Been away for a while

[Fordguy01]

Hi gentlemen, I've been away for quite some time now as I have been experiencing some non-covid health issues.  My problem is a balance issue.  Through several specialists and therapists, I found out that I have migraine headaches but without the intense pain they bring on.  I did have those back in the early 90's and got treatment and they went away but they are rearing their ugly head again causing a great deal of discomfort.  I sometimes think my early drinking had something to-do with all that.  If that wasn't enough, I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis and also skin cancer.  The skin cancer was dug out and now I'm cancer free.  I have not been in the mood for any building but I'm still buying, ugh! I hate to be a downer but that is why I've been away.  I've been feeling better the last three, four days now and hope to post more often.  I'm going through withdrawals now as Eagle speedway has closed for the year.  Now that I'm feeling better maybe I can get back to the bench and try to create something.  On the good side, I had my street rod in our annual car show, got a dash plaque and there were over 500 cars on display some had to be turned away as there was no more room for them.  You all take care and I hope to hear from you soon.  Ford guy aka Al

[Maineboy]

Fordguy,

      Sorry to hear of all the problems you have been dealing with. For many of us life is like that, in many varied ways, especially as we get older. I have had 3 major orthopedic surgeries since Dec 2020 and am not at all able to do the building construction work I have done all my life, but during recovery it has boosted my interest in building model cars again. It is good therapy as the mind needs something to think about besides all of our personal health problems especially. I know I have more model projects on the shelves, many I will probably not get to, but the ones I am working on give me something to feel good about again. I hope this works for you too.

     I have been away from building model cars all summer because I can still drive a farm tractor and I have a small hay business in the summer. I just finished mine but still have about one more month to go helping a dairy farmer friend. He puts it up mostly green and wraps it in plastic so he can mow into the fall pretty good. It makes good cow feed. I am pretty tickled that I can still do the job from the seat of a tractor. We have to find all these little things to be thankful for, even though we can't do some others. Thinking about, and building, model cars works for me that way too.

MB

[Dirtman]

Good to hear from you Ford! Sorry about all the health issues! I've run into a couple of my own. How about a picture of your street rod. I was a participating member of the NSRA for many years. Sold my last street rod ('41 Ford coupe in 2008). Just got my 2015 Harley Triglide now.

Rett

[Fordguy01]

Thank you for the kind words gentlemen.  MB I too plan to use my modeling as sort of an escape from the discomforts of all this.  Rett I would dearly love to send picks of my rod and also pics of my models, but I have had my share of issues in the past.  One thing I can do is send the pics to you on your phone, but I hate to even ask as a phone number can be a personal item we have.  Do either of you know of a free photo site where I can get this done??  Thanks again,

Al

[Dirtman]

Personally, I use Flicker. It's not the easiest but I manage to struggle thru it.

Rett

[Fordguy01]

Is fliker a free photo site?

Thanks
Al

[Maineboy]

Fordguy,

      Yes Flikr is a free photo hosting site. Takes a little while to get the hang of it but after you get onto it it becomes easy to use. That is where I put all the photos that I post on STM.  I would do anything I could to help you if you give it a try.

MB

[Brian Conn]

  Al..it sounds like Nathan's got you set up for posting pictures   I'm hoping that your health improves and doesn't keep you down....I always enjoy reading your post and Eagle will be running again in 20 short weeks...or so    

[Fordguy01]

Thanks for the info on Flicker.  Seems like Tom put out instructions on how to use Flicker a while ago I'll have to look and see if I can find it.  Brian those 20 weeks will be an eternity, and did you know I-80 is closing its doors after this season?  I do hope someone will buy it and keep it going.  I enjoyed the racing out there also.  You guys have a good one and I'll be posting more often now.

Thanks again
Al     

[Maineboy]

Many smaller race tracks are feeling the same pinch. It takes faster cars, and good competition to draw crowds to these tracks. In order to get good cars the track has to have good purses, thus tickets cost more.  Most in Maine are struggling the same way. This summer Unity Raceway, that had not seen a race for 5 yrs reopened as a.......dirt track.....again!  The new manager, Joey Doyon, had this to say: 

......"Doyon says a lot of the reason for moving to a dirt track comes back to cost- not for them, but for the drivers and their vehicles. However, even with the switch, the atmosphere at the track and the support from the community has been there all year......."For the most part, this is about as cheap as it gets for now," Doyon said. "The guys are running a long time on their tires, and it's just kind of backyard racing. These guys have all been having a great time with it, we've got a good group of drivers. We're learning this dirt deal, it's different.".......

https://www.foxbangor.com/bangor-local-sports/unity-raceway-returns-after-five-years-without-racing-with-brand-new-surface/

I have wondered for a long time if this would work. It used to be very affordable cars, built in the backyard, every race. Did not take much money to race, and maybe win, then, just builder and driver skill. It was just amateur back then, and cheap to get a ticket to the grandstand too. That was racing in my youth. I surely hope that some newer ideas about local racing may bring some of it back again. It was a very enjoyable pastime for many people and their families.

MB

[Brian Conn]

  Brian ...........did you know I-80 is closing its doors after this season? 
Al   

Weren't the Kosiski's involved in that track some how?

[Fordguy01]

Yes Brian, they owned it.  I think Joe was the lead promotor and from what I've heard he got tired of the promoting after 30/35 years at I-80.  He had some great sprint car shows along with the different types of late models, modifieds, stockcars, hobby stocks and the sport compacts.  Certainly, will be missed.  The two tracks Eagle and I-80 are about 10 to 20 miles apart straight south on highway 63.  I really hope someone will try to keep it going.

Al