Cars have always appealed as model subjects as - unlike aeroplanes or military subjects - the real thing is likely to be sitting outside the modeller's house. From the first car kits produced in the early 1950s, mainly dominated by American machinery, we now have a choice of automotive examples from around the world. The joint scale of 1:24/1:25 dominates car models, and it is these scales that will mostly be found in this book, from stock builds to race cars to wild customs. In addition, although injection styrene is the main material of choice, there are specialist builds using resin, white metal and photo-etched parts. The book includes detailed step-by-step guides for Building 'out of the box'; Customs and conversions; Applying decals; Dealing with resin; Wiring and engines; Salvaging old kits; A dented ride for 007; NASA's Hot Road; Dirtying a dirt track racer; An alien homage to Roth.
Providing excellent value for the keen walker, this popular series features 100 route descriptions of circular walks ranging from 3-12 miles. Each walk has a map, points of interest and places to eat and drink en route, plus suggestions for easy car parking. Ideal for all those wanting to explore a county the best way on foot. The walking territory in these two central counties remains largely undiscovered, better known, as they are for their towns and cities such as Stratford and Leamington. Those willing to find out, however, will discover some wonderful countryside, and some surprisingly varied routes.
Cacti and succulents are ideal houseplants, needing little care and providing unusual and colourful displays. This book looks at the increasingly wide variety of plants now available, and assists the beginner to choose and cultivate many of the popular types. Full details are given on feeding, watering, potting and on displaying the collection to its best advantage. An A-Z listing of over 75 varieties shows the wide diversity of shapes, sizes and effects that can be grown. The essential guide to a popular area of gardening.
Build Your Own Canoe is a comprehensive, clearly structured and uncomplicated manual that guides the reader through the various stages of constructing an inexpensive, lightweight and versatile plywood canoe. Topics covered include: design considerations; building and fitting out the basic hull; customizing the hull to suit yourself; repair and maintenance; advice on transportation, storage, camping and river access; safety and the maiden voyage and the history of the canoe.
Reducing energy consumption and costs is an issue of ever-increasing importance, and European and national legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions is tightening up minimum energy standards for new buildings as well as those being extended or renovated. Energy-saving measures in the home will, therefore, become ever more cost-effective throughout our lifetimes. This book covers every aspect of the efficient consumption of energy in the home including the following and much more: the position of the dwelling, its method of construction and the materials used; energy rating and the legal framework; insulation and U-values; windows and doors; conservatories, sunrooms and loft conversions; heating and hot-water systems; lighting and making the best use of daylight; ventilation; renewable energy technologies; appliances, gadgets and housekeeping; the wider environmental issues including water economy and recycling. This non-technical book is fully revised and updated to take account of recent legislation and developments in energy efficient products and techniques.
No garden is complete without sympathetic furniture. Using simplified woodworking techniques, this book covers fourteen pieces ranging from tables and chairs to bird houses and fencing: all are both useful and delightful additions to any garden. Includes projects ranging in difficulty for novice and experienced woodworkers to enjoy; advice on tools and materials; explanation of jointing techniques; clear step-by-step instructions for each project, with cutting lists; supported by over 160 colour photographs and line artwork
Ever wished to see your family history in print, or imagined future generations poring over old photographs and anecdotes in a book? Writing Your Family History helps family historians realize the full potential of the names, dates and facts that they have researched to compile a detailed family history that will be preserved for future generations. Topics covered include: Exploring sources for material; Gathering information; Recording family anecdotes; Making use of limited material; Using local and social history; Studying family dynamics; Planning your story; How to begin your story; Presenting and publishing your story.
Organic Vegetable Production provides an invaluable, practical guide to the production of organic vegetables across a range of organic farming systems in temperate areas. The book covers all aspects of production, including crop choice, fertility building and weed, pest and disease management within a framework of rotation design and business planning. The specific needs of a range of commonly grown vegetable crops are discussed in detail. The authors consider that knowledge-gathering, marketing and financial management are integral parts of organic vegetable production and these subjects are examined in depth. Speciality topics as protected cropping and storage are covered. The book highlights the technical and economic consequences of converting from conventional to organic production and the challenges that can arise.
