuts out and will not recharge again.

GREEN - OK

RED -battery partially discharged

RED FLASHING - more discharge...

When the helicopter stops lifting ... recharge the battery

NO LIGHT .. either its disconnected or the battery is dead .. has discharged so much that it may be dead! please read warning message at the beginning of this section.

DO NOT LEAVE THE BATTERY ATTACHED TO THE HELICOPTER WHEN NOT IN USE.. it will discharge as it powers the receiver.

If the blades are going round but the helicopter wont lift anymore then you really need to charge the battery.. if you use it for much longer then you may put it in to a state where the light will go off..at which point it may have discharged too much..... see above (NO LIGHT)

Do not leave the battery plugged in to the charger overnight , do not leave the charger plugged intothe mains, always switch off the power when its not charging. The chargers do get hot and they do have a tendency to overheat and fail if they are left powered for excessive periods of time.

BLADES ....

when ever you hit something the blade will get damage... you can still fly with some damage , however if you do lose chunks of blade i do suggest that you change them.CHANGE THEM IN PAIRS. The A blade goes on top , the B blade on the bottom. If you do fly with chunks outyour heli will tend to fly one way or the other .. sometimes unpredictably.

Blades can be broken in mid air .,.... if you execute a rapid turn or change of direction then the blades with crash into eachother .. normally one of the blades comes off worst and it needs to be replaced. This happens because the top blade is on a flexible mount .. and with sudden movement it doesnt adjust its position quickly enough .. the lower blade comes upwards and cuts it or gets cut. One of the secrets to succesful helciopter control is smooth and small action .. make it all very slow and deliberate.. small and constant movements ofthe joystick and all will be well.

HOW TO

NOTE BEFORE PERFORMING ANY REPLACEMENT OF PARTS ALWAYS UNPLUG AND REMOVE THE BATTERY.

REPLACE BLADES - remove the screws and remove the blades. replace the B blades (ON THE BOTTOM) first , make sure you line up the holes properly from blade to rotor head. Screw the blade down lightly until you cannot screw it any more , do not force it, unscrew by one turn, so that your blades are slightly lose on the rotor head. Repeat what youve just done on the A blades(ON THE TOP). The blades need to be slightly loseor else they will cause unpredictable movement whentaking off because they will not extend fullyimmediately.

REPLACE THE CABIN - Remove the 4 screws (2 left/2 right) and remove, to replace reverse procedure

REPLACE THE TAIL - Remove the 2 lower screws under the tail , remove the 2 upper screws abovethe tail. If you have to move the exhaust pipe while doing this dont worry, they tend to be glued on so it can put back in to place if you move it too much. To replace just put the screws back in.

REPLACE THE BATTERY TRAY - remove the 4screws, the battery tray will fall off , to replace reverse the procedure

REPLACE THE SKIDS - Remove the CABIN,Remove theTAIL, cut the tie wrap, that holds the receiver in place, and remove it. Remove the pipe that holds the aerial wire. Push the aerial wire through the holes in the front of the main chassis and unwind it from the chassis, taking care no to damage or cut the wire.Unscrew all 4 screws holding the skids in place. Remove the Receiver from the main chassis. the receiver is held in place with double sided tape, you will need to use new double sided tapeto get the receiver to be held in place properly. Replace the SKIDS withthe 4 screws and replace the receiver. You need to put the battery wire through the oblong hole in the chassis before putting the double sided tape down, The receiver box needs to be as close to thefront bulkhead of the helicopter main body section as possible, there are some wires that will go in between the receiver and body so leave a space. Makesure the receiver is placed vertically. It has a gyro in it that ensures stability so this isimportant. Place a new tie wrap around the receiver and through thefrontchassis and make it tight. Once again ensure that your receiver is straight and vertical. Wind the aerial around the front chassis membermaking sure you put it through 2 of the 3 holes at the front just so it doesnt come loose. Replacethe aerial wire in the pipe. Now replace theTAIL and the CABIN.

REPLACE THE FLY BAR- Unclip the double hole tie bars from the rotor head, do this by putting a small screwdriver behind them and pushing outwards. Now put a small screwdriver (OO size) under the central pivot and push dwon on the handle of the screwdriver gently. The fly bar will pop out. To replace simply push the central pivot back onto its mount on the headand then push the lower end of the double end tie bar back into place. Make sureyour fly bar is straight and that the weights on the end are screwed tightly in to place every time you fly your helicopter.

REPLACE THE 4 in 1 RECEIVER UNIT. remove the cabin. Unplug the 4 connectors, note how they are connected and which way up they are facing before unplugging. remove the pipe around the aerial. Unwrap the aerial from the chassis. Cut the tie wrap. Place the new 4 in 1 in postion making sure it isvertical and facing straight ahead, replace the tie wrap, make sure it is tight. Wrap the aerial round the small plate at the front of the chassis and push it through 2 of the 3 holes at the front. This is important , so the aerial will not unravel. Before replacing the canopy test that you have put all the plugs back in the right connections. Once you have done that and all the right things happen when you move the sticks put the canopy back on usingthe 4 screws.

REPLACE THE UPPER HEAD- remove the fly bar, unscrew one of the screws you can see on the top of the head, pull it out fully and seperate the 2 halves of the head. This will come away by making it pivot on the second screw. To replace reverse the procedure.

REPLACE THE UPPER SHAFT AND GEAR - It is easier to do this with the skids removed .. however removing the skids is a long process .. so this is the quick way. Unscrew the 2 screws holding the lower gear in place, do not pull them all the way out. hold the lower gear between your fingers and twist the upper head whilst pulling it away from the gear. Once released from thegear the shaft will slide upwards. The shaft may catch the upperbearing, if it does simply pull the bearing away from the shaft and place it back in the little black bearing holder. Push the new upper shaft back through the top bearing and down through the outer shaft. when you get to the bottom it will jam on the lower bearing. Do not force it in, the shaft will drop through the bearing with light pressure whilstturning it.The tricky part is ... getting the 2 screws in the gear to match upon the flatfaces of the shaft. You have to do this visually ... push the gear in to the gap between the skids, bring the shaft down to meet the hole and grab slightly .. you will see the flats on the shaft (do this in bright light it will help)..make sure the 2 screws on the gear are lined up and push the shaft in to the gear. You do need to hold the lower gear to do this (small fingers helps). There should bevery little slop in this assembly. screw up the 2 screws.

REPLACE LOWER HEAD.. remove UPPER SHAFT, remove the top black bearing, unscrew the 2 screws holding the head in place (do not remove them). Pull the lower head up the shaft.. to replace .. reverse. MAKE SURE YOU LINE UP THE HOLES IN THE LOWER HEAD WITH THE HOLES IN THE LOWER SHAFT before screwing them up. Do not over tighten ,, you will strip the thread.

REPLACELOWER SHAFT AND GEAR...remove CABIN, remove TAIL, remove SKIDS, remove UPPER SHAFT, remove LOWER HEAD. Inbetween the swash plate and the top of the black body section you will find a collet with a grub screw. Release the grub screw using a 1.5 allen key, just give it one twist (ie dont take it out).Once removed push thethick shaft through the body section from the top and pull it out of the bottom. Some bearings .. like ther lower body one may be dragged out with it .. be careful not to lose them. To rebuild .. reverse !

MORE SOON !

WW2 British Military Vehicles AEC Austin Bedford Morris

2010-08-05T06:58:00.013-07:00

WW2 British Military Vehicles

This is one of many illustrated classic military vehicle guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic WW2 British military vehicle art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features several classic WW2 British vehicles.

AEC Matador 4x4 Artillery Tractor

In the medium Artillery class the British had a good vehicle in the AEC Matador, which first entered service in 1938. The Matador was developed from original FWD designs, by way of Hardy Motors 4/4 4x4 chassis which utilised many AEC components. The Matador was also pressed into service as a tank transporter in the Western Desert, towing Rogers trailers, often with the top half of the cab removed. Total production was 8,612, the last ones auctioned off as late as the mid-1970s.

Austin K2/Y 4x2 Heavy Ambulance

The most numerous British ambulance during WW2 was the Austin K2/Y 4x2 Heavy Ambulance. Affectionately known as the "Katie", some 13,000 were produced for the Allies. The body was of simple construction, a wood frame covered with leathercloth, well insulated, heated and accommodating four stretcher or eight sitting cases, or combinations of both, plus a medical attendant. The body design was the result of much pre-war development work by the Royal Army Medical Corps. It was produced by Mann Egerton, the specialist luxury car body builders.

Bedford QL Three-ton 4x4 Troop Carrier Truck

At the outbreak of World War II, Bedford was contracted by the British War Office to produce a 3-ton 4x4 general service truck, the first production vehicles arriving in early 1941. There were a number of variants on the basic design, including the GLT troop carrier with room for 29 troops and kit, popularly known as the Drooper and the QLR wireless truck, a vehicle specifically adapted to carry and fire the 6-pounder anti-tank gun from the body. The QL was probably the best known British 4x4 3-tonner.

Daimler Armoured Car Mk1

By 1938-39 the BSA Company had developed a light scout car, later known as the Daimler Dingo, and its good results on trials led to the suggestion that it could be scaled-up to become a full-sized armoured car. Work on this idea began in April 1939 and the prototypes were running before the end of the year. Due to initial troubles with transmission and other components, it was not until April 1941 that the Daimler Armoured Car Mk 1 entered service.

Guy Quad-Ant 4x4 Field Artillery Tractor

In 1938, encouraged by the successful development of 4x4 vehicles, a specification was laid down by the War Office for a field artillery tractor capable of handling the new 25pdr gun-howitzer. The first tractor to enter production was the Guy Quad-Ant, a quadruple-wheel-drive version of an earlier 4x2 15cwt infantry truck, known as the Ant. The name Quad became a generic term for this family of hump-backed multi-purpose bodied tractors that were to become a familiar sight on every battlefield. Total production of British Quads amounted to 5,000 units.

Hillman 4x2 Light Utility Car

In Britain, the lightest GS vehicles were classed as "Truck 5cwt 4x2 Light Utility", commonly known as Tillies, and were produced by Austin, Hillman, Morris and Standard, based on their individual 10 and 12hp pre-war passenger saloons. These vehicles lacked a reasonable cross-country performance and were largely replaced by the jeep in front-line units. Their light construction led to distortion of axles, chassis and suspension, and their low power-to-weight ratio led to excessive used of the gears, often causing gearbox failure.

Morris-Commercial C8 4x4 Field Artillery Tractor

Although the Quad gun tractor was originally developed by Guy Motors, by far the greatest number of vehicles to this basic design were produced by Morris-Commercial Motors. Designed for towing the 25-pdr gun-howitzer, it became the standard towing vehicle in all British field artillery regiments, and was widely used also by Commonwealth artillery and as a towing vehicle for the 17-pdr. anti tank gun. The peculiar shape and metallic sheathing of the Quad led to a common belief that it was bullet-proof - this was never so, the metal too thin to even keep out shell splinters.

Morris CS8 15-cwt 4x2 General Service Truck

The 15cwt GS truck was the first type of vehicle to go into mass production when full mechanisation of the British Army was undertaken in the 1930s. It was designed to carry the heavy personal equipment of an infantry platoon, such as blanket rolls, large packs, extra ammunition and rations. Morris-Commercial were first into production in 1934, with their CS8 Mk1, which was in quantity service by 1936. Minor changes were made to the front wings, bonnet and radiator during its production life before it was replaced by the C4 Mk 1, which had better weather protection.

Vickers Bren-Gun Carrier

The Bren Carrier began as a spin-off from the Vickers development work done on the light Dragon gun tractor. In 1934 this company developed a tracked vehicle which could double as a gun-tower or machine-gun carrier (for the Vickers medium machine gun) and also carry a complete four-man squad. Following the introduction of the Bren light machine gun in 1937 the concept was slightly changed. The Vickers gun was replaced by the Bren gun and the superstructure and interior armaments suitably modified. Issues began in 1938 on the scale of 10 carriers per infantry battalion, as the Carrier, Bren, No.2 Mark 1.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Heavy Haulage Trucks Rotinoff GR7 Thornycroft Antar etc

2010-08-05T06:58:00.011-07:00

Heavy Haulage Trucks

This is one of many illustrated classic heavy haulage guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic heavy haulage art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features well known names and classic vehicles of the heavy haulage road transport scene during the 1950s and 1960s.

Foden (4x2) ( Edward Beck

LEGENDARY WEIHRAUCH HW80 AIR RIFLE.

2010-08-05T06:58:00.009-07:00

WEIHRAUCH HW80.
It may have "been around" for 25 years + but despite its age the legendary powerhouse from German gunmakers WEIHRAUCH is still going strong! The problem with the HW80 when it first came out was keeping its power down to the 12ft lbs legal limit, it was, and still is one of the easiest guns to increase its power, which was great for those amongst us who held a F.A.C. Fire arms certificate,

The HW80 is a big heavy brute of a gun, its weight seemed to melt away when it was brought up to the shoulder and locked on target...Rabbits never really stood a chance against it, the HW80's accuracy was amazing, thanks no doubt to its Rekord trigger unit, this was, and still is to many airgunners the best trigger on any air rifle, I for one prefer the lighter BSA Lightning XL, which includesa much bettertrigger, but then again i have always been a big fan of BSA air rifles having started my shooting career with Meteor and Mercury rifles, the old Mercury "S" model to me is the ultimate air rifle! Right, back to the Weihrauch, workmanship is first rate, the action is superb and the stock is a thing of beauty, even an average shot will feel comfort and confidence shooting the HW80...perfection then? to many people yes, points out of a 100? a very worthy 88% !!

