Tag Archives: car

Hawarden Classic Car Show 2023

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Hawarden Classic Car Show

Gladstone Playing Fields, Hawarden

Saturday 27th May 2023

What a fantastic, sunny summer day it was! Beautiful weather, ideal for a laid back community event at the local park. This year’s Hawarden Classic Car Show, again organised by Deeside Round Table, showcased numerous classic cars from different times and places. There was also a bar, barbecue, music, numerous stalls and rides for the kids.

I turned up primarily to see the motors, photos of some you can see here. But the event itself was a lot of fun, and benefitted from the glorious sunshine.

This year I arrived earlier, and managed to take a photo of the gold Trans Am that eluded me last year. BOOM! Although as I arrived, an amazing yellow Mercury Cougar was rolling away. Never mind – if you scroll to my very first Motors post on Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, you’ll see the very same car.

There were some favourite cars from last year making another appearance – like the Chevy Impala – and lots of new surprises.

A great mix of vehicles of various types, plus a relaxed afternoon – all good. I finished things off with a couple of ciders (don’t worry, I wasn’t driving). Here’s to more days like this in the future.

You can see last year’s Hawarden Classic Car Show blog here.

The Best of 2022

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Happy New Year! And here we go, full throttle into 2023!

2022 was not an easy year for your old pal, Platinum Al. But the Virtual Hot Tub soldiered on regardless, never giving up despite the odds. NEVER SAY DIE. And in the end, the year 2022 was a successful one for this blog, with site views up approx. 2% on the year before.

Not a massive improvement, I’ll grant you – but I’ll take all the good news I can get. I certainly didn’t expect to finish the year with those stats, just the opposite.

So what were the most successful blog posts on the Virtual Hot tub in 2022? What articles brought in the hordes of avid readers? What did YOU want to read?

Here’s the traditional review of the Top 10 blog posts by number of views. In reverse order, countdown style, of course…

10. Hawarden Classic Car Show

Events started to return in 2022, and this local classic car show was a great example of the fun to be had as restrictions were lifted. Some nice pics.

9. New Skateboard 2022 – Death Benson

I like to chronicle my skateboards (or at least just the deck) for posterity, and just for myself. Despite my doubts, this rad set up made the Top 10.

8. Pentre Fest 2022

My beloved Pentre Fest was BACK in 22, with two more days of metal bands at high volume. Not long till the 2023 event!

7. Liverpool Comic Con 2022

A family trip out to Liverpool for a great con and a load of cosplay photos.

6. Scars of Halloween Horror Fest

My annual horror movie fest provided this blog, which was by far the most popular this year as it featured a Hammer classic.

5. Star Wars Figures- Empire Strikes Back Part 2

I’m happy to see the second part of my blog focussing on my Star Wars figures from The Empire Strikes Back feature in the Top 10!

4. Subskate Summer Fun!

An in depth investigation into the merits (and failings) of a pool toy that never quite made it.

3. Star Wars Figures – The Empire Strikes Back

The first part of my feature concerning my original Star Wars figures from Empire. Good to see this was popular!

2. Return of Wales Comic Con

More Comic Con and cosplay fun, with a visit to Wrexham and Wales Comic Con back on home ground.

So what was the number one blog post of 2022? It was…

  1. Chester Comic Con 2022

In the number one spot, a visit to Chester’s Comic Con! A summer afternoon, loads of merch and dozens of cool cosplayers made this article the most successful of the year!

Events back on the menu has, unsurprisingly, dominated the results this year. They were all great fun, and well worth the visit. In contrast to the results from last year, where events were (understandably) under represented.

It’s also gratifying to see some skateboards and toys being appreciated, too.

This year, we look to return to a “new normal” in our post pandemic world. But with a Cost of Living Crisis, Brexit still unleashing it’s mayhem, and the same gang of inept cowards and liars in charge, we still have plenty of obstacles ahead.

Never the less, we at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub remain vigilant – bringing you the best entertainment. Thanks for being with us in 2022. Stay tuned for ever more greatness in 2023!

Hawarden Classic Car Show

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Hawarden Classic Car Show

Gladstone Playing Fields, Hawarden

Saturday 18th June 2022

Now this was pretty impressive. A classic car and motors show, right on my doorstep, in Hawarden, North Wales. Plus it was free entry! Organised by charitable organisation Deeside Round Table, with plenty to do and see.

There were vehicles on display from various places and of differing ages, all of them classic. Food and drink; music; stalls to browse; games for the kids – a nice, community, family event on a summer afternoon.