Gliding is for everyone who has ever dreamt of escaping to thousands of feet above the ground, with a view stretching to the horizon, and barely a whisper to disturb the moment. The book guides you through how to realise that dream and goes on to explore the many opportunities this compelling and beautiful sport offers. Topics covered include: a history of the sport; an introduction to gliding clubs, getting started and what to expect; an insight into how gliders fly and detailed instruction on how to fly them; sections on launching, the cockpit, safety and weather forecasts, and finally ideas for cross-country and competitive flying and tips for owning a glider.
Wing Chun is a logical, scientific yet simple Chinese martial art system, which was developed purely for practical and effective self-defence for everybody. It is a martial art known for its efficiency and economy of movement, which emphasizes natural and efficient use of the body. Topics include: the fundamental principles of the hand and leg techniques; detailed explanations of the shape, structure and movements and a checklist for each technique; a detailed analysis and explanation of each of the empty hand'; forms; an in-depth explanation of the principles and concepts behind Chi Sao, Wing Chun';s sticky hands';; a scientific and anatomical explanation of the basic principles underlying the Wing Chun system.
Pigs, Poultry and Poo is the story of two people who change their lives and discover a whole new world. Their first step is a move from living and working in the city to rural life and a two-hour commute. Over the five years recounted in the book they mature from feckless beginners to hardened country folk, shedding only the occasional tear when an animal dies. Their animal adventures start with a cat, before they move on to goats, and then chickens. Slowly building confidence they haphazardly add cows, pigs, alpacas, geese and ducks to their smallholding, before reaching a limit. On their journey they discover that cats like to sleep, that goats are poor predictors of the weather and that there is a serious possibility that a cow could jump over the moon. They pick up new skills, such as fencing, which they get to practise again and again as various animals helpfully demonstrate where they have gone wrong. There is occasionally the semblance of a plan, but often events overtake the couple and they have to learn to be resilient in the face of adversity. The animals have plenty of character, from the nervous goat and the grumpy cow to the randy pig. Looking after animals is often not easy, but at least for one newly countrified pair, it's deeply satisfying.
Driveways, paths and patios are an essential part of most properties and this comprehensive book provides a detailed explanation of exactly how they are designed, planned and constructed. Discusses the design of driveways, paths and patios with reference to their planned use, style, size, gradients and special features such as steps, ramps and terraces. Considers the range of materials available including block paving, flags, slabs, setts, cubes, cobbles, loose aggregates, plain & patterned concrete and tarmac. Analyses how to estimate costs and making the choice between the DIY approach and using a professional contractor. Examines the critical issue of drainage. Lays bare the mathematics associated with accurate setting-out and levelling. Describes the range of tools and equipment needed. Details the correct constructions of kerbs and edging and laying methods for flags, block paving and much more.
This comprehensive book describes innovative ways of training sheepdogs and addresses a number of subjects that have not been adequately covered in previous publications; such as working with sensitive dogs and dogs lacking in confidence, the 'square movement', and the 'concept of opposites'. Written by an acknowledged expert, Sheep Dog Training and Trials discusses in a variety of settings new concepts such as the author's theory of 'passive resistance' and the 'pressure on-off technique'. In addition, the author considers ways of optimizing a dog's health, energy, fitness and peak performance. This fascinating book presents contributions from four world-renowned handlers, including the twice world champion, Aled Owen, which examine the factors that have influenced them and made them successful.