*If you found this guide to be helpful and of interest please vote for it by ticking the "YES" box below!

GUIDE JULY 2009, By Ken Lambourne.

Receiving Five with a Digibox without a Card

2010-08-05T06:58:00.007-07:00

Receiving Five with a Sky Digibox without a Free to view card

In the next couple of months Sky will be replacing all the Blue yellow house cards with a new viewing card. The new card will be automatically sent to all existing and new subscribers. Unfortunately this will mean that all viewers who currently use a Free-to-View card or expired Blue yellow house Sky card to receive Five on their Sky Digiboxes will no longer be able to do so. With the old style card inserted in the box, Five will still appear in the listings but when selected the viewer will be asked to contact Sky. This will also be the case with Sky 3, Fiver and Five US.

However all is not lost as there is now a Free-to-Air version of Five available courtesy of Freesat (No card required) on 10.773 GHz, Horizontal, Sym Rate 22,000, FEC 5/6, which may be added to the other channels menu of your Sky digibox. To do this please execute the following instructions:-

To add Five to the other channels menu ensure that your digibox is operating normally then press Services, this will reveal the following menu

1)Using you Sky Digibox2)Telephone Numbers3)Parental Control4)System Setup5)Auto Standby6)Favourite Channels7)Other Channels

(Please note that Auto Standby only appears in 3.7.6, 1.2S4.FJ software or later, if your box has not been updated recently there will only be 6 items in this menu, 5) being Favourite Channels and 6) being other Channels

Press 4 or use the down arrow key to highlight System Setup and press select this will reveal the next menu

1)Picture settings2)Sound settings3)Language and Subtitles4)Add Channels5)System Details6)Signal Test7)System Test8)System Health Check

Press 4 or use the down arrow key to highlight Add Channels and press select this will reveal the next menu which should be as follows

Frequency 11.778Polarisation VSymbol Rate 27.5FEC 2/3Find Channels

With Frequency highlighted key 10773 from your remote, this should now appear in the frequency box, if you make a mistake press backup and the original 11.778 will be displayed. With 10773 shown in the frequency box press the down arrow key to select Polarisation, use the right arrow key to change this to H, press the down arrow key again to move to Symbol Rate and use the right arrow key to change this to 22, press the down arrow key again to move to FEC and press the right arrow key twice to select 5/6 finally press the down arrow key again to highlight Find Channels, press select and wait.

The following list of channels should now appear

BBC 1 London FiveBBC 2 EngETVBBC Tes 2BBC Tes 3BBC FourCBBC ChannelC Beebies BBC ThreeBBC 1 NI With BBC 1 highlighted use the right arrow key to highlight Five and press the yellow key to add a Tick, now press select to save either press Sky to return to the main picture or Back Up 3 times. Free-to-Air Five will now have been saved in your other channels menu

To now view the Free-to-air version of Five press the services key and then press either 6) or 7) depending on your version of software or use the down arrow key to highlight the Other Channels and press select. Five should now appear highlighted, press select to view.

Please note that as this channel is not in Sky EPG there will be no programme information i.e. Now/Next information displayed in the search and Scan Banner. At the time of writing it is unclear if FTA versions of Sky 3 Fiver and Five US will become available.

Auto Standby Function

When Sky sent out their last Software update upgrading it from 3.6.4.18, 1.2S4FH to 3.7.6, 1.2S4FJ they included an extra feature called Auto Standby which they didnt tell viewers about, which meant that updated boxes started to randomly switch to standby as the Auto Standby feature default was set to ON. In an unprecedented move Sky rolled back the software to 3.6.4.18 and retransmitted the update with this feature defaulted to OFF, and in the case of Pace boxes a new version of 3.7.6.ns was transmitted. However this did not totally correct the problem so if your boxes appears to randomly go into standby ensure that your digibox operating normally then press Services, this will reveal the following menu

1)Using you Sky Digibox2)Telephone Numbers3)Parental Control4)System Setup5)Auto Standby6)Favourite Channels7)Other Channels

Press 5 or use the down arrow key to highlight Auto Standby and press select this will reveal the next menu

Enable AutoStandy ONSave New settings

Press the right arrow key to set Auto Standby to OFFPress down arrow key and select to save new settings.

Please note that if a forced software update is executed using the backup key routine the Autostandby function will default to ON.

How to spot a fake GBA game

2010-08-05T06:58:00.005-07:00

You may be thinking that Gameboy Advance games are no longer relevant or popular thanks to the continued success of the Nintendo DS and DSi. However, there is still an excellent variety of titles out there and some franchises are synonymous with the GBA. Since the DS Lite still sports a GBA slot (the DSi does away with it, sadly) and with tens of millions owning one, it makes sense that the market for GBA games isn't quite so dead.There are unscrupulous people who know this fact and they've taken advantage of unwary buyers on eBay to peddle their counterfeit ware. Bootleg copies of GBA games litter your search results and sometimes it's hard to spot one even after you've bought it. Given that the prices are often suspiciously low, buyers find themselves comforted by saying "Well, I haven't paid that much, have I?" That's wrong. Bootleg games suffer from myriad problems: some won't even start up, some won't save (devastating for an RPG!), some will actually die off after time and some of them will drain your DS' battery life very quickly (this is unhealthy for your DS).Therefore, it is recommended that you, the buyer, take a stand against this nonsense. These bootleggers are making profits at the cost of your well-being and they must be reported to eBay (even if eBay are extremely lax about it these days).So, how does one spot a fake, counterfeit or bootleg Gameboy Advance (GBA) game? Let me count the ways.Early suspicionsIt is possible to be wary of a buyer selling a fake game based on the item description and images accompanying it. Whilst these aren't always accurate or exhaustive it pays to be aware of what they can often entail. Text that often indicates (but doesn't always mean that it is) a bootleg game is:Missing/without manual or box: Counterfeit games usually don't ever come with printed material. They may come with a box at times. Also, even genuine sellers have often misplaced these items at times so this isn't always a great identifier but still worth noting.Fully tested/in working condition: Unless the game cartridge itself has been declared as damaged, there is absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work (disc-based games are susceptible to scratching to that's another issue). Fake games don't often work, so this may be a way for the buyer to try and allay any suspicions. Be wary.Item location: Anywhere in the Far East (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, among others): Piracy of all shapes and sizes is rampant in those areas so there's a very, very high chance that the game you're bidding for is a fake unless there is significant pictorial proof that it is not. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy stuff from there but when it comes to games, you should know the real facts.No refund: Genuine sellers don't usually have trouble with refund policies but sellers of fake titles often do. Make sure you read the full description and seller policy.Generic/poor quality image offered: The best policy for any "used" item is when you can actually see the seller's/owner's photos of it. Bootleg sellers will either have generic boxshots or screenshots and if they have a picture, it's probably such poor quality that you can't tell if it's a fake or not.First glanceSay that the item hasn't set off your suspicions and that you've actually ended up bidding for and winning it. It's now time to scrutinise the GBA cart itself. At a cursory glance, it's slightly difficult to tell whether or not a game is fake but there are tell-tale signs.The first thing you should notice is the main sticker. A genuine GBA cart has the following:Gold Nintendo Seal of QualityThe Nintendo company logoThe game developer's company logoAn item code (AGB-XXXX-YYY; where XXXX is an alphabetical or alpha-numeric code and YYY is the region)Age rating (ESRB rating logos)Game image/artwork will match those that you can compare at professional game review sites or even the game's official siteA fake GBA cart won't usually have any of the above but if it does, pay attention to these details:Sticker is usually poor quality and wonkily placedThe age rating utilises the older ESRB logos; for example, any games released after March 2005 should have the Everyone 10 logo instead of the old Everyone logoThe item code is usually a fake one. You can easily search for the item code for the original product online and compare it with the one you have in front of youThe image or artwork may or may not match the original. If it doesn't match it for the region declared, then this one's pretty suspiciousLook a little closerLet's assume that the bootleg copy is astonishingly accurate and that it actually has all of the above. Is it still an original game? Not always. Now, let's look closer at some even finer details.Some the things to notice on the cartridge itself:Gameboy Advance logo: Check the molded logo carefully. The original logo follows the contours of the capitalised letters smoothly; fake ones usually don't.Insertion arrow: Bootleggers don't usually mess this one up, but I've noticed that the arrow (front-bottom) for some fake games is usually smaller or larger (varies in size from cart to cart)Build quality: Nintendo are very strict when it comes to the build quality of cartridges. Fake cartridges are often of lesser quality and tend to flex easily with pressure. In addition, the seams are non-uniform and wider. Sometimes it looks like the cartridge could easily split itself in half.Model Number (back of the cartridge): The official model number for a "GBA gamepak" is and only is AGB-002. Anything other number refers to something else or is a fake.Final checksWe've come this far and the game cartridge seems absolutely genuine. There are still two final checks you can make. Both of these are courtesy of "Spot a GBA Game--Look Closer" via The Battle Against Bootleg blog.Look at front sticker at an angle, preferably with light reflecting off it. You'll notice something interesting: the sticker has some stamped characters on it! Genuine carts come with these stamped numbers and you wouldn't really notice them without careful observation. Counterfeit games don't and if they do, it's extremely rare.Now, with the front of the cart facing upwards, peer into the open slot itself. You should be able to see some writing just behind the metal contacts, on the PCB itself. The writing should include the Nintendo logo and copyright information (letters and numbers)Now, if all these correct details are present, then congratulations, you have an official, genuine Nintendo product. Happy gaming!If you found this guide helpful please leave some feedback. If you didn't find it helpful, then I do apologise! Once again leave feedback so that I can improve it (I'm trying to find appropriate images).

How Can I Avoid Breaking My Felting Needles?

2010-08-05T06:58:00.003-07:00

As many of you may know from experience a needle will always break, just when you are really engrossed in a new felting project... it often frustrates us needle felters! Well here are some of my tips on how to avoid breakage.

1. Always work with your needle at 90 degrees to your work. For example if you are making a flat needle felt picture/shape, always hold your needle so that it is going up and down directly over the top of your work. This avoids pressure to the blade which is the most common breaking point. If you are making a 3D piece, remember that you can move the piece as well as the needle.2. Apply less pressure with each stabbing motion. Quite often as a beginner we forget that it is not how hard we poke at the fibres to get them to felt, but rather how careful we are to apply constant strokes on an area to allow the barbs along the length of the blade to grab stray fibres and interlock them into the ones below.3. Take more time. Especially on bigger projects our imagination and excitement carries us away and we always try to speed up our processes to be finished quicker. Unfortunately felt making is one of those crafts that is best worked with time! So try to slow down in your needle movements and instead concentrate on smaller areas of your project's surface at each sitting. By doing this it is more likely that you will learn a better felting motion and work the fibres into a better felt.4. Finally, think about where you keep your needles too. Needles are always best kept in a sturdy container that isn't moved about very often when you are routing through your needlework box. Also try to keep the container waterproof to avoid rusting, which can occasionally happen.

I hope this helps? Please feel free to view my shop here on eBay for the supplies you may need.

Sara.Sara's Texture Crafts.

Hobby Tabbert Fendt Roma LMC towing legalities

2010-08-05T06:58:00.001-07:00

Many sellers will tell you that their Hobby, Tabbert, Roma, Fendt, LMC, Lord Munsterland, (and possibly others) caravan is legal to tow with a Transit sized van, large 4x4 etc, this will usually only be true with the smallest models, the twin axle models are almost always illegal to tow with your vehicle.The majority of these caravans are 8 feet wide and require a commercial vehicle over 3501kgs to tow them with e.g. a vehicle on permanent tachograph.

These caravans usually belong, or have belonged to travellers and their families, and most caravans, certainly the newer ones are very well looked after, and are very spacious and high quality, after all, they are their homes. They also make excellent site vans when permenantly pitched, and are excellent for families as an cheaper alternative to a static caravan.

If you use your small commercial or family vehicle you will probably find that your insurance is invalid leaving you open to a hefty recovery bill, fine and penalty points should you be stopped or involved in an accident.

The legal size limit for touring caravans is 23ft long (not including drawbar) by 7 feet 6 inches wide. Anything over this size requires a vehicle over 3501kgs to tow it with.

This information is often discussed on the Hobby caravan forum.

I hope this information prevents some of you from unfortunate run ins with the police and vosa

BUYING A HONDA CM125 CUSTOM - REVIEW AND VIDEO ROAD TES

2010-07-26T06:53:00.019-07:00

HONDA CM125 Custom 2003 (Stills taken from the video road test)
VIEW THE FREE TRAILER FROM OUR EBAY SHOP
MY VERDICT:

For:

Good build quality
Impossibly simple to ride
Comfy
Looks larger than it is
Good tank range
Economical and cheap to run
Low seat height

Against:

Slow
Custom styling won't appeal to some
Slow
Chinese copies not far behind but much cheaper
Slow
INTRODUCTION:

The CM125 Custom was launched in the early 80's and ran for a few years along side the sportier CB125TD Superdream. Those versions had drum front brakes and spoked wheels no rev counter. The new ones have cast wheels and a disk brake at the front. Essentially the same machine. They also have cooler and deeper paint schemes.