We got there late (I did warn my crew of the potential issues) and some of the cars were already leaving – including a beautiful gold Trans Am that I missed getting a phot of. A word to the wise: when it says the event is on till 4pm, don’t turn up for the last hour.

Any readers of previous Motors blogs at the Virtual Hot Tub will know that I’m a big fan of American classic cars, in particular, muscle cars from the late 60’s and 70’s. There were a few of those types of vehicles on display, plus a healthy showing of British classics from over the years (plus many other countries).

I did manage to take a few photos of the cars on display – hope you enjoy. It’s been a while since a Motors update on at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, I’ll try harder to update more often.

Liverpool Comic Con – Part 2

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Liverpool Comic Con

Friday 8th March – Sunday 10th March 2019

Exhibition Centre Liverpool

 

Welcome back to my over view of Liverpool Comic Con.  Last time, I shared photos of some of the amazing Cosplay outfits to be seen at the event.  This time, I thought I’d share some pics of the eye-popping props on display.

The selection of display items at this convention was another selling point, with plenty to view.

Star of the show was a full scale X-Wing Fighter, which dominated the exhibition hall on entry.  It was spectacular: the size and detail both being extremely impressive.  Even though, as I stated previously, it was a Disney Star Wars ship and not the version from the classic trilogy, it was pretty cool.

Just imagine how ace it would’ve been if it was a full scale Incom T-65  X-Wing Fighter, as flown by Luke in Episode IV?!  If only.

There were several vehicles from film and TV also, including BA’s van from The A-Team and KITT from Knight Rider.  Both awesome.

I’ve seen a Back to the Future DeLorean before, but it’s always a treat.  This one was, of course, tricked out with other props from the film too – like Marty’s hover board.

In addition to vehicles, I also saw costumes from Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century – two Glen A Larson classics from my childhood.  I was pretty stoked to witness these first hand, being a huge fan of both television programmes.

Not to mention there was a ton of Star Wars costumes, helmets and gadgets that I didn’t get round to photographing.  I did take a pic of my all time hero R2 D2 though (and one of Johnny 5 from Short Circuit, another star of the day).

I assume all the props I saw were reproductions rather than actual items used in filming (I could be wrong).  However it was still a thrill to see them.  If only I could’ve actually sat in the vehicles…

Visit the Liverpool Comic Con Website here.

Toy Cars from TV Shows

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Cars were some of the earliest toys I ever had.  Small Matchbox, Dinky and Corgi cars; larger Dinky and Corgi too.  I had loads of them, many of them are still around in a giant plastic tub at my parents’ house.

Some of my favourite cars were the television and movie tie-ins; models that were based on the cars in my favourite programmes and films.  In some cases, these cars were more inspirational than the human characters.

Here are two cars that I have in my collection, neither of which date back to my childhood, however!  In fact, both are re-issued versions of 1970s classics that I always wanted but never owned.

First up is the fantastic Ford Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch.  I Loved Starsky and Hutch when I was a nipper in the 70’s, and I always loved this car.  Such an iconic design; the white go-faster stripe flash down the side of the striking red vehicle.

I did have a smaller version of this car when I was a kid; hopefully it’s still around somewhere.  I’m really stoked to own this larger version though, with the mini Starsky and Hutch metal figures.  Starsky is even wearing his trademark cardigan!

Next up is another classic of late 1970’s TV – the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard.  This is the car that gave me lifelong love of Dodge Chargers.  The Confederate flag on the roof is anachronistic and awkward these days, but hey – they were simpler days.

The flag has dubious associations, but that car is COOL.  Plus it also has tiny little figures of Bo and Luke Duke with it.  No Daisy Duke though, sadly.

I never owned the General in any form when I was little, so this piece is really great to have, especially for a Charger fan like me.

Both of these cars are 1:36 scale models, re-issued by Corgi and just like the 1970’s toys I remember so well.

I’ve enjoyed this little drive down retro toy car lane; I think we’ll pay another visit with some more specimens soon.

Chester Comic Con – The Director’s Cut

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Chester Comic Con

Sunday 24th September 2017

OK – so remember when I wrote my blog post about Chester Comic Con a while ago?  I ran out of memory space on my WordPress site and couldn’t post all of the photos I had taken.  Almost all made it, but not quite.

Then came Halloween Horror Fest, and although the space issue was solved I didn’t get chance to complete the images taken from Chester.

Until now.

Here, in true George Lucas style, I have re-visited the event and present for your enjoyment, the missing shots taken on that day.

