No, Me Neither

I’ve noticed this apparition a few times recently. I’ve been out running to the east of the village and nearly fallen over past this tree. Well, it’s a mug tree, isn’t it. Any idea why?

Mug Tree
Mug Tree

I have to say that it looks a little better in the winter and the mugs stand out more, but you get the idea. How very strange, but also, quite cool. I think that one of my mugs will end up on it soon.

Mug Tree
Mug Tree

I am sure that some people could be convinced that this is a rare form of tree. One that grows mugs. Most major china exporters have more of them. Obviously.

Monster Trucks

I went to see Monster Trucks at Rochester Cineworld Cinema. It’s a kids film. I rated it (surprisingly high) on IMDB and you should read this before taking my ratings seriously.

You know what? This film was alright. It was a bit like an earthly version of Transformers. There was a young man who was obsessed with trucks but also quite intelligent and a young woman trying to impress him. I’m not really sure. There was also some step-dad stuff along the way with Danny Glover playing a scrap metal merchant in a wheelchair.

There were monsters. But, of course, they were mostly friendly. Apart from the physics of crashing down a hill and crushing your vertebrae this film was mostly good fun.

Ghost In The Shell

I went to see Ghost In The Shell this afternoon. I booked a 14:30 showing. As is custom I went to the Cineworld at Rochester. Maybe one day I’ll change my “usual”.

So, the thing with the ratings is that you should read this communication.

I enjoyed what I saw of this film and I thought it was good. I recently watched the original anime version and thought that was brilliant. I don’t care for comparing across the genres. The only film I would get touchy about is that tour de force Akira.

I did “rest my eyes” a few times during this film and so I think it would be sensible for me to go again sometime when I am feeling more awake. A short and sweet review this time!

Carterton

I recently had a day trip with the cadets to RAF Brize Norton. We visited three main areas of the base:

  • TMW – Tactical Med Wing
  • GEW – General Engineering Wing
  • 47 Sqn
Allison AE 2100D3 and composite blades
Allison AE 2100D3 and composite blades

I learnt a lot and saw two types of aircraft I hadn’t seen before. The weather was quite grey and so the photos are a bit of a washout, I don’t do Photoshop. The low cloud base did mean that the aircraft would take off and about fifteen seconds later they would climb through the cloud.

Lego 46 Model 42055

Now, the final communication. Here’s the bucket wheel working:

Here’s the machine turning the bucket arm:

Moving forward:

And general operation:

Overall this was great fun and very relaxing. Hour for hour entertainment it was about the same as watching an IMAX film.

Lego 46 Model 42055 Part 10

This is the final push. The operators cab and safety railings is built. Along with adding lights and ladders this now completes the Bucket Wheel Excavator.

Model Complete!
Model Complete!

This was probably another hour and a half so total build time is roughly 11 hours. I would argue it was worth every penny.

Some detail photos for you now:

Operator's Cab
Operator’s Cab
Buckets
Buckets
Power Unit and Gear Box
Power Unit and Gear Box
Ready To Dig
Ready To Dig

Lego 46 Model 42055 Part 9

This part of the Bucket Wheel Excavator is to build the power section. This includes a motor, battery pack and the gearing system to turn on and off different drives.

Motor Unit and Gear Box
Motor Unit and Gear Box

This was another hour after a few mistakes were made! Then I had to connect it to the main bucket wheel arm.

Bucket Wheel Arm
Bucket Wheel Arm

A top view:

Bucket Wheel Arm with Motor and Gear Box
Bucket Wheel Arm with Motor and Gear Box

Then this arm had to be connected to the main body.

Initial Mating
Initial Mating

Then the bucket arm was secured and the top superstructure was built.

Top Superstructure Now Included
Top Superstructure Now Included

Current total time: 9 hr 15 mins