WHICH ONE TO GO FOR:

Old, newer or Chinese copy, those are your three options. The old ones had drum brakes but were faster. Most will be knackered by now. The new ones will all be much nicer (they attract a higher quality of learner) condition wise. The Chinese copies are plentiful and cheap. You get one for 599 on the road which is a bargain. But you have to take into account spares availability and the fact there will be no real warranty. They certainly make a compelling case though.

RELIABILITY AND COMMON FAULTS:

Reliability is excellent. The ancient twin cylinder engine was designed to put out 18 bhp so it's totally underwhelmed in the new restricted form. Very little goes wrong, just service it properly and it will keep going and going.

Tyres and chain/sprockets and other consumable last forever too, it's a very cheap bike to run.

CB125TD Superdreams, which share the engine, can suffer from engine wear (bores and valve guides) later in life, but only when they're abused.

The chrome work isn't the best I've seen, protecting the underneath of the mudguards is time well spent.

MODEL HISTORY:

Launched in the early 80's to form an entry point for Honda's range of CM Customs. They were dropped from the range after a few years but somehow reappeared in 2002 in a slightly revised form, new wheels, clocks and disk front brake. The new model was dropped from the range in 2004. The later models are all grey imports, but spares are available as many parts are from other Hondas.

HOW TO AVOID BUYING A LEMON BY USINGMY BUYERGUIDE BELOW
Before seeing the bike:

If it is a private sale make sure you view thebike at the sellers premises - this will help determine if the seller is genuine
Always ask the seller to make sure thebike is cold when you come to view it - warm engines can hide a multitude of sins

Find out whether the bike:

Has got an MOT certificate, is it taxed and for how long?
Has got a race can fitted and if so is the original included?
Has it ever been crashed?
Has got a current V5 and is registered in the sellers name?
Is there any outstanding finance, if you're in doubt buy a HPI report or similar?
Does the bike still have both original keys and the toolkit?
Does the bike have a service history, and if so is it a main dealer one?
How to check the bike:

On liquid cooledengines check for a film of oil in the radiator header tank before warming the bike up- the presence of oil would signify internal engine leaks or a blown head gasket.
Make sure the oil on the dipstick or in the sight glass is smooth and has no bits in it or milky scum - again this could mean internal engine leaks.
On starting from cold make sure the engine does not turn over sluggishly - this could mean a worn starter motorand/or a defective battery.
Check for oil leaks around the engine and on the ground where thebike has been stood - any leaks could indicate expensive oil seal replacement or crash damage.
Check all the lights work and that both levers activate the rear brake light.
Run a finger up the fork stanchions and check for oil and rust - leaking fork seals are fixable, but it will cost youif the forks need re-chroming, also sometimes dismantling forks will damage the fork bushes and they'll need replacing.
Check to make sure the rear shock isn't leaking oil and that any shock linkage is moving smoothly.
Find out how old the tyres are regardless of their apparent wear - some old tyres can appear fine until the conditions get slippy. If in doubt, factor in replacement.
If the bike is a European or American import check to see if the headlight has been altered for UK use.
Check the brake disks for obvious signs of wear, hairline cracks between the vent holes can indicate critically thin disks. Check the brake pads to make sure they still have plenty of material left.
If possible spin each wheel off the ground and check for damaged rims and worn wheel bearings.
With the front wheel off the ground carefully move the steering left and right of centre and feel for any notches in the head stock bearings
Check the Engine and Chassis numbers match the V5, sometimes, especially on imports there will be no engine number on the V5 but this does not necessarily mean a problem, it's optional when you are registering the bike in the UK.
Check the sprockets to make sure they're not 'hooked' and check the chain is not at the end of it's adjustment.
Check behind as many panels as possible for signs of repair. They may point to more serious accident damage, the quality of bodywork repair should indicate the quality of any other repairs. There's no substitute for orginal panels.
Check for bent levers, scuffed mirrors/bar ends/indicators for signs of a drop.
Road testing the bike:

Make sure the bike starts and idles easily, the tick over may have been set high to cover up idling problems or a rattly clutch basket.
Check for smoke on start up, a bike in good condition that has been run regularly should be smoke free, unless it's a 2 stroke of course.
Make sure the brakes do not bind and feel for pulsing through the brake levers, this indicates a warped disk.
Make sure you can select all the gears easily and that you can find neutral when you come to a stop.
Check for a slipping clutch by accelerating hard in top gear from a lowish speed.

Finally, trust your instincts about the car and the seller and do not let your heart rule your head - if you are not happy just walk away!!

Is the CM125 Custom Exclusive the perfect learner bike? Will you be ashamed to be seen on it?Howslow does it go and how far on one tank of fuel? What it's really like toride and live with in the real world? You cansee theCM125in action (warts and all) in our comprehensive and fully independent video road test - simply click on the link below:

Download the video here

Safe guide to buying tickets on ebay

2010-07-26T06:53:00.017-07:00

Most of the tickets on ebay are for sold out events and care should be taken when buying tickets. Always read the whole auction, some of them are very long, take care with these auctions as they may have hidden clauses in e.g. face value refunded in event of cancellation when you paid a lot more than face value.

Always check face value, the section of the tickets and check that if the tickets are not in hand confirmation email will be forwarded. Sellers WILL NOT provide this information beforehand as someone has suggested, they normally provide it on receipt of cleared payment.

Types of auction: Buy it now are often the best as you get tickets right away and usually pay less than auctions. Auctions are good as may get for less than face value esp if concert is very near.

Methods of payment. Obviously paypal is fastest and best if tickets are in hand. However, paying via paypal for an event 6 months down the line e.g. Robbie Williams went on sale 10 months before concert and are not expected in hand until 4 weeks before concert. By that time the seller may have been suspended and you cannot claim a refund on paypal after 90 days. I find chq is always best - that way you know where the person lives and are sure it is there name, as someone will have to bank it.

Feedback is a very good indicator, check what they have sold in the last month and how many negatives from buyers they have. Powerseller status is good, but not imperative.

If any doubts ask questions, if no response is recieved then do not bid as if they do not want your business take it elsewhere. Hope you get the tickets you want and it's a smooth transaction whoever you buy off.

acer n35 pda gps

2010-07-26T06:53:00.015-07:00

I bought one of these last year, did previously have a 'medion pda/gps' previous to this but had a refund from the retailerwhen it developed a fault, prior to the medion developing a fault, it worked brilliantly, very quick to'warm up'

Wawel Walbryzch History

2010-07-26T06:53:00.013-07:00

While surfing ebay for china I found three companies that had the same design of porcelain. The Pattern was white, scalloped, embossed with gold trim. The name of the pattern was not always the same but these three manufactures had the same design. The logos were Wawel, Walbrzych and Royal Kent Collection Poland. I knew they somehow had to be connected.

In my research Idiscovered that in 1831 the founder, Carl Franz Krister, bought two small stoneware plants in Waldenburg, Silesia Germany (this area is now part of Poland) and started producing porcelain tableware. Initially, Krister imitated the Royal Porcelain Factory KPM mark on his Porcelain. However, his plant soon became a leader for the area in production and employment. His products were sold in Europe and North America. This company won industry exhibitions in Wroclaw in 1852 and again in 1857. They alsowon an exhibition in Paris in 1861. Carl Krister died in1869. The company remained a family business until 1920 when it was changed to a limited corporation.

World War I caused many difficulties for the company and in 1921 the company became a part of the Rosenthal Porcelain Group. During this time the factory name was Krister Porzellan Manufakur AG.

After World War II Russian troups occupied Waldenburg. All German Citizens were ordered to leave except the skilled workers from the porcelain factory. They were forced to stay until they trained thePolish imigrants. The Factory became the property of the Polish government. The government changed the name of Waldenburg to Walbrzych and changed the name of the porcelain factory to Porcelain Factory "Kister" and today the nameis Fabryka Porcelany "Krysztof" S.A. They acquired another factory started by Carl Tielsch and that factory was renamed Fabryka Porcelany "Walbrzych". Since 1953 the "Krysztof" factory uses "W-Wawell" as their logo. The "Walbryzch" factory uses a logo that has a modified crown with fine china written above it, a curvy W in the circle of the crownand Walbryzch poland A. D. 1845 under the crown.. (1845 was when Carl Tielsch startedhis factory)

The company is still in existance and since 1993 they havebeen privatized. As a result, the company is now a joint stock company and the workersown shares. Both of these companies have web sites. Today they are one of the largest companies in that area of Poland.

Another factory started by Carl Tielch was in Altwasser a town 6 kilometers from Waldenburg. Altwasser had its name changed to "Stary Mlyn" about the same time Waldenburg was changed to Walbrzych. The current name of this company is Zaklady Porcelany Stolowej Walbrzych S.A. This company has two families that are the main shareholders. 15% still belongs to the state. They do not have a web page.

In 1952/53 the Rosenthal Group built a replacement factory in Landstuhl, Western Germany. They named that plant Krister Porsellan Manufaktor A.G. Rosenthal discontinued this name in 1971. In 2004 Rosenthal had the trademark registration for the Krister marks erased.

As yet, I still don't know exactly how Royal Kent Poland fits into all this. However, on ebay from time to time the ads say "hand crafted by experts in Walbrzych Poland"or occassionally the ads say Wawel poland.I am sure that this company made the Royal Kent Collection Poland porcelain. I know for a fact that at least one design has been used by all three companies.

Porcelain/China

Hydroponics Nutrients

2010-07-26T06:53:00.011-07:00

By studying plants growth and development we can now pin point the plants needs during each stage of its life. By using a hydroponics method you can control when the plant is growing leaf, and when it is going to flower. This means the gardener is able to produce plants show ready or on the table when needed.Further studies have shown a plant will grow quicker and stronger when enzymes are introduced to the feeding tanks. These agents can unlock the potential for performance within the plant and allow it to maximize its production of flowers or fruit. Highly recommended for the production of extra special plants for shows and competition but also useful to bring the best out of all garden plants.You can break down a plants diet down to 3 elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium (NPK) along with trace elements of Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum. These are needed in small quantities, but even a small deficiency of any element will kill a plant.Nitrogen (N)Nitrogen is a Group 15 element. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the atmosphere by volume but the atmosphere of Mars contains less than 3% nitrogen. The element seemed so inert that Lavoisier named it azote, meaning "without life". However, its compounds are vital components of foods, fertilizers, and explosives. Nitrogen gas is colourless, odourless, and generally inert. It is needed most when plants are forming leafy growth.Phosphorus (P)Phosphorus is commonly misspelled "phosphorous". It is an essential component of living systems and is found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm. It will ensure a healthily root system.Potassium (K)This is used in the plants flowering and fruit formation. The metal is the seventh most abundant and makes up about 1.5 % by weight of the earth's crust. Potassium is an essential constituent for plant growth and it is found in most soils. It is also a vital element in the human diet. However it is an extremely active metal, and will react in air, and on contact with water.In the Hydroponicum we separate our plants into vegetive and flowering. Plants in the vegetate state are feed on Ionic Hydro Grow, and flowing plants are fed on Ionic Bloom. You can see more information on these products from us!The hydroponics gardener has to measure and adjust the nurtients availible to the plant. Each plant has an ideal strength of nutrient and water. We follow the manufactures recomendations to the letter. The amount of nutrients we add to a clean water tank can be measured by an electronic meter. It mesures salts in water, we check that the strength of water everyday.Thanks for reading

Selecting Antique Silver for Collecting

2010-07-26T06:53:00.009-07:00

Introduction

There is a big difference in the selection of antique silver for use on your table compared to buying for building an enthusiast's collection. Silver for domestic dining first must fulfil its function, and other characteristics are really secondary. However for building an antique collection the criteria of style, age, hallmarks, maker, age, conditon and rarity all come equally into the buyer's evaluation.

Collecting

Antique silver is one of the areas of collecting where we can findmany hundreds of yearsold, beautiful and durable objects, often for an affordable outlay.

So how to start out? All good collections have a Theme running through them - in antique silver this could be concentrating on a particular period such as the 18th century; oron a style such as Adam, Regencyor Gothic; or onone type of object - teapots, cream jugs, bowls, spoons, marrow scoops, picture back teaspoons, candlesticks, minatures, vesta match cases, boxes, buttons, broaches, or even tongue scrapers or nipple protectors- the choice is nearly endless. Some collectors follow famous makers - de Lamerie (if you can find orafford him), the great Paul Storr, or the leading lady maker Hester Bateman; others collect only from one assay office or region - say Chester, Cork, Channel Islands, Colonial territoriesor Newcastle, and there are many others.So to give focus to your searching, try and start out with a Theme - or two!

It also needs some essential knowledge to pick your winners, and there is no way to get this except by study - specialist books, museums, trade shows, magazines- all good.

