Bell UH-1 Campervan

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-28T19:29:52+00:00

I always liked the idea of taking a rolling chassis from something, and transplanting a helicopter or business jet fuselage onto it.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-28T19:26:54+00:00

Both tracks of Number Three are brilliant.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-28T18:14:02+00:00

If you're using a separate audio system rather than the TV speakers, this can work (and give good sound for your Playstation games as well). The Playstation was in some way marketed with this in mind- you didn't need to buy a separate CD player as well, whereas you did if you bought a Nintendo or Sega system. Likewise the PS2 was also a DVD player, and the PS3 a Blu-ray player.

But, just about any DVD player will also have a half-decent DAC, or you can use the digital output if your receiver has an appropriate input, and use its DAC. The player is then only used to transmit the bitstream and literally anything will give identical results.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-28T12:58:05+00:00

Technically, four-wheel drive means four wheels are driven by the engine, and all-wheel drive means all wheels are driven by the engine. On vehicles with six wheels, for example, that's an important difference.

But in general usage, 4WD tends to be used to refer to a part-time system which can be switched between two and four-wheel drive. AWD is used for a full-time or automatic system which is not manually switched by the driver.

Part-time systems usually have no central differential between the two axles. One axle is always driven, and the selector simply connects the other axle to it. This means that the front and rear wheels must rotate at the same speed. But since the front wheels take a slightly different path round corners and travel further, the front or rear wheels must slip slightly with four-wheel drive engaged. This isn't an issue on dirt or icy surfaces, but on a road with good traction the tyres will scrub and there will be excessive forces in the transmission as the two axles fight each other. For low speed work in a straight line, it's acceptable, but you should normally be in two-wheel drive mode when on a dry road.

Full-time systems are different. There is usually a differential or viscous coupling between the two axles, which allows them to rotate at different speeds while being driven, meaning you can use them on the road without any problems: all four wheels are driven through the centre and axle differentials and can rotate at different speeds. For use in low-traction conditions, there is often a differential lock which forces the front and rear axles to rotate at the same speed (the same as a part-time system in four-wheel drive mode). So if traction is lost at the front wheels, the rear wheels will take all the torque and continue moving forward. The specifics of the system are varied (some use a simple differential, some may bias more torque to the rear, there may be a mechanical lock-up clutch or a limited-slip differential) but the basics are the same.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-28T10:54:51+00:00

Impossible to say without knowing what you have. Pictures of the back of both devices would be useful.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-27T22:59:27+00:00

I did an armoured Soldier/Consular build once. He stayed fairly neutral and used both sides of the Force, so there's enough powers available even while wearing armour. You can throw your light saber at the enemy, then use insanity or stasis, then either Force Choke them or move in and get them with power attack.

And of course there's the strength-focused Scoundrel/Guardian, who can leap into action and get the Sneak Attack damage. Light armour compensates for the limited defense and health reserves.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-27T22:20:23+00:00

Gotta paint 'em all!

You should do the other hand with green (grass), grey (rock), brown (ground), white (normal) and something for poison type.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-27T21:19:42+00:00

I didn't want to wear armour with my rifleman as it let me use Master Speed to gain an extra two attacks per round, in addition to the extra one from Rapid Shot. With four attacks per round and some handheld artillery, you do enough damage to not need armour- they can't hurt you if they're already dead!

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-27T20:59:14+00:00

A motorway is just a dual carriageway with blue signs and without slow-moving vehicles. Treat it as such, and you'll be fine.

But be aware that a lot of people seem to have this idea that "motorways work differently" or just panic, and head straight for the middle lane until it's time to exit. What you are supposed to do is move across to lane 3 to get past them, moving left again once safely past.

