Raylite Supplies of Arkwright Street in Nottingham started to produce these tyres in 1948 which were intended for serious racing. They are unique in having the tyres moulded onto a perforated aluminium disc that could be bolted directly to a shaft or used with bearings if hubs were turned up.

Initially tested up to 28,000rpm but later 25,000 although this was up to treble the speed of any cars of the period that might use them. They were standard fitting for all Oliver cars and motors and replica versions are still being produced. The tyres were available in a variety of sizes from 2 1/2" diameter up to 4". Cost per pair has risen from 9/6 a pair (47.5p) to £14 for the same size.
                                           Thanks to Miles Patience for these items and photo. Dec 2018

This is the mortal remains of an M&E Special, somewhat battered as can be seen. What makes it remarkable is that is has the original ignition tray, battery box, coils  and condenser clips, plus the correct fuel tank and fuel pipes, which is most rare. In fact, all the vital parts are there including the ignition knock off and the Bowden cable bridle. The only pieces that were beyond repair were the three broken radius rods, which are nothing more complex than 1/8th rod. If that was not enough, a serial number of 1019 makes it one of the very earliest cars to be produced.
                                                      OTW photo Nov 2019

This car arrived as a box of parts and quickly identified as having been built by Horst Denneler in the early 80s. The serial number 222 is not recorded in the data base or in any results we have found, so it was not until this summer that we discovered that it was originally supplied to Ernst Huber in 1982, and then given to Christoph Zaugg to run, before ending its days intended as a car  for 'horsing' practice. It is now being renovated and a GRP body being made for it by Aaron Monk. Now over 25 years old, yet Horst is currently running an identical model in Class 3.                  OTW photo Oct 2018

Frog Whippet:

Immediately after the end of WW2, International Models produced this kit for a hydroplane. First advertised in 1946, the 20" long hull was designed to accommodate either the Frog 100 diesel with the upright venturi or the Frog 175 petrol motor with the inverted venturi. One other hull is known to exist, but this is the first we have seen with the original box.                        Thanks to Miles Patience for this item and photos Sept 2018

Peter Rischer, who survived being a F104 Starfighter pilot, is renowned for producing superbly engineered cars and motors. Most though, are examples of lateral thinking in the development process.

The strange profile of this car is entirely due to the 5cc Wankel rotary engine installed in the mid section, hardly the most appropriate for reducing frontal area. The car is credited with a maximum speed of 197kmh. The circular section is carried through the body and chassis, making it one of the most unusual cars we have featured. It does carry Peter's name and that of his neighbour Dr Fabritius as it was part of his collection before being sold to Tom Sturm. Now minus the aluminium cowling over the mid section and wheels it has appeared on ebay on several occasions, although with a very hefty starting price that has not yet tempted anyone.
                                                                                                         Thanks to David Giles for details of this car Aug 2018

Fred Carter gallery:

Three original 'Carter engines' including the Nordec on the left, confirmed as the very first motor he modified for speed flying. In the centre is one of the famous 'Carter Doolings'. A complete description of the building and modifications carried out to the standard Dooling 29 can be found in Chapter 7 of the late Ron Moulton's Engine Encyclopaedia. The third photo is a 10cc motor, based loosely on a Dooling and the only one that is known to have been entirely machined from the solid by Fred. What is missing sadly is possibly his best known motor, the Carter McCoy as the only versions known to exist are later repros.
Thanks to Dick Roberts, Dave Smith and Stuart Robinson for these items. July 2018

Unique M&E Artefact:

This is the very first Wasp that has ever appeared with its original packaging, instructions and drawings. A gift from an uncle some forty years before, it is still box fresh as the construction was never completed. A final selling price of £966 reflects on the total rarity of this item. The sting in the tail (tale) is that the other nephew was given the larger Special kit, which was not touched at all and would have been worth significantly more, had it not been thrown out within the last year or so, ouch.
                                                                               Thanks to Chris Ogleby for this item, photos and the cautionary tale. June 2018

Which it was described as, and priced accordingly, despite this being all there was. In fact it proved to be significantly more interesting, being one of many either built by or from castings by Eric Parmenter in Australia. A number of these cars have come to light with a wide variety of motors and drive systems. At least it was a genuine and original car, unlike the Nylint McCoy the dealer was also trying to flog. Happily, this car has been bought by a true mite enthusiast and properly restored.  Thanks to John Lorenz for details. OTW photo May 2018

This amazing collection of original Rowell  components was discovered at a car boot sale in Lincolnshire. The lucky purchaser had owned a Rowell many years ago so was well aware of what he had discovered. There is a MKI and two MKIIs with one backplate for each version. Could these have originated from Brian Sheriff when he cleared his father's model shop in Dundee in the 1960s?  Not too much work required to have three complete motors, especially as dies still exist for some of the parts.

Thanks to Ian Douglas for this wonderful item and the photos. April 2018

Usually, the 5cc Falcon from 1066 Products is found in kit form in a long rectangular, partitioned box. It is believed that there were a number supplied ready to run from the factory and we wonder if this was indeed the box for one such? The box and labelling look original and it is unlikely a kit of parts would have been packed in this way, so we can be reasonably confident that this indeed an original package for a factory produced motor. Just as a number of alternative boxes have turned up for the MRC car kit, so this adds more to the 1066 story and the knowledge of this company. Still looking for the 24" hydro.

                                                                     Thanks to Eric Offen for this item March 2018

A trio of B1 Airscrew boats.

Mike Drinkwater was largely responsible for getting the MPBA to rescind its ban on airscrew boats and have them accepted back into competition in 1968. On the left, what we believe to be a Merlin', centre an 'Axilla design from 1957 and lastly a stretched 'Express'. These three boats were offered for sale in the latest Retro Club magazine, just add suitable 2.5cc motors and go racing.
                                                                                                     Thanks to Keith Bragg and Peter Hill for these items, Feb 2018

ETA 5 Twin:

 Amongst a large quantity of original material from the Bedford family were a series of sketches of modifications and additional parts to enable two 5cc ETA diesels to be mounted in a tethered car. Both engines were mounted individually but with the cylinder of the forward one reversed so that both motors shared a single venturi and needle valve. The engines were geared together driving the rear axle through a single flywheel and clutch. The second photo shows the installation, although whether the car was ever finished or run remains open to conjecture. Notes on the back of the sketches indicate that this was all the work of a Mr Rutherford from Belfast.                                                  Thanks to Miles Patience for the drawings and photos. Jan 2018