Having decided the theme, in additon to collecting as many different examples within your overall theme, what criteria should be used to add items to your collection? The following list and comments may prove helpful:

1. Condition. Finding something 150 to 300 years old in literally 'As New' condition is extremely rare, but it does happen and when it does, go for it, but expect to paya big premium over the same item in ordinary condition - it will be worth it. There will be thousands of ordinary items, but judge carefully whether the vendors claims for 'Mint Condition' (not quite New)are justified; generally they are shall we say 'optimistic'. Whilst on Condition, let's deal with repairs and alterations. All damage and repairs to antique silver reduce its value and desireability to collectors; avoid repaired pieces;avoid mechanically polished pieces which may have had repairs; avoid altered pieces. Bright new looking gilding can conceal repairs and alterations. Alterations are illegal with hallmarked silver, unless rehallmarked with today's date, which destroys their collecting merits. Fine engraving and armorials or crests will enhance the value of many pieces, but the condition of the engraving should match that of the piece, lines that are too bright on a rubbed piece may have been sharpened up, or even recently applied. More on armorials below.

For spoons collectors amongst readers, I have seen quite a number of 18th C 'Apostle' or 'Seal top' spoons being offered; do not be taken in - there is no evidence that any Apostle spoons were made in the 18th C; they went out of style in the 17th C. Those I have seen on offer with 18th C hallmarks were all alterations of table spoons, often done in the first half of the 19th C to dupe beginners in the new vogue then for antique collecting. Don't be taken in again - in the 21st C by the same objects, but you could specialise in collecting 'fakes'!

2. Rarity. Not as common by far as the use of the word 'Rare' by vendorsabout common pieces such as late Georgian Fiddle Pattern flatware. Recognising Rarity does need experience and some depth of knowledge - so aquire these and ignore the numerous daily rarity claimsuntil you can make up yourmind based on your own judgement.

3. Age. This seems obvious; the older an item is the more likely that there are not too many around, but sometimes Age means more than the obvious. For instance, a piece that is the earliest of its particular style, will be much more collectible than one ten years later in the same style. Likewise, Age coupled with great condition is a much sought after combination, and again couple these with Rarity and you are onto a must haveaddition for the collection.

4. Hallmarks. Antique silver hallmarks are the best quide to authenticity, date and origin. They do affect the collecting value by their condition, completeness, legibility and also rarity. Some marks were only used for very short periods, or in small provincial locations, and identifying these can raise the value and attractiveness of the piece to specialist collectors of pieces from such places as Cork, Perth, Channel Islands, colonial Australia or India. Faked hallmarks are a collectors subject on their own, but not for here. Unmarked pieces are not necessarily fakes, however wariness and knowledge are needed to avoid errors. Famous makers marks (Paul de Lamerie, Hester Bateman, Paul Storr for instance) will command prices up to double that of most other makers, and more for the early super quality of Paulde Lamerie.

5.Armorials and Crests. A nice sharp set of engraved Arms or a Crest can enhance the attractiveness and value of any piece of silver. If the engraving is identifiable as a particular noble or is of royal connectionsit can considerably increase the collectability and value of the piece. It is necessary to be aware of later additions of arms or crests, which however attractive can decrease the value, particularly if there have been erasures. The style of the engraving is generally distinctive to the different ages and this should help in deciding whether the engraving is contemporary with the piece. Notice I said 'sharp' engravings - rubbed engravings, or any other decoration as well, will reduce the value to the collecter.

There is no top or bottom price range in antique silver; one can buy very desirable small 18th century pieces for well under 50, or pay a fortune for monumental 19th century works by the leading makers. Seek out the excellent and unusual that fit your theme(s), and a very satisfying collection can be yours. Trade up as you gather experience, as it is better to have fewer super items than many of ordinary qualities.

6. Presentation. On eBay, be very wary of poor photography (not necessary even with a cheap camera), and also vague descriptions and dating; they may cover up something that is not all it should be for the collector.

Todate(2008) this guide has had over a 1000 viewings, and I hope it has started some readers on the path to addictive silver collecting; it is a wonderful desease! Happy hunting.

(The writer has been collecting antique silver for over 45 years, and specialises in the 18th century,as well asspoons of all ages and rare styles in particular).

Updated June 2008

Faking it

2010-07-26T06:53:00.007-07:00

Now, fakes are so good (and expensive) that you simply can't tell the difference.

So how do you know what's real and what's not?

Some clues:

The price. A new Louis Vuitton handbag for 100 isnot authentic. The real thingoften sells for 700 to well over 1000.Same thing for Prada and Gucci.
Where it's being sold. Authorized dealers for Chanel, LV, etc. do not sell handbags out of the trunk of a car. Nor do they sell themat online auctionsor at home parties.
Point of origin tag. Designer apparel or leather goods with a "Made in Taiwan" tag are not authentic.

Buying online

So what if you are shopping online and come across a great deal on designer apparel or accessories? How do you know you're getting the real thing?

Read the fine print.

Some Retailers or items for sale in an auction will lure you in with words that you're likely to search for like Chanel or Gucci. Many sites also use overkill -- "authentic," "genuine" and other enticing adjectives -- to describe their fashion items.

It's only by reading carefully through the descriptions will you see comments like "Inspired by..." to let you know that the merchandise isn't an exact copy (whichtheRetailersclaimgives them immunityfrom trademark infringement.)

Only buy the goods from an authorized dealer (a department store or a company outlet). Many labels sell directly to the public on company-owned sites such as Gucci.com, eLuxury.com (Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, etc.) and Coach.com.

If in doubt about an outlet, contact the designer directly and ask if you're buying from an authorized dealer.

How to workaround the ebay/paypal checkout problem

2010-07-26T06:53:00.005-07:00

The Problem

Recently some of my buyers from overseas have been having problems paying for items via paypal. When they click on the "Pay Now" button in the ebay checkout process an error message is returned saying "Transaction cancelled please try again later".However the problem keeps persisting. I am aware this is a problem throughout ebay/paypal and is not just associated with one or two accounts. So below is the official "workaround" directly from paypal.

The Solution

Note: If the item is eligible for PayPal Buyer Protection, you must use the Pay Now button to pay for the item when the listing closes on eBay. If you pay through the Send Money tab on your PayPal account, you will not be eligible.

To send money for an eBay item from your PayPal account, please complete the following steps:

1. Log in to your account at paypal.com by entering your email address and password into the Member Log In box.

2. Click the "Send Money" tab.

3. Click "Pay for eBay items" subtab.

4. Click the "Pay" button in the "Action" column.

5. Review the payment details and click "Continue".

6. Review the details of the payment including the "Source of Funds". If the payment that you are sending exceeds the amount of funds in your PayPal account, you can click the "More Funding Options" link to change the source of funds for the payment.

7. Click "Send Money" to complete the payment. To change any information, click "Edit". Please note: If you edit your payment details, the funding source will return to the default method of payment.

If you do not have a PayPal account, simply enter your credit card information during your purchase payment flow.

******************

If it has been more than 7 days since the auction closed, please follow the below steps.

1. Log in to your account at paypal.com by entering your email address and password into the Member Log In box.

2. Click the "Send Money" tab.

3. Fill out the form.

4. Select "Goods Other".

5. Click "Continue".

6. Review the details of the payment, including the "Source of Funds". If the payment that you are sending exceeds the amount of funds in your PayPal account, you can click the "More Funding Options" link to change the source of funds for the payment.

7. Click "Send Money" to complete the payment. To change any information, click "Edit". Please note: If you edit your payment details, the funding source will return to the default method of payment.

Watch out for import PS2 / XBOX games DVD's !!

2010-07-26T06:53:00.003-07:00

GAMES:

There are hundreds, even thousands if PS2 and Xbox games on ebay, but sometimes unless you look closely you may have bought the wrong item!!

Here in the UK our games consoles (PS2 / XBOX / XBOX 360) areREGION 2 (PAL).With PSP it doesent matter what region it is for games, only movies which have to be region 2 (uk).

Some sellers are selling Region 1 games for lower prices, but they are hard to spot because they sometimes dont say in the main description, only in the small area above next to the genre etc. or sometimes they write it in small print at the bottom.

So remember if you are buying a game for a UK games console (excluding PSP) try to buy from the UK and make sure it is REGION 2 (PAL) which is the UK Standard

DVD's:

Here in the UK most of our DVD players are REGION 2, but there are many sellers from America and other countries like China selling DVD's but they are not Region 2. America is REGION 1 and will not work on most DVD Players, and it plays in NTSC which will display in black on white on most UK televisions, although many TV's nowsupport NTSC (USA, Canada) and PAL (UK).

Check if you're DVD Playercan play DVD'sfrom different regions (is it region free) as many can, butif not or you do not know I advise you dontbuy the DVD unless it is REGION 2 (UK - STANDARD)

HOPE THIS HELPS ** KEEP EBAYING!! **

cyclone c-11 talking alarm

2010-07-26T06:53:00.001-07:00

i bought one of these fantastic talking alarmsand fitted as per instructions.easy to fit great looking blue led.lasted less than 24 hours then the alarm decidedto ignore the remote fobstuck with an alarm that wouldnt disarmi contacted the company for help and recieved none at allfor me this alarm is a total waste of money,which i should have savedand put towards a decent system

abercrombie trousers

2010-07-26T06:52:00.013-07:00

have bought plenty of items via the US website so can spot fakes. recently bid for some trousers from this country in a colour sold-out in US. obviously fake as soon as arrived but hard to spot online as often the photo is used from the website. if they post two photos compare as i spotted another dodgy pair this way. one was from abercrombie and another taken by the seller and there were subtle diffences.the originals come with heavy duty tags and feel really robust, even if "lightweight". inner labels are stitched on all sides not just two. ask them how they were sourced and any receipts as when i sold a pair i had all these. and the belts are all long, unlike on the fakes! also, abercrombie trousers always come up big (med =33-34") whereas the fakes are smaller. hope this helps?

Kawasaki ZX12R

2010-07-26T06:52:00.011-07:00

The ZX12R was the joint fastest production bike along with the Hayabusa up until the ne ZZR1400 came out at the end of 2005. It puts out 160 odd horsepower at the wheel straight out of the box and has massive torque all through the rev range to match.

Although this is a portly looking bike the handling is surprisingly good once the suspension is sorted and set up. With a brave and skillful pilot it can keep up with the latest crop of 1000cc sportsbikes on all but the twistiest of roads. You have to be brave though, go into a corner fast on a closed throttle and that massive weight will push the front tyre quickly into the verge. Get on the gas with more than the merest whiff of throttle while banked over and the rear will instantly spin up. Picking exact lines and using perfect throttle control has never been so important.

On the track it's a different story, the 12 struggles to keep with 600's let alone 1000's.Spinning out of corners onto the straight hinders progress as the smaller bikes get the power down without having a bus like projectile to shove along. Coming up to corners at similar speeds to modern 1000's is even worst as the brakes overheat causing the lever to come back to the bar (and thats if your lucky enough not to lock the front) as the front tyre is overwhelmed by sheer force.

Sticky rubber may solve the problems a bit but with rears lasting 1500miles if your lucky and brake pads about 2 track days this bike is just to heavy for anything other than road use.

Stability is rock like though, even flat out over bumps the chasis never does enough to scare. Wheelies are awsome as in 100mph launch speeds but care is needed as it's easy to flip when approaching the balance point. Landings are often hard and as a result fork seals and headrace bearings don't last long.

To sum up the ZX12R is an ace bike, the type that everyone should own once, but only for a little while. Wear and tear is phenominal, it drinks as much fuel as a fast family car, and destroys consumables like their going out of fashion. It has an amazing motor that has to be abused to be believed and it makes a good tourer (take a jerry can and spare back tyre).

On the down side it is fat and ugly and no matter how good the ride is I like a nice fire place around my fire. Buy an early unrestricted one for 3 grand off a rich old guy, abuse the hell out of it for a couple of months and get rid before it costs you.

Pitfalls of a cautious novice selling a mobile phone

2010-07-26T06:52:00.009-07:00

So mad after trying to sell a mobile phone this week, I would like to think that after selling for some months on E-Bay (and finding all I've dealt with honest and fair) I was doing OK. I had read some horror stories onthe community members notice board especially about phone scammers but conveniently forgot some of the advice thiswhen I came to sell my phone.

I purposely stated only Paypal or cheque and yes, I blocked buyers from outside the UK and with 2 unpaid strikes against them, and with less than 1 feedback, but lo and behold, the 2 bidders had no history and one had even joined the last day of my auction! Being concerned I sentboth a polite e-mail voicing these concerns and of coursethey never answered, I then sentone persistant biddera message saying even if he had won I would not post it..e-Bay now tell me if I refuse a winnning bidder, whoever he is, I can get negative feedback. Am I bovvered? I would rather get 1 negative (as if a scammer would do that, he would just move on to the next sucker) than be scammed. E-bay also saysI should have stated Paypal account holders only, but hey, there are also horror stories of people being paid through Paypal, sending off the item and then having Paypal freeze the funds because of a supected fraudulent account, i.e, someone's account being hijacked.

