Friday, June 24, 2011

More "Gathering" Pics

Here is a link to more photos from "The Gathering". Be sure to check out the links there to videos and such!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Mid-West Gathering of Se7ens




Well, it finally arrived, "The Midwest Gathering of Se7ens". As of Friday, there were 13 cars in attendance, and around two dozen people, with more expected to arrive on Saturday. On Friday they were on a morning blat that brought them up to my neck of the woods in Missouri, with a stop at my favorite pizza joint, Tony's Pizza House in Protem. My plan was to hook up there with Graham Early and ride with him in his Leitch Super Sprint down to The Hub hotel where the Gathering was headquartered. Well, between the heat, humidity, and lack of planning on my part, my first ever Se7en ride was cut down from about 45 miles to less than a mile.

The Gathering gathers at Tony's Pizza House.

After having to wait for about 45 minutes to board the Peel Ferry for the trip across Bull Shoals Lake, my head started swimming and I swapped my seat in the Se7en for one in an A/C equipped Ford Ranger. A few miles, and a couple of Gatorades later I was fine, but so much for my big first ride. Thanks anyway Graham. It was fun while it lasted.


Upon arriving at The Hub, we checked out all the cars, and then had dinner with the group at Scooters restaurant. Talk about a warm, welcoming bunch of people! Everybody made our family feel like we were old friends that they hadn't seen in awhile. Thanks everyone, it was a great experience.

Russ Amos holds a driver's meeting.

After dinner it was time for the autocross. Nothing high stress, just some guys (and gals) out to have a little fun with the cars. Every body got a few practice runs, and then things got serious... sort of. The runs were timed, but only a few took it real seriously. I don't even know who took FTD! The main thing was everyone had a safe and fun time

Graham Early's 20-valve Toyota powered Leitch S/S.


One of several Brunton Stalkers.


Brunton Super Stalker (note blower drive under hood scoop).


Tom Suppa's Alfa-Romeo powered Locost.

At the end of the day, a grand time was had by all. We met some new friends, got some ideas for our car, and learned that you have to keep well hydrated when the weather gets hot and muggy. Can't wait 'til next year, maybe we'll have something to show off, too! See you there.

Chuck Schaefer's RX-7 powered Locost.


Wendell Karr-ake & Beverly Carlile in their Toyota powered Westfield.

More to come!

Got It!

Sorry for the delay in getting the pics up. Life does have a way of changing our plans, doesn't it. Here is the nose cone that I bought. It really is a nice piece. I also like this one because it has a little more sculpting along the sides whereas most Locost noses tend to be rather slab sided.

Now I have a decision to make. Do I use this one as is? that's probably not an option. I believe it's too narrow,and too small vertically. I can cut it into sections and add material as needed to get the size that I want. Very possible. Or, do I just use this one as a model, expand the dimensions as needed and make a new plug and mold for one the right size and shape, then resell this one unscathed and unadulterated. Decisions, decisions.