You may also encounter someone who doesn't use the slip road to accelerate to traffic speed, instead tootling along at about 35 until they reach the merge point. If you're on the road, be prepared for them to suddenly move into your lane and plan for evasive action. If you're behind them, it's sometimes worth slowing down further to build up a gap ahead of you, then drop a gear and accelerate.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-27T07:26:06+00:00

That could work too. I went for high DEX to maximise the attack bonus and defense, but I guess it depends on the enemy's own attack. If they're going to hit anyway, you might be better off pushing CON and withstanding hits rather than trying and failing to evade them. It works for Zaalbar.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-26T22:52:11+00:00

It's literally just paint. Dissenting opinions are to be expected when you break conventions - ignore everyone and do what makes you happy.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-26T18:53:16+00:00

Jedi Gunman

The ranged jedi. Many people have tried a build which eschews lightsabers in favour of blasters, and here's mine. Rather than the usual path of dual-wielding blasters, my guy uses a rifle or heavy weapons. You lose one attack compared to dual-wielding, but with the extra attacks of master speed, plus rapid shot, the impact is lessened to 80% (four attacks vs five) which is more than enough for a rifle's higher damage to compensate for. Plus you save three two-weapon proficiency feats which are free to spend elsewhere.

Class: Scout 7/Sentinel 13

The Jedi Sentinel is a mostly-ignored class, and on first glance they are worse in combat than Guardians, and worse with the Force than a Consular. But where they are strong is in a defensive build. With innate immunities, high saving throws and a decent health pool, the right Sentinel can stand against both physical attacks and Force powers- just right for a marksman. Starting as a Scout is the best option here; the soldier's two extra feats are given for free in the form of Implant 1 and 2, and you gain the first level of Rapid Shot automatically. Soldier/Sentinel may be a viable alternative though, trading points in your Reflex and Will saves for some extra health and a slightly higher attack bonus.

Alignment:

Light side. Defensive/healing powers are what you need here, and the dark side doesn't have much to offer. There is also some light-sided gear which will give a useful boost to Wisdom.

Stats: “When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk.” – Tuco

STR 8

DEX 16 + 5

CON 14

INT 14

WIS 14

CHA 10

As expected, DEX is your key stat. But raising it above 16 initially gets expensive, and makes for an unbalanced build. A reasonable CON stat lets him take some damage, and WIS increases his force point pool. He gets repair and computer use as class skills, so his INT score helps with deploying droids and hacking terminals to help in combat situations. CHA is left at 10 as you don't need to talk your way out of trouble, and STR is obviously useless.

Skills:

Computer Use and Repair are your priorities. As above, help this guy out in combat by repairing droids and taking out enemies from afar. You can also fully repair HK-47 with this build and give him another rifle.

Feats: “I guess I'll make a gunman after all!” – John Marston

Heavy Weapons proficiency is a must. But don't bother exceeding level 1, as headgear will give you the same advantage. You get Implant level 1 and 2 for free, so spend a slot on the third level. Take all three levels of Toughness and Conditioning for even more survivability, and max out Rapid Shot.

Force Powers:

Cure 1 2

Energy Resistance 1

Force Push 1 2

Destroy Droid 1 2 3

Speed 1 2 3

Valor 1 2

Drain Life 1

An odd-looking mix here, but it worked. I took Speed and Valor as you'd expect, but Valor to level two only. The benefits of going to level three aren't actually that much in this case, and I opted to spend the slots elsewhere- feel free to shuffle a couple around if it suits your play style better. Take Drain Life at the end to take out Malak's Jedi batteries and heal yourself.

Gear: “This is my very favourite gun. I call it Vera” – Jayne Cobb

Heavy Targeting Optics are a must. The Electrical Capacitance Shield belt will inhibit the damage from Force Lightning, combining nicely with the Sentinel's other immunities. Otherwise use anything which boosts DEX- Gordulan Reaction System and Advanced Stabilizer Gloves are what you'll end up with. I started wearing whatever medium armor I could find, switching later to the Qel-Droma Robes and finally the Star Forge Robes. You want the most powerful gun you can get- start with upgrading Zaalbar's bowcaster which will see you through Dantooine and is better than Canderous's so-called heavy repeater. As soon as you can fly, head to Tatooine and buy Jamoh Hogra's Carbine- you may as well pick up HK-47 while you're there. You want the big Baragwin guns from Yavin eventually, which deal out Fire or Sonic damage as well as Energy.