Like some other sellers I am curious to know what a similar item selling at the same time as mine will fetch, and so had a watch on several similar phones, afternoticing a phone sell to a bidder with no history, in the U.S. I contacted the seller to be cautious as it was also happening to me. Too late, and guess what, she had stated UK postage only but had not blocked the bid, She eventually sold to the underbidder, but this was the second time it had happened to her. There's one lady who will never sell another phone on e-Bay.

Anyway I have sold my phone (paying by cheque) and the buyer seems genuine, but I am totally exhausted and still furiousfrom last night. What a palaver, will stick to selling clothes and material, not many scammers out there for a yard of Laura Ashley, are there?

The other side of this bidding war,is yes, it can raise the bids, but the genuine bidder may end up paying more by these false bids and the seller can lose out, or like me spend 2 hours furiously sendng messages instead of enjoying the summer evening in the garden..

Just had to tell someone and I'm sure the Samaritans won't be too interested.

Am now thinking of changing my user name to Paranoid Pauline

Cross Stitch Charts

2010-07-26T06:52:00.007-07:00

Following on from my guide about cross stitch charts on EBay, I have
been asked by quite a few how to find out prior to buying if the chart
is just a photo chart.

Ask the seller how many different colour of threads it uses. Any more that 25-30 on most charts it is a photo conversion.
Ask the seller if they can modify the chart, for motorcycle charts for
instance can they change the colour or add a windscreen? If the
answer is no then it is just a photo chart.
Ask the seller for the background to be changed. If they can't that is another clue.
Ask to see how the complete work looks, never buy from a listing with just a photo on and no completed work.

Allot of sellers are now selling charts don't waste your money ask
before you buy and remember if they are manufacturing charts to sell
they are a business and you are entitled to your money back if unhappy.

The bike
The chart measuring 198 stitches by 108 stitches in just 14 colours.

Our Shop

What is O.E.M. Misleading product information. NOKIA

2010-07-26T06:52:00.005-07:00

OEMs are manufacturers who resell another company's product under their own name and branding. It refers specifically to the act of a company rebranding a product to its own name and offering its own warranty and licensing of the product. The term is really a misnomer because OEMs are not the original manufacturers; they are the customizers.

Originally OEM was an adjective used to describe a company that produced hardware to be marketed under another company's brand. Mitsumi, for example, produced CD-ROM drives that dozens of companies would label as their own. It's often now used as a verb, as in this sentence: "This CD-ROM drive is OEM'd by Mitsumi."

NOKIA covers are not components and it is therefore incorrect to describe them in this way. OEM relates to sub components of an end product.

NOKIA products are manufactured in the Far East. As with a multitude of other products, someone sells the mould or pattern, and another manufacturer copies it.They then manufacture theproductmore cheaplyand in larger quantities, using far inferior materials. They then sell the copy at a greatly reduced price.

The item may have NOKIA stamped on it, but that doesn't make it GENUINE. NOKIA products are high quality items, that cannot possibly be sold for the ridiculous prices coming out of the Far East and appearing on eBay.

All genuine Nokia parts have model numbers, so if in doubt, ask the seller. LCD screens are relatively easy to identify, as they have the codes on the reverse, and should be visible in the listing photo.Many of the accessories, such as keypads, have Nokia logo on the edge or reverse. Remember, covers etc are copied very well, and so is the packaging!! Look carefully and compare with those found on the Nokia web site, or in your localmobile shops. True quality is never cheap!

There are a lot of sellers who are listing their products as produced in "GENUINE OEM factories". What does this mean? Ask them! It certainly doesn't mean that the item is endorsed by, or has any connection with Nokia.

See our other guide on finding GENUINE NOKIA products.

PAYPALL MONEY PAYMENT FRAUD FAKE GENUINE AUTHENTIC

2010-07-26T06:52:00.003-07:00

BE WARNED I RECIEVED THIS EMAIL IT IS A PYRAMID CON

Hi,Sorry if you have had this before, my apologies. Please read the following:I thought you might be interested in this opportunity to earn money throughyour Paypal account. It costs 3, takes around 15 minutes and has enormousearning potential. Please take a minute to read this e-mail, which is beingcirculated around all Paypal and eBay users and it seems to be working.Please note from my eBay feedback (user ID ricky3506 ) that I am agenuine seller and buyer on eBay and Paypal. with excellent feedback rating.Paypal have admitted that this is legal and Trading Standards are not awareof any problems with the plan.The person who sent me this email is someone that I value as an eBay seller,whom I trust to be reliable.Here are some responses from people who have so far benefited from takingpart."What an amazing plan. I followed the instructions just 3 weeks ago, andalthough I haven't made 10 grand yet, I am already up to 6,135.00 I amabsolutely gob smacked" - Alan Humphries, Leicester"Well what can I say? I sent out 40 e-mails like the plan said then justforgot about the whole thing. To be honest, I didn't really think anythingwould come of it, but I checked my Papal account a week `later and there wasover 3000.00 in it!!! After 30 days I now have over 11,000 to spend" -Lisa McDonald, Northampton"I was shocked when I saw how much money came flooding into my Papalaccount. Within 3 weeks my account balance has ballooned to 7,449. AtFirst I thought there had been some kind of error!" - Richard Barrie,Cirencester"I was very sceptical when I first read this e-mail, nearly deleted it butthen I thought about it

Butterfly Cigarette Card Guide (Collectables)

2010-07-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

Butterflies On Cigarette Cards (Collectables) - Naturally Artistic

I've been collecting and selling trading cards, cigarette cards and related collectablesfor over twenty years. Before you read this guide please subscribe to my card collecting newsletters for updates on rare cards and tips on buying by Clicking Here, thank you.

Cigarette cards were issued on numerous topics and the butterfly is definitely one of the popular ones. These beautiful creatures reveal nature's artistic propensity to the full.Butterflies come in a myriad of colours and shapes that have inspired artists and designers for generations. Below I've listed a selection of some of the most attractive butterfly card sets that I've come across in my six years of trading on eBay.I've provided scans of a sample card from each set and I've tried to list as many card titles as possible. As with many butterflies, some of the cards are now quite rare.

Butterfly Card Sets

Name Of Set: British Butterflies (Large)
Manufacturer: John Player and Sons
Issue Year: 1934
Card Number: 25
Butterfly Names: Scotch Argus, Adonis Blue, Large Blue, Brimstone, Black-Veined Brown, Camberwell Beauty, Clouded Yellow, Comma,Small Copper, Marsh Fritillary, Silver-Washed Fritillary, Grayling, Marbled White, Orange Tip, Pained Lady, Peacock, Purple Emperor, Brown Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Swallowtail, Small Tortoiseshell and Wall.

Name Of Set: Butterflies and Moths
Manufacturer: WM. Clarke

Fake Sennheiser CX300 (White) Headphones/Earphones

2010-07-23T05:38:00.003-07:00

The Sennheiser CX300 headphones are a very good quality piece of equipment, characteristically described as having warm bass and excellent external noise reduction qualities. And they do. They retail at around 30. There will be genuine Sennheisers on eBay, however unfortunately most are fakes. *In order to keep high quality images I cannot link them, please copy and paste the imagevenue links into a new browser window*I recently bought a pair from eBay from a seller who also sellson the Amazon marketplace (which alsoapparently has the same problem with fakes) for 8andcosmeticallytheywereveryverysimilartotherealSennheiserCX300s.Comparingtoexistingguidesthepackagingseemedlegitimate,so much so theypassed90%oftheteststodeterminewhetherornottheywere genuine.Comparing them to a genuine pair bought from HMV, however, there are several clues to spot fakes.Ihaveincludedhighresphotostoillustrate. Starting from the jacks:1. Some fakes have straight jacks. This is an obvious clue as the real ones have "L" shaped jacks (see the photo for #2)2. Some fakes have gold plated jacks. Genuine Sennheisers are silver.Therubberwireprotectorsareveryslightlydifferent,asseeninthephotobelow;therealontherighthavegapswhere it is possible to see the wire inbetween, the fakes it is barely possible to see the wire, although this may not be the best test.http://img109.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=61308_Jacks_122_658lo.jpg3. Lead lengths.MyrealSennheisersmeasure~85cmfromendofthejacktothesplitter,then~20cmfromsplitter to top of left headphone, and ~52cm from splitter to top of the right headphone.OtherguidessaythatrealSennheisershavea50cmlengthfromsplittertorightheadphone,Imeasuredtotheendoftherightheadphone,whichagreeswiththis. The fakes measured ~65cm, 25cm, 55cm respectively.Looking at the logo on the back of the headphones could tell, however decent fakes have copied the logo brilliantly.http://img140.imagevenue.com/view.php?image=61291_Fake2_122_673lo.jpghttp://img45.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=61296_Real2_122_373lo.jpg4.Thebuds:thesilverringsaroundthebudsareagoodpointtostart.Fakebudswillhavequitecrudelymanufacturedrings;theseringsareturneddownonalatheandthefakeshavetelltalecuttingrings,whereasgenuinephonesseemverypolishedandsmart.Real Sennheisers are HIGH quality, and the edge of the ring will be rounded and quite smooth rather than quite sharply chamfered. http://img14.imagevenue.com/view.php?image=61274_Fake1_122_878lo.jpghttp://img206.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=61281_Real1_122_336lo.jpg5. Remove the rubber noise excluder. Since fakes are manufactured cheaply, it could be possible to see a joining line in the plastic or extra "bobbles" of plastic due to quick production.(See pictures above) 6.Withtherubberexcluderstillremoved,lookatthegauzethatcoversthespeaker.Iwassurprisedtoseehowwellmanufacturedtherealoneswere compared to the fakes. The photos below show the comparison, with the fakes having cheap gauze stuck on top of the plastic, and the real oneshaving much better gauze stuck to the inner sides of the walls. Again note the cheap manufacture on the silver rings.http://img171.imagevenue.com/view.php?image=61301_Fake3_122_680lo.jpghttp://img7.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=61302_Real3_122_617lo.jpg7. It was possible to look beyond the gauze at the speaker shield in the headphones without taking them apart if you know what to look for: fake headphones generally have 4 holes in the metal plater infront of the cone (top, bottom, left, right) whereas the real headphones have 8. This is probably the most telltale sign.Hopefully this will help anyone else tell whether they have bought a fake. A lot of these sellers offer "7 day money back guarantees" - probably in an attempt to mimic authenticity, if you find yours is a fake, call them on itandgetyourmoneyback.

FAKE JACOB

2010-07-23T05:38:00.001-07:00

I am writing this guide because i always find more replica J

Oldcourt Ware - Identification

2010-07-20T06:39:00.027-07:00

Oldcourt ware is an attractive lustre type ceramic produced by J. Fryer of Tunstall, Staffordshire until quite recently. Note that although the Oldcourt name is mainly associated with lustre-ware many non-lustre items were produced including the pixie figures, a range of character jugs and other items such as table-ware, decorative items etc. Unfortunately a fire in 1986 destroyed a lot of the companies records and few details are available regarding the Oldcourt history. Using my wife's collection and the little information I have found the following has been produced.

1921 to 1931J, Fryer Senior (born 1899, Tunstall) originally worked in the mining/engineering business before lying about his age and enlisting in the army during World War One. On his return he again worked as a mining engineer and married Mercy Jones the daughter of a local pottery manufacturer. After marriage he borrowed money from his family and started as a market trader of pottery he bought wholesale from local factories. In 1921 he founded a small factory at Adams on Furlong Road, Tunstall buying whiteware and decorating it. I have not yet ascertained whether the Oldcourt range was produced during this period.

1931 to 1939The business at Adams Road had flourished so larger premises were sought and found at the Oldcourt Works, Roundwell Street, Tunstall, Again whiteware was shipped in and nothing was actually manufactured. As above I don't yet know about the Oldcourt range

1939 to 1945Ceased production whilst the factory was used for war storage

1945 to 1954Name changed to J. Fryer and Son in 1945 and examples of Oldcourt type items have been found bearing this stamp but not actually marked as Oldcourt. From 1945 ceramics were actually produced as well as decorated although some whiteware was still shipped in.

The following additional stamp has been noted combined with this stamp.

1955 to 1998Name changed to J. Fryer Ltd and the Oldcourt name came into use. From 1955 whiteware was no longer brought in and all items were manufactured on the premises. James Fryer senior died in 1970 and the business went to his sons James and John and in turn to there sons also James and John. J. Fryer Ltd was sold in 1998.

1998 OnwardsCortman Ltd purchased part of the business in 1998 and production continued at the Crownford Works, Tunstall using a stamp I have yet to see. LJB Ceramics also purchased part of J. Fryer Ltd in 1998 and production using the oldcourt name has continued using stamp five accompanied by a stamp of Lorna Baileys signature.

Stamp One; 1955 to ca1960

Stamp Two; 1955 to ca1960

Stamp Three; 1955 to ca1960

Stamp Four; ca1960 to ca1970

Stamp Five; ca1970 to 1998 under J.Fryer. 1998 onward under LJB Ceramics. (Large and small versions)

Stamp Six; ca1970 to 1998

Stamps four onwards are occasionally found in gold. This seems to indicate "overglaze" painting. Stamps one to three have an uncertain colour status. These stamps represent 200 or so pieces researched. Unfortunately for most I can only give a broad date range, if anyone has any further information or access to additional stamps please contact meSo far only a single additional mark has been noted with no indication as to date. The colour of this stamp seems to have no significance.

