Always Get a Second Opinion!   The doctor said, 'Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration.   You have a very rare condition, which causes your testicles to press on your spine and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles.'   Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life.   He saw a men's clothing store and thought, 'That's what I need... A new suit...'   He entered the shop and told the salesman, 'I'd like a new suit..'   The elderly tailor eye d him briefly and said, 'Let's see... Size 44 long.'   Joe laughed, 'That's right, how did you know?'   'Been in the business 60 years!' the tailor said.   Joe tried on the suit it fit perfectly.   As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, 'How about a new shirt?'   Joe thought for a moment and then said, 'Sure.'   The salesman eyed Joe and said, 'Let's see, 34 sleeves and 16-1/2 neck.'   Joe was surprised, 'That's right, how did you know?'   'Been in the business 60 years.'   Joe tried on the shirt and it fit perfectly.   Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, 'How about some new underwear?'   Joe thought for a moment and said, 'Sure.'   The salesman said, 'Let's see... Size 36.   Joe laughed, 'Ah ha! I got you! I've worn a size 34 since I was 18 years old.'   The salesman shook his head, 'You can't wear a size 34. A size 34 would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.'   New suit - $400 New shirt - $36 New underwear - $6 Second Opinion - PRICELESS

Nice one Hamish.   Roger

Most excellent. Richly deserved I’d say - very well done 

I just have to share this with you guys as I am so proud to have been awarded the TR Register Reg Woodcock Award “Reg is a legend in motorsport circles. As a club racer, he enjoyed amazing success racing TRs, mainly down to his incredible mix of driving skill with engineering prowess. He would often embarrass Aston Martins in his TR3A!  This award is given to each year, to someone who has contributed significantly to motorsport of the past year.”   Mick Forey the TR Register club chairman sent me the following   Congratulations are definitely in order as you did win the Reg Woodcock Trophy. Please see the attached photos.  Jonathan received it on your behalf from David Appleby, our new Honorary President, shame you were not there to meet him. The citation read out by Wayne was:   Reg Woodcock Trophy Competing in a black TR3A in the TR Register Sprint and Hillclimb Championship, Hamish has continued to demonstrate both pace and commitment throughout the season. A consistent front-runner, he secured an impressive 2nd overall in the 2025 championship standings, despite competing in fewer events than many of his rivals—a testament to both his skill and determination.   His performances have been marked not only by strong results but by outright speed, including standout achievements such as the fastest acceleration times in competition. Having entered the championship in 2017, Hamish has steadily developed both car and driver, progressing from a newcomer to a leading competitor, with multiple class successes and consistently strong overall finishes along the way. Following in the footsteps of his late father, himself a talented competitor, Hamish represents the continuation of a proud motorsport legacy within the TR Register community. His dedication, competitive spirit, and continued success embody the very essence of this award. Hamish Roscoe    amazing honour and a true surprise. 

Oh dear, hope your Quaife (and car) will live to race another day! Snapped pinion must take a serious lock up... Loose bolts could also be a symptom of extreme vibration caused by something else amiss? No tooth exit holes in the casing?  

No, shaft has snapped.    Initial exam reveals that two of the bolts holding onto the rear diff case are loose and one is missing!   I fear that it lost all it's oil and overheated, seizing the crown wheel on the pinion.  Certainly, oil all over the boot lid. How could that happen???    The previous problem was with the output flange;  I sent it to my favoured Diff./gearbox specialist as also the input shaft oil seal had failed and worn the shaft, so this was a new one.  Whatever LokTite  on those bolts next time! This is why a squad of techs dismantle and rebuild REAL race cars completely, every time, but Silverback Racing has only one team member! John

A bit of an update, both companies have replied which is something. One reply was terse and the other polite. No progress as the complaint hasn’t been addressed . I spoken to some of my friend’s former work colleagues about this. One had the company HR department act on his behalf, the others had to pay (£1000 upfront to) a financial adviser to go through the ombudsman process (which typically took over 6 months).  Pretty grim    Ian

Although it looks like the red one has brought 'protection' 

Looking at that pic it seems possible  Watch out that they don’t give each other nasty diseases….. like tin worm….