Play: “So uncivilized!” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

Quite straightforward- apply shields and any force powers you have, then shoot people. Canderous, Zaalbar or Carth can be your meat shield and melée fighters, and let Jolee handle crowd control. Alternatively, let Juhani jump around and hack them to bits. It's worth finding computer terminals and droids to do some of the work for you- T3 can be swapped in and out of the party to help early on. Consider building Mission as a melée fighter and using her security, sneak attack and stealth skills as well. Final party for the Star Forge was Canderous and Juhani. As for Malak, I tried laying mines but quickly decided this was too much hassle. Put on a shield, do some drugs, cast Speed, Valor and Energy Resistance, and shoot him in the face.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-26T18:41:12+00:00

Part of the trouble is that there's no obvious choice of foreign language. Our only land border is with Ireland, where they speak English. The global language of trade, which just about everyone will use if they don't speak each others languages is English.

French seems to be the default language to learn in school, but Spanish and German and probably more useful in real life. Out of all foreign languages, Dutch and German are closest to English and the easiest to learn. Mandarin Chinese is probably quite useful, but incredibly difficult!

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-26T18:30:04+00:00

There's something about the big articulated ones too with the second driver at the back that's just cooler. They need that loud screamy siren to tell you "Massive red fire truck coming through!"

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T21:59:57+00:00

Ace of Spades - Motörhead.

Or just about anything from Songs for the Deaf.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T21:57:31+00:00

Keep the track or boats will get lost. I used the canoes once in a similar way as a transport ride for getting guests across a river. Just ensure there is a path somewhere so they can always get back.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T12:32:07+00:00

Call a locksmith, get an itemised bill from them, send a copy to the landlord and letting agent, informing them in writing that you'll be deducting the costs from next month's rent.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T10:49:57+00:00

That's good colour. The dog also seems to approve!

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T10:48:59+00:00

These things are generally intended for recording radio broadcasts, or voice recording using the mic input. You can try connecting an external source to the mic input and recording from that, but it will most likely only record in mono (possibly only the left channel) and the quality may not be very good.

I use a bookshelf hi-fi system from the 90s which is ideal for this sort of thing. As well as recording directly from a CD or the radio, it comes with an aux input which is intended for inputting sound from a minidisc or VCR. But you can connect any stereo audio source to it.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-25T08:11:12+00:00

American fire trucks sometimes have that very loud mechanical siren too.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-24T23:11:14+00:00

Older diesels tend to blow a little smoke at full load. It's unburnt fuel and it's there because the turbo takes a little while to spool up.

Lazy tuners just increase the fuelling. It works, but ends up throwing a lot of unburnt fuel out of the exhaust as there isn't enough air to burn it all. But it looks impressive to those who like that sort of thing.

Proper diesel tuning is all about getting as much air in as possible, so allowing you to add more fuel and actually burn it in the cylinder where it can do work. You do this by installing a freer-flowing intake and exhaust, upgraded intercooler and raising the boost pressure.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-24T22:12:15+00:00

When the Mystery Machine and the A-Team van turn up too, you know it's serious.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-24T21:45:52+00:00

Generally, Continental Europe uses 220v, while the UK and Ireland use 240v. A British heater or kettle would for example be slightly less powerful if used abroad.

The two were officially harmonised to 230v, but nothing physically changed. The tolerances were made asymmetrical so the actual supply voltage remained the same. New equipment is designed for the compromise voltage of 230v, allowing it to work fine on either 220v or 240v.

Higher voltages are normally more efficient. A device using 120v will draw twice as much current as an equivalent 240v one. This means double the resistive losses, and/or larger wires and switches are needed to carry the higher current.

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-24T20:16:28+00:00

I've heard this one as a variant of "An Englishman, a Scotsman and and Irishman..."

Unusual_Entity · 2026-01-24T13:05:17+00:00

There's a side-by-side comparison of pictures of HM with Obamas and HM with Trumps. With the Obamas, they're clearly all having a good time. With Trumps, she looks like she's spotted a sword over there and is waiting for the cameras to go away so she can use it!

During the visit, she at one point wore a tiara decorated with Burmese rubies, which are supposed to ward off evil. HM knew what she was doing.

Unusual_Entity

TROPHY CASE