The following imprinted marks have been identified. The significance (other than a model name) and relation to the main stamps has yet to be defined.WYES TEESSHANNONSPEY 5"10 SPEYSPILLTEESEDENESKTHAMESTWEEDCLYDETYNEAVON5" GLOBEDEYERONDOVETAMECLASSIC

Dining Room Chandelier

2010-07-20T06:39:00.025-07:00

Choosing achandelier will make or break a room.Taking the time to choose the right one for your taste, budget and size of room is important.....it may even add value to your home!So I thought I should share a few of the tips and ideas I've collected throuigh the years whilstbuying and selling vintage lighting.
When choosing a chandelier for your dining room, proportions are very important. You don't want the chandelier to dominate the table or look insignificant, soa few simple rulesapply.

Measure the width

EXCESSIVE POSTAGE AND PACKING RATES

2010-07-20T06:39:00.023-07:00

THERE ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT EXCESSIVE P P RATES. I FOR ONE COMPLAINED ABOUT A RECENT TRANSACTION AND RECIEVED A VERY RUDE REPLY PLUS A COPY OF 'GUIDE' WRITTEN BY AN EBAY MEMBER.

MY ITEM WAS DESCRIBED AS 'HEAVY' (a cardigan) THERE'S LOTS OF DIFFERENT WEIGHTS. CHARGE WAS 4.00 WHEN IT ARRIVED IT TURNED OUT THE POSTAGE WAS 1.26 (that wasn't so heavy!). IT TURNED OUT THE LADY IN QUESTION WAS CHARGING ME FOR PETROL! AND OF COURSE REFUSED A REFUND.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SELLING ON SECONDHAND GOODS, GETTING A LITTLE MONEY AND BUYING YOURSELF SOMETHING ELSE.............GREED SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN OVER EBAY. 50p IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO COVER PACKAGING, THE POST OFFICE GIVE OUT 'FREE' POSTAL CHARGE LEAFLETS AND A SIMPLE KITCHEN SCALES IS ACCURATE ENOUGH FOR WEIGHING.

SO BE FAIR - IF YOU WANT 10 POUNDS FOR AN ITEM ASK FOR THAT AND NOT 99p WITH 10 POUND POSTAGE. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY EBAY OR PAYPAL CHARGES - DON'T USE IT.

THERE SHOULD BE A NEW CATEGORY - HEADED 'GREEDY AND DISHONEST' FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SPOIL EBAY.

Collecting autographed First Day, RAF,WW2,Flight covers

2010-07-20T06:39:00.021-07:00

I was asked by one of the Stamp Collecting magazines to write an article about collecting signed First Day, WW2

New Royal mail postage charges.

2010-07-20T06:39:00.019-07:00

Well the new rates are easier than i thought they would be although it is hit

DONT BUY AUTO GLYM LIFESHINE!!!!

2010-07-20T06:39:00.017-07:00

Hello there, my name is adam i am a professional car valetor and i would like to warn all people out there looking at autoglym lifeshine kits. dont be fooled buy the auctions. Most kits are usualy refilled bottles from valetors left overs. Infact how can some one sell a kit on ebay for say 29.99 when infact the kit is around 80.00 to buy off autoglym. Yes your being conned. another note is that the boxes come sealed. And the full auto glym packages comes with a 40 aftercare valeting package, and a 10 year warranty!!! Now the warranty is only valid if stamped and signed by the AUTORISED autoglym life shine agent/valetor, Which then has to send auto glym a copy of this document!!. Please dont be fooled by the prices on here. you are not buying the full package and will be dissapoint. Check the autoglym website and see foryourselfs what comes with the kit. lifeshine is a fantasic product but only when you buy the full package, have it professonaly applied and not using some valetors fast buck making leftovers. if any of you out there would like help with this product please contact me. always happy to help

hope this helps you

I am now selling my own brand of car valeting chemicals, Same stuff as the trade would use, All concentrated and not ready to use like you would get from halfords. this will make your purchase last much much longer. Click on my shop link to check it out... MVS CHEMICAL SUPPLIES

FAKE GUITARS FROM CHINA! - eBay buyers beware!

2010-07-20T06:39:00.015-07:00

Beware of the dozens of fake top brand guitars being sold on eBay from China. The photos may make the guitars look very tempting but these are fake Gibsons, Epiphones, Fenders and others. They are getting to look extremely close to the real brands and a few of my friends have beenalmost caught out but thankfully theydid their homework before falling for these fakes.

I have noticed that some fake guitars now include fake Gibson branded guitar cases and documentation and they even have triss rod covers that have the classic twin screws of genuine gibsons instead of the more common three screws. Some even have fake serial numbers and "Made in USA" stamped on the back.

You'd think that no-one would be fooled by a "Super exquisite electricity guitar" advertised on eBay at cheap prices but the photos show what appear to be genuine Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, PRS logos. One Chinese seller quoted on his eBay listingthat the guitar was "Made in the USA - by our own exquisite, friendly Chinese artisans!" It is unbelievable that some people are fooled by that.

These fakes are poor low quality imitations of the real brands. eBay has started to clamp down on this illegal activity and ban these illegal auctions. Top Tip - In the UK you can restrict items you are searching for by geography and so avoid even looking at cheap fakes from China.. This is doneby ticking the Distance tab in your search to 500 miles. That should take in most of the UK and omit the illegal Chinese garbage. Be careful out there!

Finally, did youfind this guide useful? If so, please vote "Yes" below. Thank you kindly.

Bought A Used Mobile Phone? Need Unlocking? Maybe Not!

2010-07-20T06:39:00.013-07:00

Have you brought a used phone recently?, Put in a sim card only to find youcannot phone out on it.when you try to call any phone numbers a message appears "call diverted", then it cuts off the dialling and goes back to the main screen.it says "Limited Service"!.

So you need it may need unlocking yes? No you probably dont, Although "Limited Service" can mean there is no signal!There is more of a likely chance the phone is BLOCKED/BARRED (basically its been reported lost or stolen).

Rectifying this is a litte more complicated but not impossibleas you have to change the IMEI Number with a cable

Guitar Multi FX Friend or Foe?

2010-07-20T06:39:00.011-07:00

Guitar Multi FX Friend or Foe?
by Tony Williams

Killer Guitar Sounds? Maybe...

Guitar multi FX units are undoubtedly one of the best value-for-money tools available to today's guitar player. Even a cheap multi FX unit found on eBay will house some great sounding effects to brighten up or add interest to even the most mediocre guitarist's playing.

With so many different guitar sound effects available in the typical multi FX unit it is a great temptation to try and use as many as possible. However, that temptation could also destroy your credibility as a player and leave your audience nonplussed. In fact, when it comes to guitar multi FX, that old clich less is more can very often be absolutely true!

The solution? You need to get your basic sounds right and stick with them before adding any extra sparkle.

So what is meant by 'basic sounds'? Well there are really only three and they are:

* Clean You know how this sounds; crisp chords and sparkling arpeggios.

* Mild Distortion / Overdrive This can vary from slight breaking up of a clean sound to a satisfying crunchy distortion.* Heavy Distortion / Fuzz The all-out blistering solo sound, think Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall stack turned all the way up to eleven!

(A little tip about distortion don't be tempted to use too much! What sounds great plugged into a small practice amp or headphones in your back bedroom will often sound like undefined mush when it is cranked up to gig volume.)

Anything on top of your basic sound, whether it be chorus, flange, delay, or whatever, should be considered as extra that is added to compliment and enhance. The basic sound should not be sacrificed or altered in any way.

Listen to some of your favourite guitar players and try to work out how many different combinations of sound effect they are using - I guarantee that however many there are (and its probably fewer than you think) they will be sitting on top of a great basic sound.

So in conclusion; enjoy your guitar multi FX and make the most of the variety of different sound effects available, but don't sacrifice your guitar sound for the sake of guitar sound effects.

************************************************

Tony Williams is a musician, writer, and self-confessed eBay fanatic. He is the editor and webmaster of MuZiCk! - the irreverent rock music lexicon.

Planning your wedding outfit - avoid disappointment!

2010-07-20T06:39:00.009-07:00

There seems to be a lot of problems people are having with buying wedding/bridesmaid dresses on ebay. I would like to give my experience in the hope that it will help others.

Planning a wedding is a very expensive buisiness, and Ebay is a great place to find absolute bargains. Im getting married in summer 2008 and I want something completely different for my wedding, involving a red and black theme. Usually finding whati like involves having items custom made - at virtually unaffordable prices inbridal shops on the high street!

I have read several guides written by girls who have been dissapointed with their dresses - usually ordered from places in South East Asia, often China. It does pay to remember that China IS the cheap copy capital of the world, but not all Chinese companies are rip off merchants. Some of them do have their own factories in China but have set up legitimate companies here in order to trade in the UK. Look for ones who have a UK base and have been trading here for some time.

If you've really got your heart set on an expensive designer dress, then I would say, save your cash up, go to a bridal shop and get your hearts desire! But if, like me, your not too fussy and the last thing you want is the latsest designer fashion extreme, read on!

I already had my dress (purchased from an online gothic shop outside ebay) but I needed to find flowers,jewelry and my bridesmaid dresses. There are a lot of good uk sellers on ebay for flowers and decorations, many offering custom made at a fraction of the hight street prices. You just have to be careful and check the feedback with a fine tooth comb.

My bridesmaid dresses came from weddingtime2000, a uk based seller, who imports from their factory in China.They do state that they import their dresses and the postage price reflects this. They state that the charge for postage includes VAT duty and all import taxes from China, so you know there will not be any nasty surprises! Also, the dresses are hand finished and detailed. They answered all my queries immediately and offered me a deal on the purchase of two dresses, size 8 and 14. They came within a week and I was thrilled to bits. The dresses were just as in the picture, but the sizes came up a little big - but this was easily remedied. Instead of a zip, there is lacing at the back - this allows for easy adjustment, and the halterneck is also adjustable. My girls have to wear these dresses all day and I want them to be comfortable. The price for both dresses, postage and packing came to 76. Nowhere on the high street will you find that kind of a deal!

I can heartily recommend this seller - they answer all emails straight away, offer refunds if not happy and most of their dresses are lace-up adjustable to ensure a good fit. The detail on the dresses is painstakingly hand sewn and my girls can't wait for the wedding so they can wear them.

I have also purchased all my jewelry for the big day from Inspired-by-Izzy. Necklace, earrings, brooch - all for less that 10. This lovely shop delivered my goods in just 2 days!

If you want to make you own veil, go to Jask-Wear for the veil netting - cost 3 and arrived next day! However I then changed my mind and decided to buy a lovely ready made black one from bridal-bliss - just 4.99. So I will be using the netting I purchased to make favours!

Finally, the underwear - I am wearing a steel boned corset bought for 40 from Fallen-Angels - this seller is exceptional for value and again, fast delivery time.

If you are planning your wedding on a budget,ebay is a great place to start. Just check out the feedback VERY carefully, look for members who bought the same item as you and dont be afraid to contact them and ask them if they were happy with their purchase. Only go for UK based sellers who have been registered with ebay for at least a year or two, and dont part with your cash until you have contacted the seller.

There are many great bargains and sellers who offer fantastic deals on ebay -its worth doing if you are short on cash and definatley if you want to be different! Many sellers run successful online stores on the net, and use ebay to sell off their excess/end of linestock. This is great for us bargain hunters, as you can often find one-off, or unusual items at bargain prices!

Finally, thannk you for reading my article, andif you have found this guide helpful, please Vote Yes below.

Want to delete this guide

2010-07-20T06:39:00.007-07:00

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Fake sweetie bracelets and charms

2010-07-20T06:39:00.005-07:00

After officially being stung i decided to write this guide:

1.DONT BUY IT you might not want to hear that, but after finding out how to spot a fake, i looked at the listing and the majority of them were fake! if you are going to spend 70 on a bracelet here, why not just cough up the other 30 and buy one from an official jewelers - you will then, and only then know it is real!

2.The BIGGEST give away is the charms, links of london charms should have anOVAL ring to which you would attach to the bracelet/split ring. Fake ones are ROUND. Real ones have the hallmark of links of london upon that oval ring.

3.IMPORTANT check if the seller has sold previous similar items. WHY you ask - well how many people do you know going to links of london, buying up a load of bracelets and then selling them for a fraction of the price on e bay - No you dont! real bracelets/charms are more likely to be sold by people who have had them as a present and they are now unwanted, so are unlikely to have sold similar items before CHECK THEIR PREVIOUS SALES.

4.Dont rely on their so called good ratings! people often recieve the item quickly and give good feedback. It is only when they take it to have a charms fitted that they are told its a fake!

5.I fell for this one - the item has links of london packaging, so it must be real.WRONG. This can be bought quite cheaply from god knows where, and my box was even made! it might look good on the screen, but its amazing what can be done with a good camera and an editing package!

6.Always contact the seller well before the bidding has ended to ask if the item is real, by real you mean genuine! use the word genuine.Tell them that you will not be leaving good feedback until you have shown it to a jeweler, no reply?- well its a good indication if you know what i mean!