Manga is an emotive and expressive form of storytelling that has become popular worldwide; vivid and fascinating characters make a large contribution to its appeal. Characters are an essential component of a good story, crucial to the plot and vital for engaging the reader's interest and emotions. They are also enormous fun to imagine and to draw, but it is not always easy to fit your characters, your world and your plot together to create a seamless, convincing whole. Written and illustrated by five artists from Sweatdrop Studios, this book starts with drawing in the manga style before going on to describe the process of character creation and how your character could express their personality and emotions. Five original characters help to explain every topic, including character traits, from personalities and typical roles all the way down to the individual details important to make your character unique. The book also looks at the creation of side characters to complement your main character, and world-building. Packed with tips, it describes how to make your world realistic and intriguing, no matter how fantastical or everyday its basis.
Eskrima, which is also known as Arnis (De Mano) or Kali, is the indigenous martial art of the Philippine Islands. Dynamic and flexible, with a wide range of training methods it can be practised by students of all ages and levels of fitness. Well known and respected as a highly practical weapons-based system, Eskrima is practised worldwide by civilians, law enforcement personnel and special units within the military. Eskrima uses training weapons (rattan sticks and daggers) from the earliest stages, alongside purely unarmed techniques. These training methods have been found particularly effective at increasing co-ordination and reflexes, providing a fast track to developing the qualities needed for practical self-defence. This fascinating book traces the history and evolution of this art form. It highlights Eskrima's essential principles and concepts. The instructional section illustrates how the Eskrimador is able to succeed in a wide range of combat situations involving fighting with both weapons and open-hands. Techniques, two-person flow drills, self-defence applications, training with specialized equipment, the philosophy of the art and 'self-defence and the law' are all covered in depth.
Sport plays a crucially important role in our society and the benefits of participating in sport and physical activity are widely acknowledged in terms of personal health and well-being. Coaching makes a key contribution to sport, helps to promote social inclusion and participation, and assists athletes in achieving performance targets. Accordingly, this authoritative and comprehensive reference work will be widely welcomed. Written by acknowledged experts, it presents a detailed analysis of performance and good coaching practice and performance, and provides a concise overview of the coaching process from a scientific and pedagogical perspective.
'Zero Carbon' is an abstract concept for most people, but we have lived energy-profligate lifestyles for too long on finite fossil-fuel resources. We now face potential environmental catastrophe from climate change and global warming, with a continuing exponentially expanding global population that doubles every four decades. The capacity of the planet to reabsorb carbon dioxide is about two to three tonnes of carbon equivalent per person at current population levels of seven billion and therefore there is a desperate need for us to reduce our carbon footprint. A way of helping to achieve this is to live in a zero-carbon house, and this will become UK legislation for new homes by 2016. This fascinating book covers all aspects of the zero-carbon house, from its evolution to achieving carbon neutrality in old and new homes as well as entire communities. Includes an overview of zero carbon and how to achieve it on a global scale; covers communities of zero-carbon houses and provides inspirational examples of low-carbon lifestyles. Case studies show how principles are put into successful practice to save energy, carbon, money and the environment.
At Le Cateau on 26 August 1914, the commanders of the Second Corps of the British Expeditionary Force elected to fight the German First Army and, although outnumbered three to one, delivered such a smashing blow to the German invaders that the whole of the BEF was able to continue the Retreat to Compiegne without being seriously threatened. Although the British suffered 1,200 of their men and officers killed, and were forced to leave their dead and many of their wounded on the battlefield, as well as thirty-six of their field guns, they inflicted losses on von Kluck's army of nearly 9,000. Yet the architect of this feat of arms, Second Corps commander Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, was sacked soon afterward, while First Corps commander Sir Douglas Haig, who had performed far less impressively, took command of the whole BEF. Antony Bird describes the battle, its aftermath and he examines the men, the weapons and the tactics that made this feat of arms possible.