Awesome outfits
Joker and Harley
Boldly shopping…
Bunch of Jokers…
Belle

Most of the these bonus pics simply weren’t used due to lack of space; some here are alternative versions of shots used.

Either way, I hope you enjoy.

As well as fantastic Cosplay costumes and various stalls selling all manner of wonders, there were also a few vehicles on display…

Jurassic
KITT
Hoverboard
BTTF

As I mentioned in the previous Chester Comic Con blog, I saw a great Q&A session with Martine Beswicke, Caroline Munro and Madeline Smith.  Best thing of the day!

Hammer ladies
Stay Puft
Marvel

Well done everyone at Chester Comic Con – it was a fab day!  Looking forward to next year.

More from the American Classic Car Show

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Part 2

Last summer I paid a visit to the American Classic Car Show at Tatton Park.  This was back in early July 2016.  I promised some more photos of the amazing automobiles seen on that visit, but didn’t get round to sharing – until now.

We’re in the grip of miserable January right now, but it was a fine summer’s day when we went to the car show.  My apologies if these shots remind you of warmer, brighter days.  But just look at those cars!

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On display were all types of classics, from 50s chrome and fins to 70s muscle cars and beyond.  I always enjoy spotting vehicles similar to those that appeared in some of my favourite films and television shows.

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The car show is loads of fun with plenty for all the family to enjoy, with food and drink, music and entertainment, not to mention shopping – in addition to the cars on show.

A trip to the Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show is highly recommended!

Check for events info at Tatton Park here.

Hope I haven’t repeated any of these photos in the earlier post.  You can see the previous post here.

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The sensational General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard.  Loved that show, and I love Dodge Chargers!  Apologies for the flag.

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Below (in white) you’ll see a Ford Galaxy 500 – as immortalised in song by the awesome Reverend Horton Heat!

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American Classic Car Show 2016

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July 2016, there was the annual Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show at Tatton Park.  Featuring all kinds of classic vehicles from the USA, and from different eras, it was – as always – a fantastic day out.

Luckily the weather was pretty good this year, so my family and I made our way to the park for a day out.

There were plenty of cars for me to drool over, dozens of stalls selling all sorts of paraphernalia, even a mini fun fair for the kids.  Not to mention food and music.  Of particular interest to our party this year was an Elvis impersonator, who was doing a mighty fine job.  Thank you very much.

As always, I took a crazy amount of photos, which I can share with you here now.

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And now, one of my favourite cars ever.  A Plymouth Barracuda (in lime green with racing stripes): img_4763

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Finally, a pic of my daughter looking super cool! img_4737

Cool Car Pics

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It’s about time for some action in the Motors section.  So here are a couple of photos I took at the recent Wales Comic Con in Wrexham.

First up is a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which I’m guessing was in attendance due it’s appearance in Smokey and the Bandit.  It’s an iconic car, and an old favourite of mine.  Probably had a Matchbox toy of this one, long ago.

Then we have got Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from Transformers.  Bumblebee is a very nice yellow Chevrolet Camaro.  I’m not a huge Transformers fan, but seeing these vehicles was pretty cool.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird

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Camaro
Trans Am

Apologies for any inaccuracies in my descriptions!

More Classic American Cars

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

The American Classic Car Show is this weekend at Tatton Park – 4th July weekend.  My, how time has flown since my last post about this great event.

In the last article, I shared some photos of classic chrome and fins autos from the 50’s rock’n’roll era.  This time, I thought I’d share some cars from a slightly later period – the muscle cars of the late 60’s/early 70’s.

These are the cars I really love.  They’re the cars on all those classic cop shows like Starsky and Hutch; or brilliant films like Vanishing Point.  These are also the cars that I had Matchbox and Corgi replicas of – they were my favourites then, and they still are now.

Why don’t cars look like this any more, he asks with a tear in his eye…

Enjoy the photos.  And if you can get to Tatton Park this weekend, enjoy the show.

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And I saved the best till last.  There were many great car shows from my childhood, and many iconic cars.  The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard is my all time favourite, though.  A beautiful Dodge Charger, it makes me weep when I hear how many of these cars they wrecked making that programme.

A word about the flag, too.  I do not generally discuss politics on my blog, but I will declare that I’m no right winger.  In fact my opinions are very much the opposite.  I appreciate, however, that the Confederate flag shown on the top of the General is considered offensive.  However I have decided to show the car here for posterity, as it’s a fine machine.  The flag remains obscured for reasons of sensitivity.  I admire the car, remember the silly television show, but do not advocate prejudice.  Peace.

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The Tatton Park website is here.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN

01625 374400