7.I am told that the real bracelets have a hallmark on the link next to the barrell where the 'links of london' is enscribed. The links should be smooth and no join should be seen in the circular rings. The silver should be bright.

8.There should be ribbon attached to the box. However ask yourself how difficult it would be for a faker to purchase a peice of ribbon!

9.People selling these items do not always know that they are fake, they may have sold it on, not knowing themselves (hense 1.)

Once again, dont buy, its such a dissappointment to receive somethings which you paid alot of money for, that is not what it pretends to be.

sarah

DeWalt Tools UK v. US

2010-07-20T06:39:00.003-07:00

When searching for DeWalt Power Tools on Ebay, you will find a lot of machines imported from the US. Whilst these can sometimescost lessand therefore seem a bargain, there are a few things to consider before you purchase.

So weigh these facts carefully before buying a US DeWalt Machine and also check out the reworked / reconditioned machines for sale see our Ebay Shop,DeWalt Reworked these are excellent value for money as they are mostly new and unused and are fully guaranteed as a new DeWalt machine. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to talk to you and give you unbiased advice based on our 35 years experience in the Power Tools trade.

This is an example of a CE mark.

Check our Ebay Shop for DeWalt

fake callaway drivers,especially ft-1's

2010-07-20T06:39:00.001-07:00

this is just a note to all you people out there looking to buy a new callaway ft-1 or ft-5 driver. i would say that at the moment and for the last 4 weeks about 90% of the callaway drivers for sale on here have been fakes. the easy way to spot them are as follows:- 1. the fakes are all are too cheap!!! these clubs still retail at about 250.00 upwardsfrom a decent golf supplier, not 49.99 or 69.99as seen on ebay. 2. all the sellers wont accept paypal for some reason. they will only accept postal orders/cheques etc but not paypal. 3. nearly all the sellers have a very small feedback and have only been ebay members a very short time. 4. most have a chinese type ebay id name or something very similar. 5. NONE CAN SUPPLY A SERIAL NUMBER.6.all the pictures are stock items from the net and not of the actual clubs. nice glossy pictures that help to con people. i hope report this helps someone out there and i hope ebay will look into all the fake golf stuff, especially callaway as its just horrendous the amount of people being conned out of their hard earned cash by a few bad selling ebay conmen. just take time to think to yourself how can they sell a callaway driver for a fifth of the price??? they cant unless they sell a fake. BE VERY CAREFUL---DONT BUY THESE CHEAP CHINESE FAKES.

New to using Unmounted Rubber Stamps? Here's how to!

2010-07-20T06:38:00.035-07:00

Just how do you use unmounted rubber stamps?

Unmounted Rubber Stamps are just that, no wood, or cushion, just the rubber pattern/picture itself, and are so easy to use.

Why spend money each time on a block of wood you don't need, that then takes up so much space in your crafting area, making storage a problem?!

Unmounted rubber stamps just need a flat surface that is slightly larger than therubber stamp itself.

Anna Griffin do a good range of clear mounts so that you can see where the stamp is positioned.

Alternatively, the picture side of an existing wooden rubber stamp could be ideal. Again, make sure it is just larger than the unmounted stamp that you want to use.

Use a water soluable glue, such as Pritt Stick, to glue your unmounted stamp to the flat surface.

Then stamp your image, pressing firmly, but not hard, and don't "rock" the stamp! For larger stamps it is often useful to have a cutting mat or such like under the card you are stamping, so that there is a little bit of give, to give a clearer image.

Once you have finished, peel off the unmounted stamp from the surface you've used, and clean the glue off the stamp and the mount, with a wet wipe. Leave to dry, then store.

Why not visit my Ebay shop? There are 100's of unmounted stamps to chose from, and with prices from just 99p ( P

PerfumePoint.co.uk Fragrance Guide

2010-07-20T06:38:00.033-07:00

PerfumePoint.co.uk Guide to Fragrance
Concentrations: Strengths and Value for Money

Fragrance products consist of a concentration of perfume oils in a solvent (usually alcohol).

The amount of perfume oil in a fragrance dictates whether it is an Eau de Parfum, an Eau de Toilette, an Eau de Cologne and so on. It also dictates how long a fragrance product will last on the skin and, of course, its price!

To help explain the difference in strength, we have listed below the types of fragrance products, their concentrations and the average time it takes for the scent to evaporate.

Perfume (15%-30% concentration of perfume oil) 6 - 8 hours

Eau de Parfum or EDP (8%-15% concentration of perfume oil) 5 - 7 hours

Eau de Toilette or EDT (4%-8% concentration of perfume oil) 4 6 hours

Eau de Cologne or EDC/Aftershave (3%-5% concentration of perfume oil) 2 3 hours

The price of a fragrance product will depend on its strength (% of perfume oil) as well as the bottle size. For example, a 30 ml Eau de Parfum bottle will usually cost more than a 30 ml Eau de Toilette as it is stronger.

The more alcohol a product contains, the quicker its scent will evaporate. Aftershave has the highest alcohol content.

Although an Eau de Toilette is cheaper, it is not necessarily more economical, as it will not last as long. EDT is the most popular and affordable concentration available.

Fragrances should be kept away from heat and light. Storing fragrance in the fluctuating temperatures and humidity of a bathroom will cause a scent to degrade rapidly.

Identical fragrances may smell differently and also last longer when applied to some peoples skin than others, this is because of the chemical make up and balance of our skin.

Fragrance Categories

The different types of fragrance are described by their scent and the ingredients that have been used to make up a particular scent.

CITRUS: The clean, tangy aroma of citrus fruits:lemons, mandarins, bergamot oranges and grapefruit. GREEN: The sharp green scent of crushed leaves and fresh-cut grass. WATER: Soft sea breezes. FLORAL: The fresh-cut fragrance of flowers from a single rose to a rich bouquet. SOFT FLORAL: These soft, powdery floral aldehydes blend nature's flowers with the perfumers aldehydes. FLORAL ORIENTAL: The soft, spicy notes of orange flowers, sparkling aldehydes and sweet flowers. SOFT ORIENTAL: Incense adds a sensual softness to heady flowers, spices and amber. ORIENTAL: The hypnotic fragrances of oriental resins, night-blooming flowers, vanilla, musk. WOODY ORIENTAL: Rich oriental notes blended with the potent wood scents of patchouli and sandalwood. MOSSY WOODS: Perfumers call these forest notes of oakmoss, woods and citrus chypre fragrances. DRY WOODS: Dry resins, cedar and tobacco make a mossy-woody fragrance drier, sometimes a little smokey.. AROMATIC FOUGERE: Sexy cool-warm notes of citrus and lavender, sweet spices and oriental woods.

The Stages of a Fragrance

You may wonder why Perfumes/Aftershaves always smell different after youve had them on a while. This is because the Fragrance develops in 3 stages.

Top note - The initial, lighter smell of the fragrance, which lasts for around 8-15 minutes.

Heart/Middle note This remains constant throughout use of the fragrance (hence the term heart note) and develops after the top note.

Base note This is the last to develop, and helps to fix the fragrance to the skin. This is where you will smell the woodier notes of the scent, which become more noticeable when the fragrance has been on the skin for a while.

19th

2010-07-20T06:38:00.031-07:00

List of some 19th/20th century makers

This list has been produced to assist in the identification of possible makers. Once a name has been identified as a possibility then a search on the web may reveal a photograph of the marker's markto compare to.

Please ignore the case of lower case letters - the lower case I have used is to denote they are smaller but they may well be small upper case letters.

Photographs will be added to this guide in the longer termfrom my own collection. Additionally I know I have additions to maketo this "first cutlist" and this will be on a on-going basis.

Please ASQ me with any additions or corrections of typos or if you have any queries.

London
A

BUYING ANTIQUE GLASS DOOR KNOBS

2010-07-20T06:38:00.029-07:00

A simple guide on, how to choose the type of glass door knob that best suits your door

The Ring Size Chart!

2010-07-20T06:38:00.027-07:00

The Ring Size Chart below show you sizes in U.K., Metric and U.S. This is very useful if the items you want to buy are described in sizes you don't recognise (like buying them from a different country):

UK mmDia mm CircUS A 11,536,250.5 B12,338,641 C 12,739,91.5 D 13,141,152 E13,542,412.5 F13,943,673 G14,3 44,923.25 H 14,746,183.75 I15,147,44 4.25 J5,548,69 4.75 K 5,9 49,955.25 L16,351,24 5.75 M 16,752,46 6.25 N17,153,72 6.75 O17,5 54,98 7 P17,9 56,23 7.5 Q 18,357,498 R18,758,758.5 S19,160,0 9 T 19,561,26 9.5 U 19,962,5210 V 20,363,7710.5 W 20,7 65,0 11 X 21,1 66,29 11.5 Y 21,5 67,51 12 Z 21,9 68,77 12.5

A GUIDE TO BUYING A REAL COIN OR PENNY PUSHER

2010-07-20T06:38:00.025-07:00

(Firstly I would like to apologise to people who send me messages through eBay's system - I am not being ignorant by not replying, but in most cases eBay will not allow me to respond. If you have not heard from me, I am sorry but this is the reason why).

Penny pushers - Coin pushers - Sliders - Penny falls - Slot machines - call them what you like! In the trade they are simply known as pushers. These machines have been of great interest to me from a very young age. Thanks to eBay I am now the proud owner ofeight machines. Five of them are single player pushers,twoare two player machines and the last is a 3-player machine.

If you are thinking about buying one of these machines, there are several factors to take into consideration. Is space a problem? Why are single player pushers more expensive than, say, a 6 player pusher?Is it going into a house? 2p or 10p play? Are you willing to travel hundreds of miles to find the right machine? Are you prepared to pay hefty Carrier charges? Is it going into the garage? Do you have a warehouse? Does it matter if it has some damage, etc.etc.etc.

Okay, let's try and answer some of these questions. If space is a problem and you intend putting the machine in a house then a single player pusher is what you're after. This is the very reason that single player pushers are more expensive, they are more sought after because they will fit in a house. A 6 player pusher would certainly be a great machine to have, but how would you get one of these through a standard door? Quite simply, it is not possible! The majority of pushers are either on 2p play or 10p play. This may not sound like a big issue - again it depends on the machine, but amachine on 2p playwhich takes 20 to fill the playdeck is going to cost you around 100 (if not, slightly more) for the same machine if it is on 10p play. There are a few exceptions of course as 1 or 2 machines operate on 1p play or 5p play. Even so, 5p play machines with a big playdeck could cost you a few pounds to fill too. Depending on the type of coin mech. fitted, some machines can be changed from 2p to 10p etc. with considerable ease.Some can't without expensive kits. Some can be programmed via coin recognition.If this is important to you, check with the seller whether or not this can be easily changed. If you are really desperate to find a single player pusher, then be prepared to travel or pay a Carrier in the region of 80 to get the machine delivered. If your luck is anything like mine, the machines I'm after are always hundreds of miles away!!! If the machine is going into a garage then you may be able to get something bigger, a 2, 3 or 4 player machine perhaps? Another thing to remember though is the more playdecks you have, then the more it is going to cost you to fill it - of course you don't have to fill all the playdecks either! If you are lucky enough that space is not an issue, or the machine is going into a warehouse or very large shed or something then you can have virtually any machine you want. Are you fussy about the machine? Does it matter if there are some scores or scrapes on it? Does it matter if the keys are lost etc. etc. Obviously a machine in perfect working order and with no damage (apart from maybe minor scrapes) is going to cost youmore money than a machine with some damage. If you are mechanically minded, a lot of these things can be easily fixed (or made better). For example:- if there are no keys and the machine is all locked then the locks can be drilled out and new locks fitted (an inexpensive item, readily available from ebay for a few pounds). Blown fluorescent tubes can be easily found at most good electrical shops and make the machine look a lot better. Does the machine look grubby after purchase? Don't despair -give it a good clean and if you feel competent, dismantle it a bit and clean it up - it will look a million times better when you are finished and you willappreciate it more and be proud of it!Does it really matter if there are a few chips out of the blackwood effecton a corner? Would a touch of black paint not make it look ten times better and cover the majority of it up? These and other little things are all worth thinking about, easy repairs that don't cost the earth to remedy.One thing to think of though - does the machine you're interested in have a feature? And more importantly, does it work? Is this important to you? The reason I say this is that some older machines with features that don't work can be just about impossible to fix. For example:- a feature that pays out a certain amount of coins when you get a coin through a bonus trap (usually set off by the coin triggering a micro switch) is normally linked to a small pcb with IC's (silicone chips). These IC's are more often than not pre-programmed and if something goes wrong with them and you need a replacement, on say a machine that is a few years old - FORGET IT! Unless you are VERY lucky then you will not be able tofind a replacement. Apart from this, pushers, on the whole will go on for years and years and years, as at the end of the day the main thing that makes them all work is a motor andin the worst case scenarioif it does go Kaput, a replacement motor can usually be found - a contrast to modernfruit machines which are all controlled by IC's and pcb's. Another point worth remembering:- CONDITION. Everybody's idea of condition is different! Someone that describes a machine in very good condition might not be your interpretation of very good condition! Study the pictures carefully.If there is something that takes your fancy on eBay and there is something that you are unsure about or want to ask about or important dimensions etc. then don't be shy touse the 'ask seller a question' button and ask away. The majority of sellers are honest andwill answer your questions - beware of the ones that don't - they probably have something to hide! Finally if you get one of these machines, don't send granny to pick it up in a Corsa with the back seats down!!! They are very heavy machines, if you are collecting make sure you have the correct dimensions, make sure it will fit in,a suitable vehicle and a strong mate or two to help you lift.