The martial art of Taekwon-Do was initially developed by the Korean military in the 1950s and spread internationally with the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation [ITF] in 1966. Taekwon-Do has continued to develop and it is now one of the most popular martial arts, with some eight million students worldwide and perhaps best known for its spectacular kicking and power demonstrations. However, Taekwon-Do is first and foremost a modern, scientifically based martial art with a vast array of techniques. Core Taekwon-Do techniques are grouped together in twenty-four patterns (tul), each of which is a progressively more complex series of self-defence moves against one or more imaginary opponents, and which must be mastered by students as they advance through the Taekwon-Do grading system. This unique book is specifically designed to help guide Taekwon-Do students through the first nine patterns that take them up to 1st degree black belt grade.
A truly in-depth look at how to fish for carp written by the 1996 World Carp Cup Champions, Discover Carp Fishing, is packed with information and advice on how to tackle even the most cunning of carp. Topics include: a detailed description of the carp itself and how to care for the species; best tackle to use; tactical considerations such as casting, plumbing and locating fish; different baits, including making your own boilie recipes, and baiting strategies; rigs and knots; river carping, big fish hunting and match fishing for carp. A superbly illustrated book, an encyclopaedia of carp fishing and the only guide the carp angler needs you can';t fail to learn from it!
Many of those embarking, or considering embarking, on commercial pilot's training have little idea of what they will have to do, as far as flying training is concerned, to get the licence. The Commercial Pilot's Licence aim to dispel some common misconceptions and to tell you in an easy and user-friendly way what you need to know to get a JAA CPL and become a better pilot. Much of the literature available to CPL students has much to say about what you will have to fly but not how to fly it. This book, by contrast, offers real practical advice on the lesson content and how to fly the manoeuvres, rather than just a list of what you are expected to know at the end of it.Topics covered include:Things to consider before you start; The CPL syllabus sections; What happens during the test; After the test. An easy, user-friendly guide to all you need to know to get a JAA Commercial Pilot's Licence and become a better pilot.Offers practical advice on the lesson content and concentrates on how to fly the manoeuvres.Illustrated with 26 colour photographs.Anneli Christian-Phillips is a commercial pilot with over three thousand hours' instructional experience.
Crowood Sports Guides provide sound, practical advice that will help make you a better sportsperson whether you are learning the basic skills, discovering more advanced techniques or reviewing the fundamentals of your game. Featured in this book are: information boxes containing Top Tips and Key Points; an introduction to the rules, equipment and tournament play; colour action shots, sequence photographs of the strokes and detailed diagrams; an analysis of the skills and techniques needed by players just beginning table tennis, and by intermediate and advanced level players; helpful advice on different styles of play and tactics; practical information concerning coaching, table exercises, training and nutrition
The airbrush is an essential tool for modellers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of your modelling output, whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork. A good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stencilling. This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are followed. All of the necessary techniques are described, along with a wealth of practical guidance and detailed advice on choosing a spraying set-up to match your own needs and budget. Covers cleaning and maintaining the airbrush, 'tricks of the trade' and techniques suitable for a range of subjects, across each of the popular scales.
From background information on the technology itself to layout wiring; taking in decoders, hand controllers, wireless and many practical modelling projects, Neil Burkin offers a comprehensive introduction to Digital Command Control [DCC] for the beginner and experienced modeller alike.The book emphasises the benefits of DCC technology as a model railway control system and offers practical advice on the choice of systems, applying the technology to a layout, how to use it to enhance layout operations, and how it can be used to overcome practical difficulties with operations such as banking, double-heading, lighting and sound. Technical jargon is avoided and clear descriptions of each project featured in the book will remove the mystery surrounding DCC. Many of the modelling projects may be adapted for almost any modelling situation and are supported by over 400 excellent colour photographs.A comprehensive guide to Digital Command Control for the beginner and experienced modeller alike.Emphasises the benefits of DCC technology and offers practical advice on the choice of sytems.Includes practical modelling projects which are supported by over 400 excellent colour photographs.Nigel Burkin is a railway modeller with over 20 years' experience and has hundreds of magazine articles to his credit.