I have been collecting these machines for around 2 years now and the knowledge I have gained about them in that time is vast. I have written this guide for anyone new to pushers, interested in pushersor looking to make their first purchase. The opinions are all mine and I realise they might not be everyone's views. Remember these are all electrical items and electricity can be dangerous. If you are in any doubt at all or are not competent with DIY and electricity- DO NOT DISMANTLE or interfere withthese machines.

Please click 'YES' if you found this interesting, and be sure to check out my

NEW GUIDE ON THE SAME SUBJECT

FULL SIZED COIN OR PENNY PUSHERS

THANK YOU

LAY-Z-SPA - including guide to RUNNING COSTS

2010-07-20T06:38:00.023-07:00

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR THIS GUIDE. It has been viewed over 3500 times but so few people have thanked me! - Where esle will you get a guide like this including running costs. PLEASE PLEASE vote. - Thanks Chris.............

Bought Lay Z Spa from Stack-m-High in June 2007. Easy to set up. Inflated and ready to fill in about 15 minutes. Takes 1 hour to fill using garden hose. and Overnight ( 14 hours) to heat to 40 degrees. After 2 weeks the Heater failed and would not heat the water. Bestway Uk help line sent replacement very swiftly. This second unit seems a lot better and so far has worked perfectly.I bought a chemical kit with Chlorine - PH PH- Test Strips and anti foam for 45 delivered. This is a large kit (CLEARWATER brand) - this lasted all last summer ( 2007) and still has half left.We used the spa most days and its really nice. The water is lovely and hot and the bubbles are very powerful and relaxing. The spa water quality needs some maintenance by using a test strip every few days or after every use and then adding the right amount of chemicals to keep the water in safe condition - but this is fairly easy to do as the instructions with the kit I bought are very easy to follow.After a month or so depending on use the water will need draining and replacing but you get an attachment to do this which again attaches to a gardens hose - it takes a little longer to drain though at about 2-3 hours. it is possible to use a pump - like a pond pump and a general water pump to empty it fasterWe have ours under a gazebo with side panels and low voltage lighting making it very private. Someone we know who also have one of these dug a hole in the garden and lowered into into the ground so you step down into it - Nice Idea - if you like digging holes!All in all - despite the stories you might hear of reliability issues - its well worth it and a nice purchase that brings a lot of fun for the money in our opinion.If you read about anyone having numerous pumps replaced it might suggest they ahvn't followed the operating instructions regarding bleeding the air valve each time BEFORE using the heater button - which according to another user I have spoken to resulted in 3 broken pumps - SO be carefull!!!!!!!!!!!UPDATE JUNE 2008.I packed the lay-z-spa away at the end of last summer , carefully drying it down and taking care to get all the "nooks and crannies" well dried out. I then wiped it over with an antibacterial spray. This is worth while as if you don't do this you are likely to get mildew that would need cleaning off after you unpack it from its winter storage ( or you may choose to keep it set up in the winter and not have this problem !).When packing mine up and deflating it I had been careless and managed to puncture the top sidewall on a small sharp stone. When I set it back up I used one of he clear repair patches supplied with the lay-z-spa - and it worked perfectly being air tight and still working perfectly well. Equally the Heater is still going strong 1 month after I set it back up from last year - not like all the other horror stories you will have read about! - either I'm just lucky or you only hear on Ebay if its gone wrong! Mine still works well........so it looks like another summer in the garden for me...... :)UPDATE Early October 2008After a faultless Summer with lots of days in the lazy SPA

FAKE NIKE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

2010-07-20T06:38:00.021-07:00

FAKE GOODS LOOK OUT LIST

Fake goods are rife on ebay simple rules will keep you a head of the criminals.

Bid or buy only if when you request close up PICTURES of garment labels you get them.

Conversely DO NOT bid or buy if when you request close up PICTURES of garment labels and you receive NONE.

Nike tag details.

Nike have changed their internal labels to show the production run in a US DATE FORMAT mm/dd/yy.

For example the new Nike AIr Rift 10th anniversery are a limited run due to the dates 10/13/05 to 11/30/05.

Usually Nike produces a trainer over a 2- 3 month run. Specials, Limited numbers over 1-2 month Nike RIFT Brazils the original Green/Yellow version.

Old labels would appear as mm/mm/yy So a Nike Haven COJP would read 001101 2000/November/January.

FOR NIKES WITH the old label LOOK UNDER the BARCODE there is a specific birthday date for the particular trainer you are looking at these must match up by being within the ABOVE LABEL DATE will read as per US DATE FORMAT mm/dd/yy.

New Nikes do not have a specific sneaker birthday :-(.

The Letters next to it are the factory.... example LN4, ST-P

NIKE ARE PRODUCED IN the following countries exquisively

1. China

2. TAIWAN

3. KOREA

4. VIETNAM

5. THAILAND

6. INDONESIA

7. ITALY 1970-1980's Pre-1980's No factory codes

8. JAPAN 1970-1980's Pre 1980's No factory codes

9. UNITED STATES 1970-1980's Pre 1980's No factory codes

NIKE FACTORY CODES

LN2, LN3, LN4, Y2, Y3, Y2-3, QH, QS, QT CHINA

IB, ID, IN, IP, IW INDONESIA

ST, ST5, S7, T2-1, T2-A, T2-D, TY, TY1, ST-P, SH, BY KOREA

FT1, FT2, FT4, FT8, PC3, PC8 TIAWAN

PA4, (PA) THIALAND

VT VIETNAM

NIKE SAMPLE SHOES

ONLY IN A UK 8 and the label will read "SAMPLE".

TYPES OF SAMPLES

1 Player Samples - produced for Nike sponsored teams and players

2 Sales Samples - produced for Nike Sales Representatives (EKINs)

3 Wear Test Samples - produced for wear testers
(individuals providing performance feedback)

4 Look See Samples - produced for in-house distribution,
often with hand written tags. The stage of development prior to 'sales samples' production.

5 Factory Confirmations - produced in quantities of typically 1, 2 pairs as a confirmation of quality before the entire production (of the same shoe, but in tens of thousands) commences. If the factory management is satisfied with the sample, QC staff must sign (yes) their names on the shoe.

For more insider knowledge see the following link
http://www.kicksonline.com/Magazine/nke_hack.html

THERE YOU GO LOOK AT FOR OTHER GUIDES FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF NIKE (RIFTS etc) OR BRANDS.

DISCLAIMER I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISFORTUNE OR FORTUNE YOU
ENCOUNTER BY EITHER FOLLOWING OR NOT FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE RULES.

me.

Nike name and Swoosh are trademarked and copywritten by Nike and therefore should not be reproduced for profit.

kicksonline for the Types of Samples 1-5 section. (very interesting)

Memory Foam Type Mattresses

2010-07-20T06:38:00.019-07:00

Hi, just to let people know about our experience with one of these type of mattresses. We bought one from a local retailer, after I had a problem with my back. We tried it out in the shop for a few minutes and agreed it was very comfortable, so we bought one. After it was delivered, we fitted it on to the bed and anticipated a good nights sleep. However, after five or ten minutes, we were feeling very hot and very uncomfortable. It seemed to be reflecting your body heat back at you, and quickly became very sweaty and unpleasant.We slept very fitfully all that night. We thought we might just need to get used to it, but it didnt get any better. We kept waking up feeling hotand sweaty and headachey from the constantwaking.We persevered with it for over a week, because it was so expensive. We felt foolish because we had tried it in the shop, and yes, it was comfortable, in the shop, while we were wearing several layers of clothes. Afterover aweek of not sleeping and feeling like we werebeing grilledon a hotplate, we returned it to the shop.It was a good quality mattress from a reputableshopand we didnt have any problems with chemical smells etc.but, despite offering good support, it just wasnt good for sleeping on! As soon as we replaced it with a more traditional type of mattress, we slept like babies again.

If you are thinking of buying something like this, please make sure that you have the option of returning it if you experience these type of problems.

N gauge Versus 1/144 Scale

2010-07-20T06:38:00.017-07:00

All AFVs and aircraft models shown in my shop photographs are 1/144 scale andall figures are 12 mm. I also state that the 12 mm figures on sale aresuitable for N gauge and this can result in some confusion. I hope this mini-guide clarifies.

N 'scale' trains run on 9mm 'gauge' track, but the terms 'SCALE' and 'GAUGE are commonly mixed up.

SCALE: the size ratio of a model compared to the full size item.

GAUGE: the measurement between rails on track - full size or model.

Accurately speaking, N gauge when applied to a modelis a misnomer: it is N scale.

While N varies from 1/148 to 1:160across the world, the track gauge is 9 mm. [N stands for 'N'ine mm gauge.]

In the USA and Europe, models of standard gauge trains [4-8.5"] are built to 1:160 scale but designed to run on N gauge track. In the UK, 1:148 is used. In Japan, 1:150 is used for models of 3-6" gauge trains, while 1:160 is used for standard gauge Shinkansen [Bullet Train] models.

In the U.S. and Europe, a scale of 1:160 is used for train models, irrespective of the gauge of theactual trains they are scaled from. All of these scales run on the same 9mm track [N] gauge. This means the track is a little too narrow for 1:148 / 1:150 but the difference is considered too small to matter.

For deciding an appropriate height of scaled figure, consider how a mans height affects scale. See table below:

Man's heightFigure's Height Scale

ft Inches m mm inches

6'-'0" 721.83- 10.0 0.39- 1:183

5'-6" 68 1.7- 10.0 0.39 - 1:173

6'-'0" 721.83-12.0 0.47 - 1:152

5'-6" 68 1.7-12.00.47 - 1:144

6'-'0" 72 1.83- 12.20.5 -1:144

5'-6" 68 1.7- 12.2 0.5-1:136

6'-'0" 72 1.83- 15.00.59-1:122

5'-6" 68 1.7-15.0 0.59 -1:115

In summary, assuming an average W.W.II. warrior stood between 5-6" and 6-0" tall, then both traditional imperial height model figures of " [12.7 mm], and modern metric 12.0 mm can be considered ideal for representing 1/144 scale figures. At the same time it can be seen that 15 mm figures are too tall, and 10 mm figures too small.

A lot of the above information has beencollected from otherenthusiasts over time. My thanks and apologiesto all contributers who are not acknowledged here.

Hope this helps.

Mehusla of 1-144 Direct E-Bay Store

FAKE CALLAWAY DRIVERS (FT-I, FT5 FT3 ETC)

2010-07-20T06:38:00.015-07:00

There is a seller who has been selling only fake drivers for the last year on Ebay UK (who briefly listened when i told them all his different IDs through which he sells fake Callaway drivers). He has sold thousands, which will be recirculated on ebay for years,sometimes by sellers who don't even know they are fake. There are similarities in his technique:

LOW START PRICE

Geniune Army Kit, SAS/PARA/RM

2010-07-20T06:38:00.013-07:00

Just to share my thoughts with regards to items marked SAS, PARA'S RM etc or "issued to blah blah" and special forces. As an ex service member of recent times (80's through to 2000) a lot of kit marked with such tag words are nothing of the sort! As others have said, before you hit that"confirm bid" button, have a quick look down your local surplus stores for a comparison. Almost every British Army item should have an NSN (NATO Stock Number) on it, if it ain't then it probably is a copy. Also on hardware, (mess tins etc) look for the "Crowsfoot" mark, again a sign of a genuine article.

Some of the kit advertised is very decent and usuable, but just wonder if it is genuine before buying - there is a difference. In my experience the majority of a Regimentsoldier's kit is either "Proffed" (long term borrowed) particularly from theUSA SF or put together from a mixture of sources.

Another good place to look to compare is Silvermans.

Having said all of the above, there are genuine issue kit from e-bayers, you just got to know what to look for, perhaps ask a squaddie?

Gillette Mach3 Razor Blades

2010-07-20T06:38:00.011-07:00

Please be careful if buying these type of blades. They are no where near the quality you get on the High Street. The ones I bought fit the razor handle but rattle as if loose

Print Your Own Vouchers/Coupons !

2010-07-20T06:38:00.009-07:00

Lots of people sell genuine vouchers on ebay, but instead of buying vouchers, you could justprint your own vouchers!

Heres a few tips on how to save a bit of money, and print your own vouchers...

Manufacturers like Birdseye, Heinz, Cadburyallow you to PRINT VOUCHERS off their website. Just type in large brand names into google.co.uk and search their website for any vouchers that are availible!
Just SEARCH key words, things like 'vouchers' 'money off' 'coupons' on google.co.uk. Their are lots of websites that offer links to vouchers that companies offer, all you have to do is find them!
EMAIL the companies, and see if they will just POST some vouchers to you!
Ok, the downside remember how much ink you are using as it is expensive to print alot of vouchers (and you may need print them out in high quality so supermarkets likeTescodo accept them!)

Thanks xxx

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